Charities

The Portland Marathon Going the Distance Foundation

Donations to The Portland Marathon Going the Distance Foundation are used in two ways:

1. As independent donations to a variety of local charities and organizations

Through the Going The Distance Foundation and the Marathon Direct Giving Program, many direct donations are given by the event to our volunteer groups.

The Portland Marathon recruits over 4,500 volunteers annually to assist with our event. Our volunteer program has served as a vehicle for providing school and organizational credit and experience for a host of local charities, nonprofits, sport, school, and service clubs. It also provides a wonderful sense of community for so many who come to Portland to participate in the events of the Portland Marathon. Volunteer teams have fun, work together and benefit from being involved in a great community event. The Direct Giving Program provides an ability to earn not only experience, but also a donation for volunteering.

The Portland Marathon welcomes volunteers from local charities, nonprofits, schools, service clubs, scouting groups, school sports teams and clubs, athletic teams and school projects such as post graduation parties. Also included are civic related projects such as trail and park clean up, programs to help the needy and general charity fund raising. Volunteer Teams are not required to participate in the Direct Giving Program. However, to be eligible as a Direct Giving Team, a group must be comprised of at least 5 members. To see a complete program description and a list of previous recipients please click here to visit the Direct Giving Page.

Thank you for donating and/or fundraising for our unique program and allowing us to utilize financial resources to in turn help other charities, organizations and worthwhile causes. Each year the funds available to us vary, and the donations vary, accordingly. Each year we have many success stories shared with us on how the program continues to benefit others.

To make a one time donation, simply select the "donate and become a fundraiser" tab on the Going The Distance Foundation page. Click Here

To become a fundraiser, please indicate on the page that you wish to raise funds and an event representative will contact you to assist you in setting up a personalized fundraising electronic campaign.

2. As a platform for any Portland Marathon event participant or volunteer to raise funds for the charity of their choice, if not listed on our official charity list

To donate and or become a fundraiser, simply select "donate or fundraise now" on the Going The Distance Foundation page - Click Here. Complete the steps to make a one-time donation or customize a fundraising page. Designate which charity you are raising funds for. Funds will be distributed at the end of the season. If you are raising funds for an unofficial event charity, your donation will be presented to that charity with your name as the provider of the donation funds.

Please submit questions about the Going The Distance Foundation Program to info@portlandmarathon.org.