Mission Statement Run Muskegon’s goal is to encourage the residents of Muskegon County to live a healthy and active lifestyle. This is achieved by supporting participation in running, emphasizing group runs and developing relationships with people that share the same vision. Run Muskegon focuses on helping individuals train for races of various distances – 5K, 10K, half marathon, marathon, triathlons and more. Following the policy guidelines of the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA), the board adopts the following Giving Policy and accepts it as a guide for future gift giving. Based on the average yearly income of the club (membership registration fees and race fees and donations) and considering the current surplus of funds, the committee recommends that the board dedicate donating up to 70% of the net income as the yearly budget allows to be distributed in the following manner:
Who The committee has identified the following people and organizations within Muskegon County who best fit the criteria of the RM Mission Statement and are identified as showing a need for monetary gifts:
High School track and cross country teams (a minimum of $100/school*) – the Muskegon ISD website identifies 12 public high schools, however, Muskegon Heights Public Academy does not offer track or cross country. Contact is made by the committee to the school athletic department to relay details to the cross country and track team. Coaches will recognize the needs of student athletes who cannot afford items such as shoes or Pay to Play (PTP) fees. The program was discussed and approved with the track and cross country director at MHSAA. The funds in the form of a check MUST be made out to the school and delivered to the AD. Funds are never to be given directly to students (phone conversation with Cody Inglis at MHSAA on 6/27/22 - JEM).
A scholarship program for Muskegon County graduating high school seniors who will be pursuing track or cross country at Muskegon Community College (two $1000 scholarships) - preliminary information has been collected and discussed at the committee level by Pam Riley Barbier. Recommendation for a scholarship breakout committee in fall 2022 to finalized for spring 2023 application and fall 2023 funding.
Community youth running programs (a minimum of $1000) – Girls on the run, TTQ, possible programs within the Boys and Girls club
Community related venues (a minimum of $1000) – local State Park trails, Muskegon County bike trail, etc
Misc outreach and others to be determined
What The committee identified that money is the appropriate donation to meet our giving goals. There are circumstances where an organization soliciting RM for donations may not fit the guidelines of the mission statement. In these cases, a race donation may be an appropriate donation which can be awarded via a coupon code through RSU.
When The committee, based again on the “Who” category, established the following timeline for donations based on the organization’s events:
High School teams – Summer application period with funds available in August
Scholarships – Winter application period and review with spring presentation
Community Youth programs – spring prior to their events
Community related venues – project dependent
Misc – as needed
Where The committee identified that gift giving that fits the scope of the mission statement will be limited to Muskegon County residents and programs.
Why The committee saw this category as an opportunity to define a Giving Statement:
Run Muskegon seeks to find county-wide runners and running-based organizations and venues that meet the criteria of our Mission Statement and will benefit from the profits of our fund-raising activities. Donation recipients and donation amounts are dependent on annual club income and are subject to modification by a quorum of the board.
