Run Seal Beach calls for grant applications

Run Seal Beach just produced its 39th run, and while final numbers aren’t in, there are some key statistics that can be shared.

With more than 5,200 runners and walkers, in addition to the over 400 kids 1K Fun Run participants, it was one of the largest events in the history of the race.  It is hopefully that this year will achieve the highest possible level of give back, perhaps even exceeding last year’s grants and awards.

Last year, the organizations’ total giving was $156,750. This was a 21% increase in grants from 2011, going to a total of 65 organizations. Of the $156,750, $139,900 was awarded through the grant request process, where organizations in the community applied for funding. Forty-three organizations received grant funds via this process for 2012.

In 2011, Run Seal Beach established a portion of the annual funds to be distributed through Director’s Awards. These are awards are at the sole discretion of the Run Seal Beach Board of Directors and cannot be applied for. In 2012, $16,850 was awarded as Directors Awards to 22 additional organizations.

The event is planned, managed and executed 100% by volunteers, with no salaries drawn for any administration so that 100% of available proceeds are given back to the community each year.

In order to qualify for the Grant Request Process, the applicant must meet some key criteria: be based in Seal Beach, Los Alamitos or Rossmoor areas; be requesting funds in support of recreation or fitness programs or services; be an IRS recognized non-profit with a letter of determination; finally, a detailed costing for requests such as catalog pricing, quotes or other forms of estimates and this includes any scholarship process to be funded

Grants are generally not funded for: capital investment, legal fees, advertising, marketing or facility improvement needs such as fixtures, furniture, structural, building or grounds upkeep.

Applicants should be forward looking and for future needs, not reimbursement of already spent funds.

It also must benefit the organization itself, not as a pass through to others.

Many of the Los Alamitos Unified School District booster clubs, recreation activities and fitness programs have benefited.  Over the last ten years, nearly 47% of the approximately $825,000 has gone to the LAUSD through these organizations.

Run Seal Beach encourages all organizations that meet the criteria to apply as the application deadline is June 1.  Applications and information may be found at www.runsealbeach.com  and questions will be answered via email communication to sealbeachrun@hotmail.com.

Run Seal Beach looks forward to giving back in 2013 and congratulates all of the participants, sponsors, volunteers and spectators for an amazing event.  Save the date for April 5, 2014 for the 40th annual event.