2023 Outride Fund FAQ

Thank you so much for considering applying to The Outride Fund. 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.

Questions about the Grant

Who is eligible to apply?

Organizations eligible for the Outride Fund must have 501(c)(3) status, or a comparable fiscal sponsor.

• Grantees must be based in the U.S, and serve U.S. communities.

• The Outride Fund does not support individuals, political or religious organizations, K-12 school districts, or government agencies*.

*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.

*Riding for focus schools in good standing are eligible

My organization does not have 501 (c)(3) status. Can we still apply?

No. Eligible organizations must have 501 (c)(3) status and able to provide a favorable tax letter upon request.

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

No. Schools and school districts may look into our Riding For Focus program, and other educational entities may partner with a community nonprofit to bring bike programming to an area school. The community nonprofit must be the applicant. The only exception is If you are previous Riding For Focus grant awardee in good standing looking for additional funding to implement that program.

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. In general, grants will be between $5,000 and $15,000 and we want to see grantee projects realizing impact within in a year.

Does the Fund support the general operations of its grantees?

Yes, The Outride Fund 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 still 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.

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?

The Outride Fund grant is a one year grant. All awarded organizations will be required to submit an impact report one year from the award notification.

Can an organization receive in-kind donations if not selected for an award?

The Outride Fund does not offer in-kind donations.

Does outride make Matching or direct grants?

The Outride Fund has pivoted to direct 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