If you could ask Forrest Gump what he thought about road races and charities, he’d probably tell you they go “together like peas and carrots.” In fact, a report by Running USA credits the increase in road race entrants largely to charitable running. So, how do you make sure your race partners with the right charity to benefit all parties involved? Here are some key points to consider:
- Define and Narrow
Establish your criteria for choosing a charity by evaluating its size, its years of operation, and where the monies raised will be spent. Use GuideStar.org (an up-to-date database of nonprofits) to search for charities that meet your criteria. - Review Mission Statements
Choose charities with mission statements that closely align with your race. For example, the Detroit Free Press/Talmer Bank Marathon supports local charities centered on health and wellness. Sharing core values helps both parties work more harmoniously toward a common goal. - Verify Charity Authenticity
Determine the legitimacy of a charity by searching the databases of the Better Business Bureau, CharityNavitagor.org, Charity Watch, or the Charity Review Council. - Ask for Transparency
Most charities are required to keep track of financials to ensure the monies are spent as promised. Trustworthy nonprofits should always be willing to openly discuss their programs and finances, so be wary of charities reluctant to share financial information. - Test the Waters
Give your partnership a trial run by donating to a small project before doing a large campaign. Observe how the charity works during the process. Trust your instincts. If a charity makes you feel uneasy with how they handle matters, don’t partner with them.
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