WHAT A SUCCESSFUL GRANT APPLICANT LOOKS LIKE
We are seeking partners who are committed to implementing a successful and sustainable program. Based on our past successes, we have identified several key factors in a program's success. Please carefully consider as you apply for the Riding for Focus grant; you'll be required to show that you have the following in place during the application process:
Curriculum Implementation: Our curriculum was ideally designed to be implemented as part of a PE class for a minimum of 6 weeks, 3 days a week, and at least 30 minutes per day. However, we understand that each school has a unique schedule, time limitations, and class sizing. Please adapt the curriculum to your time constraints and teacher needs.
Riding for Focus School Core Team: This typically includes a Program Champion who will lead the program, participate in program training, be a point of contact to Outride, and report back on program results; an Administrator to assist with budgeting, risk assessment, and approvals; and a Community Support Team that will leverage local cycling resources such as League Cycling Instructors (LCI) and school support organizations such as the PTA.
Cycling Sustainability Plan: The Riding for Focus program is a minimum two year commitment, however the bikes, if well-maintained, are built to sustain the program for the life of the bicycle which is 10 years. The cycling sustainability plan should include a succession plan for the core team, focusing on developing backups and cross-training the faculty and staff. For example, if the trained Riding for Focus implementor leaves or steps out, other staff should be trained and implement the program. Outride does provide additional training opportunities as a resource for new program instructors.
Safe Riding Spaces: A place for the Riding for Focus curriculum lesson implementation and skills learning -a track, parking lot, tennis court. Ideally, at least 1-3 safe routes, on-campus or off, near the school for additional safe riding opportunities.
Equipment Storage Plan: Ability to safely store program equipment, including bikes and helmets. Please note that Outride cannot replace any lost, stolen or damaged equipment. It may be easier than you think to store the bikes; think creatively. Does the school have an unused shipment container, gym showers, outdoor shed, or locked storage space holding old dusty wrestling mats? We do not recommend keeping bikes in an enclosed trailer that sits in an unlocked spot on school property.
The most successful schools we see are those who have established (or identified) strong community ties to help in all aspects of the program- from bike maintenance, leading rides, or encourage the growth of the program. Additionally, successful schools are committed to becoming part of a community centered bike ecosystem. A bike ecosystem means synergistically interacting as a system with other local bike cooperatives, bike coalitions, educational entities, or community-based organizations to help current, new, and future young cyclists to cycle safely in their community.
THE APPLICATION PROCESS
easy & straightforward
The application is broken down into three sections:
1. Eligibility Questions
2. Schools Ability to Implement & Program Support Questions
3. Optional Video or Powerpoint Submission
*After reviewing the written application, schools may be requested to join a zoom or phone interview call with an Outride Team member. Questions? Email RidingForFocus@outridebike.org Recording from the January 27th informational webinar shared on our grants page. Applications due March 11th.
WHAT YOUR SCHOOL WILL RECEIVE IF AWARDED THE GRANT
Riding for Focus is designed to provide middle schools with everything they need to get their 6-8th grade students riding. The awarded grant includes:
Program Curriculum: your school will receive a flexible, turn-key curriculum specifically designed to meet national standards for physical education classes.
Curriculum Training: we provide online training for your core team of implementers; scheduled for mid-summer.
Equipment: bikes and helmets required to run the cycling program.
