The Finish Line Youth Foundation awarded $151,203 in grants and $375,000 in donations for Special Olympics in the fourth quarter of 2016. The 17 grants to youth organizations in 12 states focus on healthy lifestyles and youth development. The financial commitment to Special Olympics supports fitness initiatives focused on helping athletes with intellectual disabilities nationwide live a healthier lifestyle.

“In today’s world, youth need outlets to run, jump, swing, hop or to just enjoy time being a kid,” said Marty Posch, Finish Line Youth Foundation president. “With grants like these, we can assist with that simple pleasure.”

The Finish Line Youth Foundation supports qualified non-profit organizations that provide community-based access to athletics for children and camps that provide services to those who are disadvantaged or disabled.

The deadline to submit grant applications for youth organizations online for this quarter is March 31, 2017.

Legacy Grants

Gary Comer Youth Center (Chicago) – $72,500 for the Finish Line Fitness Room serving 997 at-risk youth on Chicago’s south side.

GiGi’s Playhouse (Indianapolis) – $15,000 for Get Fit Gym, a 3,200 square foot playhouse for 250 children with down syndrome.

Camps

Arizona Burn Foundation (Phoenix) – $5,000 for Camp Courage serving 95 pediatric burn injury survivors ages 6-15.

Camp No Limits (Wales, Maine) – $5,000 for a camp serving 450 children affected by limb loss whose siblings are invited to attend as well.

Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Southern AZ (Tucson, AZ) – $3,600 for Candlelighters Family Camp, a therapeutic overnight camp for 100 children and teens with cancer.

Down Syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte (Charlotte, NC) – $5,000 for camp programs serving 170 children with down syndrome.

Easter Seals of Greater Houston (Houston, TX) – $5,000 for Camp Smiles, a camp for 100 children with neurological disorders and disabilities.

Foster Siblings Reunited (Canton, GA) – $4,000 to support Camp to Belong serving 100 children who have been separated as a result of foster care.

John H. Boner Community Center (Indianapolis) – $5,000 for the Excellence, Discovery and Growth through Education (EDGE) program serving 115 youth in grades 1-12.

Victory Junction Gang Camp (Randleman, NC) – $5,000 for Camperships benefiting 1,900 youth with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses.

Healthy Lifestyles

Dallas Jr. Wheelchair Mavericks (Dallas, TX) – $5,000 for a competitive wheelchair basketball team for 45 physically disabled children.

Girls on the Run of Montgomery County (Rockville, MD) – $5,000 to support scholarships for 1,500 disadvantaged girls participating in running programs.

Helping to Inspire Positive and Healthy Opportunities for Progress (Pottstown, PA) – $4,500 for the Hip Hop Health program to encourage physical education and obesity reduction for 140 youth.

Kidpower Teenpower Fullpower (Castro Valley, CA) – $5,000 to support positive peer interaction and team building for 1,210 disadvantaged youth and kids with special needs.

Noah’s Endeavor (Micanopy, FL) – $400 for the 2017 sports seasons equipment serving 24 youth with disabilities.

Rise Adventures (Irving, TX) – $5,000 for adaptive therapeutic recreation sports programs for 500 physically disabled children.

Terrebonne Children’s Advocacy Center (Houma, LA) – $1,203 to support “Every Girl Runs” Girls on the Run Bayou Region programming for 650 girls.