Everyone Runs Fund
The 2026 Everyone Runs Fund (ERF) pilot program will provide up to $10,000 in one-year grants. Grant awards may range from $1,000 to $5,000. The total number of grants provided in 2026 will be determined by the strength of the applications.
ERF provides grants to expand universal runner access to public lands. This program began in 2022 and has provided six grants to date. In 2025, we temporarily paused program delivery to evolve the strategy to more deeply support marginalized running communities. We have restructured the program and are excited to launch the pilot of a reimagined ERF with larger grant amounts focused on expanding universal runner access to public lands at scale, through community run clubs and groups, run events, local organizations and business, and local leaders.
Grant applications will be accepted from July 1 – 31, 2026, and awards will be announced in September.
For more information or to support the evolution of this program, please contact us at erf@runnersforpubliclands.org.
When to Apply
- Applications are open from July 1 – 31, 2026.
- Recipients to be announced in September 2026.
Who is Eligible
- Run clubs, race directors, community groups, local businesses, and other established or emerging local leaders with projects that expand direct and indirect access to public lands for underrepresented runners.
Desired Project Outcomes
- Directly and indirectly expand underrepresented runners’ access to public lands
- Expand visibility of and/or leadership from an underrepresented group(s) at a race, running event, or in a community
- Foster a community that elevates underrepresented and/or underserved groups
- Enable and empower marginalized runners through group training, education, coaching, and other skill development
Need More Info?
See below to preview the 2026 application questions. Please contact us at erf@runnersforpubliclands.org if you have questions, need assistance, or if submitting a written application is a barrier to applying. Spanish materials available soon.
How to Support ERF
We need your help to make this program possible! If you would like to make a financial or in-kind contribution to help our runners, please email us at erf@runnersforpubliclands.org.
Selection Process
- Applications will be reviewed and scored by the ERF Selection Committee representing the communities we support through this program.
- The ERF Selection Committee will provide funding recommendations to the RPL Board of Directors for final approval.
- Applicants may receive follow-up questions during the review process.
- RPL will provide a response to all applicants regarding the outcome of their application.
Additional Information
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Preview Application Questions
Tell us about yourself and your community. (750 characters or less)
Provide a brief description of your project. (1000 characters or less)
Runners for Public Lands envisions a future with healthy and runnable landscapes for all. We empower runners to protect public lands and expand access to nature through community events, educational resources, and civic engagement. Please describe how your project expands universal runner access to public lands and aligns with RPL’s approach. (1500 characters or less)
Please provide an estimated project timeline. (1000 characters or less)
How exactly will the funding from RPL be used? (1000 characters or less)
Will additional funding or support be required to complete this project? If so, what is the total amount of funding necessary for this project to succeed? Have you identified funding sources or secured this funding? (1000 characters or less)
Tell us how you are uniquely qualified to receive and manage the grant, execute the project you are proposing, and sustain the impact of this investment. (1500 characters or less)
Beyond direct participants, who else might benefit from this project and how? (1500 characters or less)
What are the ways you plan to measure and track the impact this project has on your community in expanding universal runner access to public lands? (1500 characters or less)
Does your community face additional barriers to public land access that this grant does not address? (Optional)
Upload a letter of recommendation (max 2000 characters) from a project partner or member in your community. (Optional)
Additional Terms
Projects must be legal and occur within the United States
RPL may follow up with additional questions during the application review period.
Elevating your story is a key component of this grant. RPL will work closely with grant recipients to craft digital content for our newsletter, website, and digital channels to share your impact and inspire others in our community. We are committed to doing this in collaboration with grant recipients and partners.
This is a one-time, single-year grant. Grant funds will be expended within a year of award.
Funded projects are expected to align with RPL’s mission and maintain practices and messaging that are consistent with our values.
Grantees agree to keep the RPL team updated on project implementation and will submit a brief 6-month update via Google Forms and a concise end-of-project report summarizing impact.
Grant recipients assume the tax, compliance, liability, and legal responsibility associated with the implementation and execution of supported projects.
Thank You to the 2026 Program Sponsors
