Local Nonprofit Runs New Distances with AMA Grant
Mary T Callahan, enthusiastic Executive Director of the nonprofit Girls on the Run, has been a runner since she was 12 years old. That’s why it was a natural fit for Mary T, mother of 3 girls, to start a Houston division of the national nonprofit focused on bettering the lives of elementary aged girls through running and fitness.
About the Program
“Girls on the Run teaches the girls to be proud of who they are, whether that’s brilliant, or a musician, or average, or an athlete,” says Mary T. The after school program for girls grades 3-5 engages participants in fun and interactive games that involve running and movement, aimed at encouraging girls to be themselves, live a healthy lifestyle, and give back to the community. “5th grade girls want to be stupid because the boys want them to be,” Mary T continues with a chuckle. She—and the program—tell the girls “Don’t make yourself less to make somebody else feel better. Be yourself.”
Enter AMA Gives Back
When Girls on the Run received a $2,500 grant in 2010 from AMA Gives Back, the nonprofit was struggling to broaden awareness. But with the grant, the organization had plans to attract participants and donors by producing posters, flyers and other collateral. One of the most effective printed flyers was used as a race bag insert at several local fitness events. Other collateral pieces were targeted to the education community with the hopes of helping to establish more Girls on the Run participant schools.
The Grant Accelerates Success
Armed with marketing material to communicate their inspiring cause, Girls on the Run experienced incredible growth in a short amount of time. After receiving the grant in April of 2010, the program participants doubled between May and November. With 7 school sites last spring, growing to 11 sites in the fall, the program is now looking at having 24 sites active for this coming spring.
Be the Next Nonprofit to Expand its Marketing Message
This April, AMA Gives Back will award more Houston area nonprofits with grants of up to $2,500. To join the ranks of grant recipients like Girls on the Run, complete a grant application by March 16, 2012. Visit amahouston.net/givesback for more information and the online application form.
