Program Fees
Building confidence and setting young girls down the path of a healthy lifestyle is PRICELESS! However, there are real costs associated with operating a non-profit organization and delivering the Girls on the Run program to approximately 4,000 girls in the Greater St. Louis area each year.
The actual out-of-pocket cost for Girls on the Run as an organization is approximately $150 per girl for the twice per week, ten-week program. This $150 covers the direct costs of one child’s participation. Our council serves a large territory with a diverse population and we want to price our program so it is affordable to all families. Therefore we offer fees on a sliding scale (ranging from $25 to $150) so the program is more affordable to more girls. Please see below for further information regarding our fee structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the registration fee go?
The tangible items each girl receives with her program fee include:
- 20 lessons (each approximately 75 – 90 minutes) conducted by trained Girls on the Run coaches
- An official Girls on the Run program T-shirt
- A healthy snack at each practice
- Participation in the New Balance Girls on the Run 5k
- A water bottle
- A 5k finisher’s medal
How does Girls on the Run St. Louis generate revenue?
Do you offer scholarships?
Yes. It is the mission of Girls on the Run St. Louis to offer our program to all girls who desire to participate, regardless of their financial status. Families who are unable to pay the program registration fees will be awarded financial assistance based on their income. In 2010, Girls on the Run St. Louis awarded $173,537 in scholarships and plans to award $360,000 for the 2011-2012 school year. To date we have never had to turn a girl away for financial reasons.
Who is eligible for a scholarship?
Any registered Girls on the Run participant is eligible for a scholarship, regardless of the program fee at her school. While assistance is awarded based on annual income and number of people living in your household, special circumstances that contribute to a request for financial assistance are certainly considered. Please know that we request all scholarship recipients to pay a portion of the program fee, however nominal that may be, so there is buy-in and a sense of pride and ownership.
Scholarship requests can be made during the online registration process. Documentation of your most recently filed w2 or tax return is required. You will either need to upload an electronic copy or mail a hard copy to the Girls on the Run office.
Why are program fees different at different schools/sites?
While Girls on the Run must charge a program fee to ensure the sustainability of the program, we recognize that not everyone can afford the full $150 fee. Our council serves a large territory with a diverse population and we want to price our program so it is affordable to all families. Therefore we offer fees on a sliding scale (ranging from $25 to $150) so the program is more affordable to more girls. Schools have different demographics, so the fee is set up to be in line with a school’s student population. We also understand that even within a school there may be differences in families’ economic situations, which is why we offer scholarships regardless of the program fee at a girl’s school.
How is the fee determined?
Consultants from Washington University’s Olin Business School helped us develop a model to fairly and objectively determine the appropriate fee at a given school. We run several economic data points through a regression analysis to give us the appropriate fee at each school.
Does the program fee I pay subsidize other girls’ program fees?
No, the program fee each individual pays is used to cover the costs of the program for that individual girl. Girls on the Run St. Louis actively fundraises and through the generosity of individuals, corporations, foundations and grants, we are able to provide scholarships and subsidize the program fee for girls who exhibit financial need. However, many families are in a position to make a donation to our scholarship fund. We appreciate the generosity of parents and other individuals who help make our scholarship program possible by donating via the program registration form, online or by participating in fundraisers we put on.
Do you offer a sibling discount?
Yes. If you have more than one daughter participating in Girls on the Run or Girls on Track, you may pay the full program fee for the first daughter and half of the program fee for any additional children.
Note- Parents cannot request a scholarship and use a sibling discount code. They must choose to either apply for a scholarship or use the sibling discount, not both.
What options do I have to pay the program fee?
Fall 2011 will be our first season moving to online registration. All major credit cards are accepted. You may also pay with a check (made out to Girls on the Run St. Louis), cash or money order. If you would like to pay the program fee in installments, please contact the Girls on the Run St. Louis office to initiate a payment plan that works for you.
Do coaches have to pay for their daughters if they participate in the program?
We offer one coach’s scholarship per team. If multiple coaches have daughters in the program, they can split the one scholarship between coaches if desired. The scholarship does not need to be used by the head coach and you don’t have to use it at all. If none of the coaches have daughters on their team or they don’t need to use the scholarship there is no need to “gift” the scholarship to a girl in need, our regular scholarship form/process will take care of any girl who needs financial assistance.
Can program fees be refunded?
Girls on the Run will refund 50% of the registration fee if requested in writing prior to the fourth lesson of the Girls on the Run program. No refunds will be issued after the fourth lesson. If a site is cancelled due to insufficient interest or registration, the full registration fee will be refunded.
When is the program fee due?
Credit cards will be processed once a girl has been confirmed on a team (after August 29). If the mail by check option was selected during the online registration process, payment is due by September 12.
Is Girls on the Run St. Louis a non-profit and what is the organization’s relationship to Girls on the Run International?
Yes, Girls on the Run is a non-profit organization. Girls on the Run St. Louis is a council of Girls on Run International, but operates as an independent 501(c)3. Girls on the Run St. Louis does not receive financial support from Girls on the Run International, but we do pay dues to Girls on the Run International to deliver the program.
Will I have to pay anything else throughout the course of a Girls on the Run season?
You should be aware that we highly encourage each girl to have a running buddy at the 5k event and that running buddy’s race registration is not included in the program registration fee. Whether it’s a parent, relative, neighbor or friend who runs with your daughter at the race, they are expected to register for the 5k, which costs $25 for early registration and $30 for late registration. Your daughter’s race registration is included in the program fee. In addition, some schools may request a small amount of money to help pay for food at your end-of-season banquet.
