MORGAN HILL, CA (BRAIN)—Specialized Bicycle Components has launched a new advocacy initiative that will pump $300,000 into locally-oriented, bicycle-related non-profit organizations through its U.S. dealer network in 2010.
The program, which went live with a new Web site November 1, is geared to help these organizations join forces with their local Specialized Bicycle dealer to receive funds that can be used in one of four different key advocacy categories:
• Wellness on Bikes
• Youth on Bikes
• Access for Bikes
• Bikes as Sustainable Transportation
Non-profit initiatives and organizations are encouraged to contact their local Specialized dealer directly and engage their participation in order to be considered for a grant.
Specialized will take applications directly from dealers that have either paired with non-for-profit organizations or other programs that fall within the four key advocacy categories. Dealers are encouraged to be proactive in seeking out local initiatives whose efforts they appreciate and also build upon relationships they have already established in their communities.
“Most Specialized dealers already partner with local advocacy groups and projects that make a difference in their community. Our idea with this program is to contribute financially so they can continue to make a difference at a local level. It also provides the dealer with an opportunity for a unique, positive outreach activity that can help promote their business in their community,” said Tara Moeller, Specialized USA marketing manager.
Each grant will go through an approval process and will be proportional to the scale, demands and potential community benefit of the individual proposal. Specialized will contribute up to 50 percent of the total cost of the project. The remaining funding will be the responsibility of the advocacy organization, the dealer and other contributors.
The Grant Seekers Guide, a how-to document on applying for the Specialized Dealer Grant Program, is available through Specialized.com under the Advocacy menu and the dealer-specific B2B site, while the grant application is only available via a link furnished directly to Specialized
dealers via the B2B site under Advocacy.
