USATF Foundation Announces 50 Youth Club Grant Recipients

PITTSBURGH, PA – The future of American track & field is being shaped at the grassroots level, and in 2026, the USA Track & Field Foundation is making a significant investment to ensure that future is accessible, inclusive, and strong.

The USATF Foundation has awarded $100,000 in youth club grants to 50 programs nationwide. The funding will help organizations expand access to competition, improve training environments, and reduce financial barriers for families within their program.

“We’re excited to provide grants to youth clubs, particularly in underserved communities,” said Youth Committee Member Bob West. “Participation in track and field requires discipline, focus and goal setting. These are skills that can be applied to both personal and professional life. We look forward to seeing what our grantees will achieve on and off the field.”

Grants are distributed through a competitive application process and evaluated by the USATF Foundation Youth Club Committee. Consideration is based on a combination of financial need, organizational leadership, and the quality of supplemental opportunities provided to athletes, ensuring funding reaches programs positioned to make a lasting impact.

For many recipients, the support extends far beyond a single season.

“The USATF Foundation youth club grant opens the door for more of our young athletes, regardless of their background, to experience national-level competition and see, firsthand, elite runners who look like them and reflect what’s possible,” said coach Scott Ruplinger from Austin Rising Runners. “That kind of exposure is powerful—it turns potential into belief. It also gives us the opportunity to introduce and develop disciplines that are often delayed in the U.S. system, helping us build a stronger foundation earlier and better prepare our athletes to eventually compete at the highest levels globally. With support from the USATF Foundation, we’re able to plan for the next decade—not just the next season—for these young athletes in running.”

Across the country, grant funds will be used to offset travel costs, purchase equipment and uniforms, access training facilities, and create equitable opportunities for young athletes to compete and grow within the sport.

The USATF Foundation also continues their partnership with Running Warehouse which will benefit all the 50 clubs. This partnership extends significant discounts to grant recipients on purchases of uniforms, warm-ups, and general gear via runningwarehouse.com.

The following 50 Youth Clubs will receive a USATF Foundation Youth Grant Award: