2026 CHILDCARE GRANTS
Helping moms get to the starting line
25 Grantees. Holistic Support.
Applicants must:
Be a mother based in the United States
Intent to participate in a race or movement event by June 2027
Demonstrate how caregiving barriers impact their participation
Key Dates
Applications open: May 27, 2026
Applications close: June 10, 2026
Recipients notified: July 20, 2026
The hardest part about training as a mom isn’t motivation; it’s childcare.
For many moms, the desire to race postpartum is still there. The challenge is all the barriers that suddenly appear once you become a mom: lactation and childcare logistics, multiplied travel costs, adjusting training and nutrition for your new postpartum body, and the uncertainty of whether your needs will be supported once you get to the race.
These are the barriers we identified in our research study with Carleton University: The Race Towards Equity for Pregnant and Parenting Runners.
of parents reported that pregnancy and/or their role as a parent or guardian has prevented them from participating in a race.
83%
cite that the lack of childcare is the primary reason why they can’t participate in races.
66%
have skipped races due to concerns about breastfeeding or pumping logistics.
40%
The story of your past reveals the realities of motherhood; the story of your future shows how we can change outcomes with the right support.
In 2025, mothers from nearly all 50 states shared their stories with us. Personal narratives highlighted:
Returning to racing after pregnancy and postpartum recovery
Pursuing their first finish lines
Chasing PRs and qualification standards
Proving that motherhood and ambition can coexist
“We know that movement has positive effects, both physically and mentally. We want mothers to know their needs are valid. Support should exist without requiring sacrifice. You do not have to navigate these barriers alone.
We continue this critical partnership with Strava to meet mothers where they are, to bring them back to the starting line, to empower their motherhood, and activate their ability to thrive. Not just so they can get to the start line, but to the finish line too.”
-Alysia Montaño, Founder of For All Mothers+
You are Worth the Starting Line
Motherhood changes your life, but it shouldn’t end your athletic journey. If childcare, logistics, or finances have kept you from racing, this grant exists for you.