General Cycling Discussion - Cycling Related Charities?

Today marks my 3 year anniversary at my current, and first, employer. I was given a $1000 grant to donate to the Charity of my choosing. They provide a list of suggested charities, but they're full of the standards (Oxfam, American Red Cross, etc). I'd like to give my $1000 to a more specific charity. I was thinking perhaps even one relating to cycling.

My only thought thus far is Livestrong. My mother finished chemo about a year ago, and my granfather died from cancer, so the cause is close to home. Are there other cycling related charities that I should look into - perhaps even one where $1000 would make their week, or even their month?

I was thinking of donating to MassBike, but I'm not sure that would be allowed. They are non-profit, but are largely a political advocacy group. I didn't read anything that said it wouldn't be allowed, but I don't think they'd be crazy about the idea. They must aprove it...

The LAF sounds like an excellent choice.

Would the Rails To Trails Conservancy count? It is tax-deductible.
http://www.railtrails.org/

LAF is certainly a good choice.

Or you could check out the NRDC. They are not directly a cycling charity but I think cycling plays a part in the role of clean air, green living etc. http://www.nrdc.org/ and http://www.nrdc.org/about/experts.asp

I work as a volunteer mechanic on the Pan Mass Challenge, which benefits the Dana Farber Cancer Center. I also participate in the Autumn Escape Bike Trek, which benefits the American Lung Association. The PMC is probably sold out, but $1000 is double the minimum amount of fundraising needed to ride the Autumn Escape. You could make a donation and spend a beautifiul weekend on Cape Cod. Send me a PM if you are interested.

Pan Mass appears to still be accepting registrations and sounds very interesting, but I can't ride that day - I'm in a wedding. I'll consider riding in the Autumn Escape but will probably just do so with donations I raise outside of work if I decide to do it. I'd probably need a new bike since I currently ride a commuter mountain bike.

Thanks for the input!

I like that Livestrong idea.

[QUOTE=DerekU2] I'd like to give my $1000 to a more specific charity. I was thinking perhaps even one relating to cycling.

Are there other cycling related charities that I should look into - perhaps even one where $1000 would make their week, or even their month?

I alway's recomend the Mark Reynolds Memorial Fund. It is a small charity run by Marks mother as a way to honer her son who was killed by a mountain lion attack in California. It gives bikes away to underpriveledged children. If you want more information go to www.markreynoldsfund.com. Mark was a good friend of mine and this is a worthy charity where a 1000 would make quite a diference.

Thanks

Mud

Pan Mass appears to still be accepting registrations and sounds very interesting, but I can't ride that day - I'm in a wedding.

Your own, or someone else's? :p

I think there's one called recycle a bicycle in NYC.

Ricardo

I just did a ride last month for the American Diabetes Association. They put on the "Tour De Cure" series. As with cancer, Diabetes has a huge impact on our society.

What about Trips for Kids?

http://www.tripsforkids.org/national/

My little sister was diagnosed with Multiple Scolerosis this week. I am going to start looking into rides to benefit MS patients. I image they would love a donation. Can you split the donation up or does it all have to go to one charity?

Today marks my 3 year anniversary at my current, and first, employer. I was given a $1000 grant to donate to the Charity of my choosing. They provide a list of suggested charities, but they're full of the standards (Oxfam, American Red Cross, etc). I'd like to give my $1000 to a more specific charity. I was thinking perhaps even one relating to cycling.

My only thought thus far is Livestrong. My mother finished chemo about a year ago, and my granfather died from cancer, so the cause is close to home. Are there other cycling related charities that I should look into - perhaps even one where $1000 would make their week, or even their month?

I was thinking of donating to MassBike, but I'm not sure that would be allowed. They are non-profit, but are largely a political advocacy group. I didn't read anything that said it wouldn't be allowed, but I don't think they'd be crazy about the idea. They must aprove it...

check this out

www.rideoflove.com

Here is one for you to look at, Cyclist Combating Cancer, they seem to have aligned with LAF, but still serve cyclist who have cancer. http://www.ridetolive.org/

Another is the Davis Phinney Foundation, I don't have a link for that one.

Good for you, you seem to be working for a great organization.