The Heart of the Valley (HOTV) Runners Grant Program is one of the ways HOTV supports and encourages running as a way to improve the health and well-being of our community. These small grants enable schools and other non-profit organizations to build their running programs and purchase much needed equipment and other items. The grants will be offered twice a year: once in the winter (Dec/Jan) and once in the summer (June/July).
Who is eligible?
Non-profit community organizations, including elementary and secondary schools, in Corvallis and surrounding areas in the valley that promote running/walking as healthy activities are eligible to apply.
What is the award?
The grant may fund program materials including uniforms and equipment purchases, as well as marketing materials to inform the community about the program. Applicants are encouraged to contact the HOTV Board early in the application process if unsure whether an item is eligible for funding.
The grant will be offered twice a year and will coincide with the start of track and cross country seasons. The total amount available for each grant cycle will be determined by the Board. There will be no upper limit on an individual request, as long as it does not exceed the total amount available. However, the Board’s preference is to give out several smaller awards rather than a single large award.
The Board reserves the right to withhold the awards in any given grant period if the funds are not available or none of the submitted applications qualify in the opinion of the Board.
Examples of past requests HOTV has funded
8-lane timer used by Linus Pauling Middle School, HOTV All-comers Meet, and Boys and Girls Club Track and Field ($500)
Bark chips and ribbons for Adams in Motion and Hoover elementary school running programs ($500 to each school)
Canopies for Corvallis High School and Philomath Middle School cross-country programs ($750 to each school)
High jump standards for Corvallis High School ($750)
Ribbons for Corvallis Elementary School All-comers meet ($300)
Reflective vests for Linus Pauling Middle School off-season running program ($200)
September 1 grant announcement
We realize that this is a particularly challenging time with the increasing spread of COVID-19, the uncertainty around school in the fall, and the economic fallout from the pandemic. Therefore, we are prioritizing funding for programs and supplies that encourage healthy and fun activity at a distance as well as assistance with running-related expenses.
Examples of items that could be purchased with the grant funds include:
Pedometers
Incentives (medals, t-shirts, other small prizes)
Masks or buffs
Frisbees, jump ropes, or other training equipment that could be used at home
Coaching/training apps
Shoe purchasing assistance
Partial or full scholarships to cover running program fees
We encourage you to be creative and feel free to contact us at hotvrunners@gmail.com if you have any questions. Applications will be due September 1st and we will make the decision at our September 14th meeting.
Dream Big Marathon
An example of an innovative program that can be done at a distance is the Dream Big Marathon happening at Adams Elementary School. To reach the Dream Big goal, students must run/walk 26 miles, read 26 books, and perform 26 acts of kindness. Last spring, HOTV grant funds were used to purchase medals for students that complete the challenge. As of June, six students had already reached the Dream Big Goal despite only having a week to introduce it in school before the schools closed last March.
Application Process
Grant policy Read through the full details in the HOTV Grant Policy (pdf)
Deadline Regardless of application method, applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. on the grant deadline to be eligible for that grant cycle. The Board reserves the right to reject late or incomplete applications.
Notification Applicants will be notified of the results within 8 weeks after each deadline.