At Girls on the Run Minnesota, we firmly believe that every child should have the opportunity to cultivate healthy habits and develop healthy relationships, and we’re committed to making Girls on the Run and Heart & Sole as accessible as possible. To break down cost as a barrier, our program uses a pay-what-you-can model for both general and 5K registration fees.  We also provide gear like shoes, pants, and sports hijabs to one third of program participants to ensure all girls have what they need to participate.

As a coach, your involvement is immensely appreciated - we couldn’t have a program without you!  With your deep understanding of how the program works and your own experience of its impact, you have a unique perspective and ability to advocate for Girls on the Run. Some of our most meaningful partnerships and sponsor relationships have come from coach advocacy!

Here are five ways that you can continue to support Girls on the Run Minnesota’s accessibility mission as a coach: 

1. Event attendance 

Did you know that Girls on the Run Minnesota hosts several community-building, fundraising events throughout the year? 

The 5K at the end of the season is just one example of a Girls on the Run get-together. We also host an  International Day of the Girl celebration in October in both the Twin Cities and Rochester and the Limitless Potential Luncheon in the spring in the Twin Cities (save the date for May 1, 2025!). These events bring our community together in support of Minnesota girls.

2. Share your GOTR stories! 

Have you witnessed the impact of Girls on the Run? We want to hear about it! A word of endorsement from a coach who has witnessed the incredible influence of our program on its participants means a great deal not just to any potential sponsors but also to prospective coaches. We share an end-of-the-season coach survey with you to collect more heartwarming memories and constructive feedback about how to improve our operations.

When you share a positive memory about your time as a coach, you inspire others to take the leap and sign up to lead a team as well. Sharing coach testimonials at new coach training empowers those who might be hesitant or nervous – your words can make a significant difference! Our program wouldn’t exist without our beloved coaches, and we’re always looking for more passionate individuals like you to join us. 

3. SoleMates and SustainHER

With SoleMates, even your own fitness journey can benefit Girls on the Run! A SoleMate trains for a physical activity challenge of their choice and raises money along the way with the help of their network. The SoleMates program provides bibs and entry into some of the most sought-after races in Minnesota, including the TC 10-Mile, the Twin Cities Marathon, and all of the Med City distances. Along the way, the SoleMates team will support you with resources and guidance during your fundraising journey. You’ll even receive a personalized fundraising page for your goal! 

If racing isn’t in the cards for you, though, Girls on the Run has yet another option: SustainHER. 

SustainHer members give monthly donations that directly support our participants and allow us to continue functioning on a pay-what-you-can basis. Just $20 per month provides a full scholarship to a participant, meaning that they can receive high-quality running gear, healthy snacks, and 5K registration regardless of their financial situation. 

By becoming a SoleMate or SustainHer member, you can help a child participate in Girls on the Run without any additional financial strain.

4. Dollars for Doers 

Sometimes donation opportunities can be right under your nose! 

Check with your employer (your manager or HR leader) to learn if the corporation has a Dollars for Doers program. Dollars for Doers is a matching-gift program in which companies provide donations based on the number of volunteer hours their employees contribute to a given organization. Your employer may make a donation on your behalf thanks to the time and effort you are pouring into Girls on the Run as a coach! 

5. Keep your eyes peeled for other opportunities! 

In a similar way, look out for any connections you might have with friends, family, spouses, and coworkers that could result in a new partnership for Girls on the Run. You might know someone involved in a company looking for an organization to sponsor, and we’d love to get in touch with them. Corporate sponsorship is an effective way to reach a strategic audience, while also demonstrating a commitment to community. Many of our local partnerships formed because of coaches like you!