Girls on the Run NJ East is pleased to announce the 25th Anniversary “Limitless Potential” Alumni Grant Award! Since our first season in 2000, we have empowered over 25,000 girls through our confidence-boosting program that fosters physical and mental well-being. A generation of girls in New Jersey and beyond are beginning to navigate adulthood with the tools and strategies learned through Girls on the Run. Our vision is a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams. This grant award will recognize and support “GOTR girls” who are now young women with big dreams and even bigger potential!

WHAT:

• Two grants of $2,500 each (one for Essex/Morris/Union Counties and one for Burlington/Hunterdon/Mercer Counties).

• To be used for learning, growth or personal development that will help you achieve your limitless potential.*

*This could mean 2-year or 4-year college tuition, vocational or technical training, licensure programs, study abroad, room & board or books associated with education, or other development opportunities.

WHO:

• Current high school seniors (graduating in 2025) and young adults up to age 22 who participated in at least one season of Girls on the Run OR Heart & Sole/Girls on Track OR as a junior coach or junior helper in Burlington, Essex, Hunterdon, Mercer, Morris or Union counties of New Jersey.

• We welcome applicants that reflect the diversity of our participants and their many avenues of achievement, while honoring one or more core values of Girls on the Run. Our core values are:

• Recognize our power and responsibility to be intentional in our decision making

• Embrace our differences and find strength in our connectedness

• Express joy, optimism and gratitude through our words, thoughts and actions

• Lead with an open heart and assume positive intent 

• Nurture our physical, emotional and spiritual health

• Stand up for ourselves and others

WHEN:

• Application opens February 17, 2025, with a submission deadline of April 18, 2025.

• Grant awards to be announced at our Spring 5K events: Saturday, May 31 for Essex, Morris and Union Counties; Sunday, June 1 for Burlington, Hunterdon and Mercer Counties.

HOW:

• Applications are available here in a Google form. Essays can be submitted in written or video format. One letter of recommendation is also required.

• Applications will be blinded (no names or locations visible) and judged by a committee with extensive experience with Girls on the Run.

• Selection criteria include: participation and leadership in school and community activities; application of GOTR core values; articulation of future goals and how grant would support these goals.

• Recipients will be required to provide proof of eligible expenses within 12 months of award announcement. Payments will be made directly to the institution. 

• Grantees will submit a reflection report to Girls on the Run NJ East (using a template form) within 12 months to share how the grant was used.

If you have questions about the 25th Anniversary “Limitless Potential” Alumni Award, please contact Suzanne Elliott at Suzanne.elliott@girlsontherun.org.