18th Annual Seacoast Half Marathon

Sunday, October 29, 2023

Beneficiary Selection Process

The Seacoast Half Marathon was founded in 2006.  Since the inception of the half marathon, the goal has been to use the race to raise funds for, and focus attention on different non-profit organizations that serve people on the New Hampshire seacoast. The race tag line, “Caring for the Coast, One Step at a Time,” is our way of communicating what the Seacoast Half Marathon is really all about.  For a list of past beneficiaries, please click here.

Continue reading to learn which types of organizations can qualify, what information is needed to complete the application process, and what the requirements are for each organization

Deadlines and Process

Proposal Due: February 1, 2023 

All revenue after race expenses will be given to the selected beneficiary.  Each year the amount varies, but in prior years it has ranged between $35,000 and $120,000, based on race registrations, sponsorships, and out-of-pocket race expenses.  In addition, grants of $500 are made to each of our five nonprofit groups who continue to support our event by running our water stops.

Funding will be considered for general operating income, new programs or capital projects.

A small group of prospective beneficiaries will be selected in February as finalists and at that time additional information may be requested.  Finalists may be invited to meet with the race committee.  Site visits may be requested of the finalist organizations.  One organization will be selected by early to mid-February to be the race beneficiary.

Eligibility

An applicant must:

  • Be an approved 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.
  • Provide services in the Seacoast of NH (which may include York County Maine).
  • Serve as the fiscal agent for the Seacoast Half Marathon for the year that the organization is the beneficiary.
    • This involves processing all accounts receivables (race registrations and sponsorships) and payables (race expenses).
    • The beneficiary must have a credit card reader to be able to process registrations during packet pickup the day before the race and during race day.
  • Send a representative to race committee meetings (generally held monthly).
  • Have 1-2 staff members and/or volunteers available for packet pick up and registration.
  • Secure approximately 25–40 volunteers to help out on race day morning.
  • Have a staff member, board members, or volunteers who are willing and able to solicit sponsorships for the race – the amount of sponsor dollars raised to help offset race expenses will have a direct impact on the amount of money the beneficiary realizes at the end of the race. Expenses range from $20,000 – $30,000.
  • Promote the Seacoast Half Marathon (promotion may include social media, newsletters, email blasts, press releases, etc.)

Previous Seacoast Half Marathon beneficiaries may reapply 5 years after the year in which they were last the race beneficiary.

The following organizations are generally NOT eligible for support:

  • Religious or faith-based organizations or programs.
  • Political organizations or programs.
  • Organizations that discriminate in any way.
  • Public or private schools.

Grant Making Priorities

  • Improving quality of life on the Seacoast.
  • Assisting the socio-economically underserved.
  • Organizations that provide health and human services.

2023 Beneficiary Application

 

The 2023 Beneficiary Application is now closed. The Seacoast Half Marathon Race Committee will announce the 2023 race beneficiary by mid-February.