We support youth mental health
Marathon Mental Health
Run Far Foundation was the official mental health partner of the 2023 Pittsburgh Marathon. Our 10-week Mental Health Monday series mobilized thousands of runners to become mental health champions for their friends, family, classmates, and colleagues. On May 7th 2023 we ran the Pittsburgh Marathon rocking purple jerseys for youth mental health.
Nisqually Run Far Club
In partnership with the Nisqually Indian Tribe (Washington), our inaugural Run Far Club enabled meaningful community service and helped youth build community, find purpose, and have fun. During the 5-week pilot program, youth developed emotional resilience, set big goals, and developed healthy habits while building their mental health.
Run Far Community Grants
Run Far Community Grants help youth launch a mental health project in their school. 9th grader Noor hosted a free Running Camp for K-8 girls at Upper St. Clair (Pennsylvania) to build self-esteem, healthy connections, and a love for running. 10th grader Sam hosted a community carnival for suicide prevention with proceeds benefitting the new Mental Health Center in Big Timber (Montana).
Apply
Have an idea for a volunteer project in your community?
Let's make it happen!
Nominate
Connect students with the funding for a life-changing volunteer opportunity.
Our Process
1Apply
Tell us about your project idea and how it will improve your community by submitting an application.
2Get Funded
Selection Panel picks strongest applicants, announces recipients, and transfers funds.
We make it easy so you can get started fast.
3Prepare
Pick a launch date, create an action plan, recruit friends, spread the word!
Youth Leaders receive the Run Far Leadership Playbook for helpful guidance from idea to execution.
4Make it Happen
Time to shine — it'll take hard work and team work to make the dream work!
There is magic in momentum so have fun and soak up these first steps with a smile :-)
5Amplify the Impact
Submit a quick Lessons Learned + Impact Report so we can share best practices and improve together.
Project Ideas
Get inspired with these project ideas —
or craft your own to boost youth mental health!
Paint a Mural
Bring a colorful, uplifting message to your school or town square.
Litter Cleanup
Roll up your sleeves and pick up garbage to restore your community's beauty.
Community Garden
Grow fresh vegetables for a pre-school or a nursing home in your community.
State Fair
Build an exhibit promoting mental health awareness and action at the state fair.
Use your imagination!
What's your idea to improve your community?
Apply for funding to make it happen!
Celebrating Founding Donors in ALL 50 states!
We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit and all donations support our Youth Mental Health mission.
We are powered by grassroots donors like you!
Running Across America
to spark a nationwide movement for youth mental health
Why I Run Far
My name is Greg Nance. Overwhelmed by depression after my Grandpa Charlie's debilitating stroke, I turned to alcohol and painkillers at age 16. I cut classes, got into fistfights, and was suspended from the tennis team.
The free-fall only stopped with the help of a daily running ritual and the meaningful community I found volunteering. Running and volunteering helped me overcome depression and alcohol abuse to finally get sober on December 29th 2011.
In the years since, I've kept running, kept volunteering, and kept smiling too.
I ran across America to pay it forward with Run Far Foundation. We can help youth find purpose, have fun, and stay healthy.
Together, let's turn the tide on America's mental illness and addiction epidemics.
Atlantic to Pacific = Mission Accomplished!!
With the help of an amazing team, I ran 3156 miles from New York City to Ocean Shores, WA.
I started with a foot in the Atlantic on April 25th and ran the equivalent of 120 marathons across New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, and Washington to dip my feet in the Pacific on July 17th 2022!
You can read this Seattle Times feature for more on the Run Across America and our Youth Mental Health mission.
Contact Us
hello@RunFarFoundation.com
© 2022-2024 Run Far Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) Washington Nonprofit Corporation. EIN #88-1201993