Community Impact Grant FAQ

Thank you so much for considering applying for a community impact grant!

FAQ

CAN I APPLY FOR MORE THAN ONE FUNDING PRIORITY OR PRIORITY POPULATION?

You may not submit multiple applications for the Community Impact Grant. We ask you apply for the funding priority/population most aligned to your strongest offering or the program you are most interested in growing.

HOW CAN I BE INVITED TO APPLY FOR A BY INVITE GRANT?

Outride will conduct research to identify candidate organizations working to advance our mission and reach out to those organizations directly.

CAN I APPLY FOR A COMMUNITY IMPACT GRANT AND A RESEARCH SEED GRANT?

Yes, you may apply to both grants, given your organization meets the eligibility requirements of each grant.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE COMMUNITY IMPACT GRANT AND THE RESEARCH SEED GRANT?

The Community Impact Grant is an unrestricted cash grant aiming to support programming aligned with Outride’s mission.  The research seed grant supports partnerships between orgs/schools and researchers to expand the evidence around cycling's benefits on wellbeing. 

HOW IS THE COMMUNITY IMPACT GRANT DIFFERENT FROM RIDING FOR FOCUS?

Riding For Focus (R4F) is Outride’s turnkey, school based program that is comprised of an equipment grant, curriculum, and teacher training, while The Community Impact Grant is a direct, competitive cash grant. Learn more here.

WHAT ORGANIZATIONS ARE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?

●      US or Canada based nonprofit organizations (with 501c3 status), including programs with a nonprofit fiscal sponsor, with an operating budget of less than $5M

●      Government agencies, including school districts.

●      Active Riding for Focus program grantees.

Not all eligible organizations will receive funding

*We prioritize community driven, grassroots organizations. National organizations with budgets greater than $5m will not qualify.

MY ORGANIZATION DOES NOT HAVE 501 (C)(3) STATUS. CAN WE STILL APPLY?

Eligible organizations must have 501 (c)(3) status and be able to provide a favorable tax letter upon request. Organizations without 501c3 status may work with a nonprofit fiscal sponsor may to apply.

DOES MY ORGANIZATION NEED TO COLLABORATE OR HAVE AN EXISTING PARTNERSHIP WITH A RIDING FOR FOCUS SCHOOL TO QUALIFY?

Organizations collaborating with an Outride Riding For Focus school will be competitive in the grant making process, however, it is still possible to receive a grant if you are not! Here is a map of most recent R4F school sites, maybe there is one in your area!

ARE K-12 SCHOOL DISTRICTS, INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION, OR GOVERNMENT AGENCIES ELIGIBLE?

Yes, but also look into our Riding for Focus school program grant as well. The organizations that will be most competitive for the community impact grant are local, small to medium sized nonprofits or current R4F school sites.

MY ORGANIZATION RECEIVED A GRANT IN THE LAST CYCLE, CAN WE APPLY AGAIN?

No. Organizations may not receive a grant in consecutive cycles.

MY ORGANIZATION RECEIVED A GRANT IN A PREVIOUS CYCLE BUT NOT THE LAST ONE, CAN WE APPLY AGAIN?

Yes. However previous awardees who have not submitted an impact report will not be considered for a grant.

WHAT ARE THE FUNDING AMOUNTS?

Funding amounts and timelines will be variable based on the specific proposal—but likely between $5000 and $15000. You may not receive your entire ask due to the volume of our awards.

DOES THE GRANT SUPPORT GENERAL OPERATIONS AND INDIRECT COSTS?

Yes! Outride makes unrestricted grants. We are interested in the specific use of the funds and will ask you to submit projected expenditures.

DO YOU SUPPORT PUMP TRACKS AND TRAILS?

No. We suggest looking for a grantor skilled in assisting with infrastructure projects such as IMBA, The REI Action Fund, Trek Foundation, or Trust for Public Land.

HOW ARE GRANTMAKING DECISIONS MADE?

Outride will convene a diverse grantmaking committee that will consider a number of factors, such as alignment with our mission, track record of success, organizational leadership, ability to track and measure outcomes, and more.

IS THERE A GEOGRAPHICAL FOCUS FOR THESE GRANTS?

Yes, we encourage US based 501(c)(3) organizations and Canadian nonprofit organizations to apply.

DOES MY ORGANIZATION NEED TO HAVE A CYCLING-SPECIFIC MISSION TO APPLY?

Yes. We are interested in the way cycling can be beneficial for social, emotional, and cognitive health of riders and communities. We know cycling isn’t unique in its ability to impact wellness, but we believe it is one of the best tools communities can use to do so. If your organization does other work in addition to cycling, we would consider an application but may restrict any awarded funding to be focused on the cycling work.

HOW DO I EVALUATE THE IMPACT OF MY PROGRAMS?

We understand it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact impact of youth cycling programs in a quantitative manner. However, what we look for in terms of impact is how your programs have changed the participants or community. You might issue a pre and post survey, collect testimonials, or ask participants to maintain a journal or log of their progression through your program.

WHAT IS THE REPORTING PERIOD FOR THE GRANT?

All awarded organizations will be required to submit an impact report one year from the award notification and perhaps at different intervals based on the terms of your grant.

CAN AN ORGANIZATION RECEIVE IN-KIND DONATIONS IF NOT SELECTED FOR AN AWARD?

Outride does not offer in-kind donations through the community impact grant program. Our Riding For Focus school program grant does include a fleet of bikes but as a part of implementing a comprehensive, curricular based program.

DOES OUTRIDE MAKE MATCHING OR DIRECT GRANTS?

Outride makes direct, non-matching grants

CAN I PREVIEW THE APPLICATION?

Yes, click here.

HOW IS THE COMMUNITY IMPACT GRANT DIFFERENT FROM RIDING FOR FOCUS?

Riding For Focus (R4F) is Outride’s turnkey, school based program that is comprised of an equipment grant, curriculum, and teacher training, while The Community Impact Grant is a direct, competitive cash grant. Learn more here.

HOW CAN I RECEIVE TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR COMPLETING MY APPLICATION?

Contact us at fund@outridebike.org

Technical Questions