Applications are now open for 2024 Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day mini-grants! Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day honors the living legacy of civil rights activist Ruby Bridges. In 1960, six-year-old Ruby Bridges etched her name in history when she integrated all-white William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans. Since then, Ruby has become a national icon for her courageous action. Every November 14th, we celebrate Ruby’s courageous and historic act by encouraging students to walk to school and engaging in a day of dialogue about activism, anti-racism, and anti-bullying. The goal is to inspire kids to make positive changes in their school and community.
We are excited to offer grants in the amounts of $500 and $1000 to support your Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day celebrations this Fall. Submissions are due by Friday, September 13, 2024. Grants will be awarded by Friday, October 4, 2024.
Apply here: 2024 Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day Mini-Grant Application
Register your Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day event: The Ruby Bridges Foundation
Please review our grant eligibility guidelines before submitting your application:
Grant Eligibility Guidelines
- Eligible Applicants
- Local governments
- Public school/system
- Nonprofits with 501c3 status (individuals can partner with community organizations, PTA/Os, etc. with nonprofit status)
- Open to Safe Routes to School programs (cities, schools, districts, counties, and regional entities)
- Community partners (non-profits, libraries, PTA/PTO/caregiver groups, artists)
- Event Requirements
- Funds must be used to support a Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day event on November 14, 2024
- Projects must align with the goals of Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day:
- Promote constructive dialogue about activism, anti-racism, and anti-bullying, and
- Inspire young people to make positive changes in their community
- Funding Allocation
- Awards will be distributed based on the number of students reached.
- $500 grants will be awarded for events reaching less than 400 students.
- $1000 grants will be awarded for events reaching 400 students or more.
- Awards will be distributed based on the number of students reached.
- Reporting
- As a final report, grantees must submit a brief summary of how funds were used and share stories, photos/videos, media, or resolutions/proclamations passed with SRP
- Schools and communities celebrating Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day for the first time are encouraged to apply.
- Funds can be used for, but not limited to, some of the following ideas:
- Incentives and giveaways
- Printing costs – posters, handouts, banners
- Supplies for students to make banners, posters
- StoryWalk® Supplies
- Stipends for staff/volunteer organizing
- Books about Ruby Bridges, activism, anti-bullying, anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Guest speakers and presentation
- Educational workshops and activities
- Art, photo, or essay contests
- T-shirts, badges, or other commemorative items (bookmarks, pins, wristbands)
- Food and refreshments
- Media Roundtable
For additional questions, please email kori@saferoutespartnership.org
To register for the 2024 Celebrating Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day webinar, please visit our webinar webpage with more information.