The Boston Marathon is one of the most prestigious road races in the world. Every year, thousands of runners vie for a coveted spot at the start line, with many qualifying through time standards. But if you’re not quite fast enough, don’t worry! There’s another way to secure your entry: becoming a charity runner.
For the 2025 Boston Marathon, the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) has announced that 174 organizations will participate in its Official Charity Program. If you’re interested in running for a cause and securing a spot in the marathon, here’s everything you need to know.
What Is the Boston Marathon Charity Program?
The Boston Marathon’s charity program, first introduced in 1989, allows runners to bypass the time qualification process by committing to raise funds for non-profit organizations. In 2025, 174 non-profit organizations are involved, each allocated a certain number of bibs. These charity bibs make up almost 10% of the total marathon field.
Charity runners pledge to raise money for causes ranging from healthcare and education to community service and environmental sustainability. In return for their fundraising efforts, they receive an entry to the race. In 2024, charity runners collectively raised over $45.7 million, with the total philanthropic impact of the race reaching $71.9 million.
How Do You Apply as a Charity Runner?
If you’re interested in becoming a charity runner, the first step is selecting a non-profit organization that resonates with you. A full list of the organizations participating in the 2025 Official Charity Program is available below or on the B.A.A.’s website. Once you’ve chosen an organization, visit their page to apply.
Each charity has its own application process, so the requirements may vary. Typically, charities will ask you to submit a fundraising proposal and demonstrate your commitment to raising a minimum amount. In 2023, fundraising minimums for most charities ranged between $5,000 and $10,000, depending on the organization.
What Are the Fundraising Requirements?
As a charity runner, you’ll commit to a specific fundraising goal set by the organization you represent. In general, the minimum fundraising requirement will typically range from $5,000 to $10,000. Many organizations offer fundraising support, helping you set up campaigns, connect with potential donors, and utilize social media platforms effectively.
Be prepared to be proactive in your fundraising efforts. Many successful charity runners start their campaigns well in advance, reaching out to friends, family, and colleagues for support. Some runners host events or set up online fundraisers to meet their goals.
Fundraising Tips for Charity Runners
- Start early: Give yourself plenty of time to reach your fundraising target. It’s easier to break it down into smaller goals over time.
- Use social media: Share your journey and progress with your online community, and make it easy for people to donate through links in your profiles.
- Be transparent: Let donors know exactly where their money is going and how it will help the charity.
- Offer updates: Keep your donors informed about your training and fundraising milestones to keep them engaged and involved.
Training as a Charity Runner
Just because you’re not qualifying by time doesn’t mean training is less important. Running the Boston Marathon is a challenge, whether you’re competing for a personal best or raising funds for a cause. Many charity programs offer training support to help you prepare, and you’ll often be part of a larger team of runners who train together.
Since you’ll be running with a bib reserved for charity, it’s essential to honor your commitment not only to your fundraising but also to your preparation. Completing the marathon as a charity runner is a huge accomplishment, both physically and philanthropically.
Important Dates and Deadlines
The 2025 Boston Marathon will take place on April 21, 2025, and you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared for key deadlines:
- Charity applications: Many charities begin accepting applications as early as October 2024, so don’t delay. The earlier you apply, the better your chances of securing a spot.
- Fundraising deadlines: Each charity may have different fundraising timelines, but most will require the full amount to be raised by race day.
Additional Benefits of Running as a Charity Runner
Running the Boston Marathon as a charity runner offers more than just a bib number. Many charity organizations offer perks such as:
- Personalized training plans: Some charities provide coaching or group training runs to help you prepare for race day.
- Team camaraderie: Charity teams often bond over their shared cause, creating a supportive community of runners.
- Race day support: Some charities set up cheer stations and provide amenities like pre-race hospitality or post-race celebrations to make your experience special.
Can You Switch Charities?
Once you’ve committed to fundraising for a specific charity and secured your entry, it’s typically not possible to switch to another organization. However, if unforeseen circumstances arise and you’re unable to meet your fundraising goal, contact your charity early to discuss options. Some charities may offer flexibility or guidance to help you fulfill your pledge.
Running the 2025 Boston Marathon as a charity runner is a great way to combine your love for running with making a positive impact in the world. Whether you’re passionate about health, education, social justice, or the environment, there’s likely a cause that aligns with your values. By joining the Boston Marathon as a charity runner, you’ll not only take part in an iconic race but also raise crucial funds for organizations that are changing lives.
If you’re ready to lace up and start your fundraising journey, explore the list of official charity partners today and secure your spot in the 2025 Boston Marathon!
2025 Bank of America Boston Marathon Official Charity Program Members
| 261 Fearless Inc | Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired |
| 50 Legs in 50 Days | Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress |
| Abby Mac Foundation | Massachusetts General Hospital |
| Achilles International – Boston | Mass Eye and Ear |
| A Leg Forever Foundation | Mass Mentoring Partnership |
| ALSAC/ST. Jude Children’s Research Hospital | Matt Brown Foundation |
| Alzheimer’s Association MA/NH Chapter | McLean Hospital |
| American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – Massachusetts Chapter | MEB Foundation |
| American Liver Foundation | MetroWest YMCA |
| American Red Cross | Minds Matter Boston |
| Back On My Feet | Muscular Dystrophy Association |
| Bay Cove Human Services, Inc. | National Braille Press |
| Bay State Games | National Multiple Sclerosis Society |
| Best Buddies Massachusetts & Rhode Island | National Ovarian Cancer Coalition: MA Chapter |
| Beth Israel Lahey Health | New England Center and Home for Veterans |
| Big Sister Association of Greater Boston | New England Patriots Charitable Foundation, Inc. |
| Black Girls RUN! Foundation | Newton-Wellesley Hospital |
| Boston Athletic Academy Inc. | Next Step |
| Boston Athletic Association | Officer Sean A Collier Memorial Fund, Inc |
| Boston Bruins Foundation | One Mission |
| Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation | One Summit Inc |
| Boston Children’s Hospital | One World Strong Foundation |
| Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center, Inc. | Pine Street Inn |
| Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program | Project Hope Boston |
| Boston MedFlight | Project Purple |
| Boston Medical Center | Rebekah’s Angels Foundation |
| Boston Scores | Red Sox Foundation |
| Boston Theater Company | Ronald McDonald House Charities of New England |
| Bottom Line | Rosie’s Place |
| Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence | Roxbury Community College Foundation |
| Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston | Samaritans, Inc. |
| Boys & Girls Clubs of Dorchester | Semper Fi & America’s Fund |
| Brain Aneurysm Foundation | SG United Foundation |
| Brigham and Women’s Hospital | Silver Lining Mentoring |
| Brittany Fund for Trauma And Recovery | South Boston Neighborhood House |
| Camp Casco | South Shore Health (South Shore Hospital, Inc.) |
| Camp Harbor View Foundation | Spaulding Rehabilitation |
| Camp Shriver at UMass Boston | Special Olympics Massachusetts |
| Cardinal Cushing Centers | Spoonfuls |
| Caring for a Cure | Sportsmen’s Tennis & Enrichment Center |
| Casa Myrna Vasquez, Inc | Squashbusters |
| Cathleen Stone Island Outward Bound School | Stride for Stride |
| Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation | TargetCancer Foundation |
| Colins Joy Project Inc | Team IMPACT |
| Community Rowing, Inc. | Tedy’s Team |
| Cops For Kids with Cancer, Inc. | Tenacity, Inc. |
| Corey C. Griffin Foundation | The3PointFoundation, Inc |
| Cradles to Crayons | The ALS Association |
| CYCLE Kids Inc. | The Bill Belichick Foundation |
| Dana-Farber Cancer Institute | The Born to Run Foundation, Inc |
| Dave McGillivray Finish Strong Foundation | The Boston Bulldogs Running Club |
| David Ortiz Children’s Fund | The Boston Foundation, Krystle Campbell Memorial Fund |
| DetecTogether | The Boston Police Foundation, Inc. |
| Doc Wayne Youth Services | The Cam Neely Foundation |
| Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism | The Children’s Room |
| Dream Big! | The Dimock Center |
| Ellie Fund | The Greater Boston Food Bank, Inc. |
| Esplanade Association | The Heather Abbott Foundation |
| Every Mother Counts | The Home for Little Wanderers |
| Expect Miracles Foundation | The Hoyt Foundation |
| FamilyAid Boston | The James Gang |
| Family Reach | The Kita Center, dba Camp Kita |
| Fast Feet Running and Athletics, Inc. | The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society |
| Fenway Health | The McCourt Foundation |
| Fisher House Boston | The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research |
| Franciscan Children’s Hospital | The Michael Lisnow Respite Center |
| Girls on the Run Greater Boston | The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation |
| Golf Fights Cancer | The New England Center for Children |
| Good Sports | The Play Ball Foundation |
| Gronk Nation Youth Foundation | The Play Brigade |
| Hale Education, Inc. | The Progeria Research Foundation |
| Healthworks Community Fitness | The ReM.A.R.C.able Foundation Network |
| Herren Project | The Sports Museum |
| Homes For Our Troops | The Stephen C. Rose Legacy Foundation |
| HomeStart, Inc | The Webb Norden Foundation |
| Horizons for Homeless Children | Trinity Boston Connects |
| House of Possibilities | Tufts Medical Center |
| IMPACT Melanoma | Tufts University, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy |
| In My Running Shoes | UMass Chan Medical School Foundation |
| InnerCity Weightlifting | United Service Organizations Incorporated (USO) |
| JDRF Greater New England | Vanessa T. Marcotte Foundation |
| Joe Andruzzi Foundation | Walker, Inc. |
| John M. Barry Boys & Girls Club of Newton | West End House Boys & Girls Club |
| Journey Forward | Women’s Lunch Place |
| Light Foundation | World Central Kitchen |
| Lingzi Foundation | YMCA of Greater Boston |
| Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island | Youth Enrichment Services (YES) |
