Community Impact Grant FAQ

Thank you so much for considering applying for a community impact grant. Please read the FAQ in full. Emailing a description of your program will not increase your chances of an award. We are unable to accommodate requests for an informational call or general questions that are answered here.

Who is eligible to apply?

Organizations eligible for the Outride Community Impact Grant are:

• Nonprofits with 501c3 status, or organizations with a nonprofit fiscal sponsor*

• Local government agencies, school districts, or federal agencies operating in specific geography

• Riding for focus grantees in good standing are eligible

Not all eligible organizations will receive funding. Previous awardees may not receive funding in consecutive cycles, and will not be considered for funding if they have not submitted an impact report for previous grants.

*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 with a nonprofit fiscal sponsor may apply.

Does my organization have to collaborate with a Riding For Focus school to qualify?

Organization collaborating with a Riding For Focus school will be most competitive and prioritized in the grant making process, however, it is still possible to receive a grant if you are not.

Are schools, k-12 schools or school districts, or government agencies eligible?

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

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 and subject to negotiation. You may not receive your entire ask.

Does the GRANT support general operations and indirect costs?

Yes,Outride makes unrestricted grants, within reason. 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?

Yes! However, to be a competitive infrastructure project, we ask you to consider how you might partner with a nonprofit or school to increase ridership among a specific community or group and track how the impact the pump track or trail is having in the community.

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?

No, we encourage all US based 501(c)(3) organizations to apply, but priority will be given to those organization located near and in partnership with Riding for Focus programs.

Does the organization have to be doing work focused on cycling?

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 the best tool communities can use to do so.

How do I evaluate the impact of my programs?

We understand it’s difficult to pinpoint the impact of youth cycling programs. 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-matiching grants

Can I preview the application?

Yes, click here.

How is this 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 Outride Fund is a direct, competitive cash grant.

How can I receive technical support for completing my application?

Contact us at fund@outridebike.org

Technical Questions