Strava and For All Mothers+ Award $100,000 to Moms via 50 “Childcare So They Can Get Out There” Grants to Offset the Motherhood Penalty and Increase Mom Representation at Race Events
WHO:
Strava, the app for active people.
For All Mothers+, a non-profit working to eliminate the Motherhood Penalty by making sports more accessible to moms.
WHAT:
During Mother’s Week 2025, Strava and For All Mothers+ announced live on Good Morning America that they were looking for 50 mothers to award “Childcare So They Can Get Out There” Grants, each valued at $2,000, to help eliminate the motherhood penalty in sport and the barriers keeping moms from participating in race events.
The nationwide search drew more than 900 applicants across 49 states. Recipients were notified of their selection status on July 1 and are committed to using the grant to defray the disproportionate costs associated with childcare, travel & lodging, and support to train for and participate in races this year.
WHY IT MATTERS:
The overwhelming response to this grant proves the critical role childcare plays in parent participation, which further supports the findings of For All Mothers+’s research study released earlier this year, in partnership with Carleton University’s Health & Wellness Equity Research Group, with funding from Strava.
“The Race Towards Equity and Accessibility for Pregnant and Parenting Runners” Study identified “the lack of childcare” as one of the top three reasons why surveyed parents cannot register for race events, with 66% of them citing it as a barrier.
Responses from applicants highlight the need:
400+ are training for one or more marathons
65+ are training for one or more ultramarathons (more than 26.2 miles)
80+ participate in endurance sports outside of running, including triathlon, cycling, swimming, mountain biking, obstacle course racing, HYROX, competitive soccer, and even curling
Applicants ranged from first-timers chasing their first marathon, to PR/time-qualifier seekers, to athletes representing all the moms out there on the world stage
45+ stated that they were single moms in need of extra support
The average age of children among applicants was just 2.6 years old
The top marathons cited by applicants as races they would like to participate in, or qualify for this year, include:
Bank of America Chicago Marathon
TCS New York City Marathon (2026)
California International Marathon
Every Woman’s Marathon
Boston Marathon (2026)
QUOTES:
“This program shows how a practical, targeted investment – like support with childcare – can directly impact a mother’s ability to train, compete, and pursue her goals without compromising who she is,” said Alysia Montaño, founder of For All Mothers+. “We are working to break down the structural barriers that mothers in sport face, from lack of family support infrastructure to outdated policies. We are proud to partner with Strava in helping 50 moms reclaim space for their ambitions while reshaping the narrative around what motherhood in sport can look like.”
“Our Social Impact initiatives reflect our commitment to advancing equity for women in movement and sport,” said Brian Bell, Vice President of Communications & Social Impact. “Partnering with For All Mothers+ is a meaningful step forward in that mission. Through the Childcare So They Can Get Out There grants, we’re proud to help more moms get to the starting line and we remain focused on driving lasting change through the programs we support and the product features we create.”
WHAT’S NEXT:
Collaboratively, Strava and For All Mothers+ will highlight on social the 50 grantees’ sports journeys and the critical difference childcare makes in their pursuit of health and athletic ambitions.
HOW TO HELP:
If you would like to support more opportunities like this and For All Mothers+’ family standardization work, please submit an inquiry, make a donation, or join their Every Woman’s Marathon charity team.
About Strava
Strava is the app for active people. With over 150 million athletes in more than 185 countries, it’s more than tracking workouts—it’s where people make progress together, from new habits to new personal bests. No matter your sport or how you track it, Strava’s got you covered. Find your crew, crush your goals, and make every effort count. Start your journey with Strava today. Join the Strava Club or follow Strava on Instagram, X, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn. Visit www.strava.com for more information.
Press contact: press@strava.com
About For All Mothers+
For All Mothers+ (formerly &Mother) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit on a mission to eliminate the Motherhood Penalty – the phenomenon by which women face economic, social, and health disadvantages after becoming mothers. Founded on Mother’s Day 2020 by Track & Field Olympic Medalist and mother of three, Alysia Montaño, we are breaking down barriers that limit mothers and building a world where they can thrive in pursuit of health, career, and personal ambition. Through the lens of sports, we drive investment, policy reform, and cultural influence, setting a new standard for how mothers are supported across industries. Learn more at www.forallmothers.org and follow @forallmothersorg on Instagram.
Press contact: hello@forallmothers.org