The Boston Marathon is not just a race; it's an event that brings together runners, spectators, and communities from around the world. But what many people may not realize is that the marathon has a significant philanthropic impact each year, raising millions for charitable causes. If you're curious about the marathon's charitable efforts, here's a closer look at how it supports causes, including Indigenous organizations, and the amount of money it raises annually.
Indigenous Charities Supported by the Boston Marathon
Each year, the Boston Marathon partners with a variety of charities through its official charity program. Among those are several Indigenous organizations that the marathon supports, helping to promote cultural preservation, education, and community growth.
Here are three Indigenous charities supported by the marathon:
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Wôpanâak Language Reclamation Project – This project focuses on restoring the Wampanoag Nation’s language, an important cultural element for the community. By helping revitalize the language, this organization ensures that future generations can connect with their heritage.
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North American Indian Center of Boston (NAICOB) – Based in the Greater Boston area, the NAICOB offers essential services such as healthcare, housing, and education to Indigenous people. Their mission is to create a strong, vibrant Indigenous community in the region.
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Massachusetts Center for Native American Awareness (MCNAA) – This center is dedicated to increasing public awareness and understanding of Indigenous cultures. It offers programs that support Indigenous people in Massachusetts and advocate for their rights and well-being.
These organizations benefit from the Boston Marathon's charity program, ensuring that their valuable work continues. The marathon’s partnership with these groups helps promote their causes and create lasting change in Indigenous communities.
Boston Marathon's Overall Charity Support
The Boston Marathon isn’t just about supporting a few organizations; it’s about making a significant impact on a wide range of causes. Each year, the marathon supports around 200 charities through its official charity program. These charities cover a diverse array of fields, from healthcare and education to social services and community development.
It’s inspiring to see how the marathon provides a platform for so many different causes. Through the generosity of runners who participate on behalf of these organizations, millions of dollars are raised to support their work. In fact, in 2023, the Boston Marathon set a new record by raising an impressive $40.2 million for charity.
How Does the Boston Marathon Raise So Much Money?
The funds raised for charity come from marathon participants who run on behalf of the organizations they support. The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) and its principal sponsor, previously John Hancock and now Bank of America, allocate a portion of race bibs specifically for charity runners. These runners commit to raising money through their networks, often reaching out to friends, family, and social media to collect donations for their chosen causes.
With so many participants raising funds and the marathon’s widespread visibility, it’s no surprise that the Boston Marathon consistently raises millions for charity each year.
Why Does It Matter?
The Boston Marathon's charitable efforts go beyond just the financial contributions; they help create a sense of community, raise awareness about critical issues, and provide a platform for organizations to continue their work. Whether it's helping Indigenous groups preserve their cultures, supporting healthcare initiatives, or providing social services to underserved populations, the marathon’s impact reaches far beyond the finish line.
As a runner or supporter of the event, you’re part of something much larger than just crossing a finish line. You’re contributing to a legacy of giving and making a positive difference in the world.
The Boston Marathon is a powerful example of how sports can be used to support important causes. With over $30 million raised annually for charity, it’s clear that the marathon is more than just a race; it’s a celebration of community, culture, and collective impact. From Indigenous charities to healthcare and social services, the marathon’s charitable program creates lasting change in countless lives, making it one of the most philanthropic sporting events in the world.
If you’re considering running the Boston Marathon, or if you simply want to support a good cause, know that every mile run and every dollar raised contributes to something bigger than yourself. It’s a reminder that when we come together, we can make a real difference.