Lilac Run Beneficiary Application

Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Fund a program or project that serves residents within Gresham city limits.
• Be registered as a nonprofit organization with the State of Oregon and have or be applying for Internal Revenue Service (IRS) 501(c)(3) status.
• Have a functioning board of directors. A list of board members and the most recent meeting minutes must be provided with application. 
• Have business offices and/or produce proposed project within Gresham city limits. PO Boxes alone are not acceptable.
• The program must provide recreation opportunities for underserved kids and families in Gresham and promote, improve and elevate the physical, mental and/or emotional health and/or well-being of communities served. 
• Application must demonstrate financial need.
• The City of Gresham is also eligible to apply for youth-related services and/or programming. 

The Gresham Lilac Run will be successful if the City and the beneficiaries work together to make it so. The race beneficiaries are expected to:

• Help promote the event to encourage new sponsorship partnerships, race sign-ups and event volunteers. Promotion expectations include but are not limited to:
  •  At least one monthly post via all social media vehicles, inclusion in monthly e-newsletters or emails to organization partners.
  • Securing at least 8 total event volunteers to work at the event the morning of race-day.
• Meet at least once monthly up to the event with City staff to coordinate marketing strategies and engagement ideas. 
• Host an information booth at the run and, if desired, speak publicly and engage with event attendees. 
• Submit a final project report 12-months after the 2026 race.

Funding information

• Funding is awarded based on race sign up fees. Two to five proposals will be awarded in tiered increments. For example, the top ranked proposal may receive the first $8,000 in race proceeds; the second ranked proposal $7,000 in race proceeds; and the third ranked proposal any remaining funds. While the race has generated between $12,000-$24,000 in prior years, there is not a specific amount that will be guaranteed to race beneficiaries, particularly those who rank third, fourth or fifth.
• The beneficiary will receive funds directly from RunSignUp.com and will work with City staff to set up the direct deposit information. Beneficiaries will be eligible to receive additional donations from race registrants during the registration process. 
• Should the event be canceled due to any extenuating circumstances, the race beneficiaries will be responsible for all race refunds but will receive any funds that are not requested back by event participants. 
• Note: All funds requested must provide for a direct service or items. Funding will not be provided for insurance, religious teachings or instruction, administrative costs/salaries and government or political programs. Funding will also not be provided for advertising or the purchase of promotional materials for fundraising events. Funding awards will be capped at $15,000.

The beneficiary application will be reviewed by City of Gresham staff and selected in mid-November.

•  As funding is awarded based on race sign up fees, there is not a specific amount that will be guaranteed to the race beneficiary. In years past, the Lilac Run beneficiary has received anywhere from $12,000 to $24,000 in total, of which is completely dependent on the total amount of event sign ups.
• The beneficiary will receive funds directly from RunSignUp.com and will work with City staff to set up the direct deposit information. 
• Should the event be canceled due to extenuating circumstances, the race beneficiaries will be responsible for all race refunds but will receive any funds that are not requested back by event participants. 

Note: All funds requested must provide for a direct service or items. Funding will not be provided for insurance, religious teachings or instruction, administrative costs/salaries and government or political programs. Funding will also not be provided for advertising or the purchase of promotional materials for fundraising events.