EBS STAFF
On April 27, The Rut Mountain Runs announced the launch of The Rut Grants, a new initiative designed to support the people, places and ideas that give life to the sport of trail running. The program will award a total of $16,000 in grants, sourcing $8,000 from the organization itself combined with a matching gift from The North Face.
Grants ranging from $500 to $3,500 will be awarded to individuals and organizations with projects that strengthen trail running culture, protect or steward the landscapes and expand access to the sport. Examples of potential projects include trail stewardship initiatives, community-led trail running programs, trailhead transportation solutions and creative storytelling that highlights the people and landscapes behind the sport.
Hosted every September in Big Sky, The Rut is best known for its challenging routes and climbs, and features over 4,600 runners across multiple races, according to an April 27 press release.
“The Rut was born from and thrives in community and landscape,” Race Director Mike Foote stated in the release. “Rut Grants are an opportunity to give back and support the people and places that bring life to our event, and the sport of trail running as a whole.”
The program intends for projects to focus on two topics: culture and community, and land and stewardship. Projects focused on competition, racing, or performance are not eligible.
Applicants will complete a short form and submit either a brief written proposal or a short video outlining their idea. The program welcomes applicants from anywhere, but as a Montana-based organization Montana projects may be prioritized, according to the website.
“We want good ideas, not perfect applications. Our vision is for this to be a low-lift, high-impact program,” Foote added in the release. “If you care about your trail running community or the places you run, this is for you.”
Applications open April 27 and close May 20. Selected grantees will be announced in early June, with projects taking place throughout the summer and fall.
