Our Approach

We Put Youth
First

Our focus on youth programs fosters change across age groups and entire communities.

American Indian-Led

Our leadership is committed to preserving the traditions, languages and sanctity of American Indian communities.

We Help Where Needed Most

Rather than coming into a community and announcing what we will do, we listen to what our partners tell us they need.

Billy Mills

Billy Mills, Oglala Lakota (Sioux) is Running Strong’s National Spokesperson. An Olympic gold medalist at the 1964 Olympics, Billy has dedicated his life to serving Native American communities.

Program Spotlight

Clean Water

When Running Strong for American Indian Youth® was formed in 1986, getting clean, safe drinking water to the residents of Pine Ridge was one of our top priorities. Previously, Running Strong satisfied this need by drilling water wells. However, the need for wells declined as the Oglala Sioux Rural Water Supply System was created and water lines were laid providing access to water. This past year through Diné NaabehóTó (the Navajo People’s Water Challenge), Running Strong connected 13 households to water in these communities, providing 92 individuals with access to clean, running water.  

Dreamstarter

When Running Strong for American Indian Youth® was formed in 1986, getting clean, safe drinking water to the residents of Pine Ridge was one of our top priorities. Previously, Running Strong satisfied this need by drilling water wells. However, the need for wells declined as the Oglala Sioux Rural Water Supply System was created and water lines were laid providing access to water.

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November is Native American Heritage Month—a time to honor and learn from the rich traditions, culture, and stories of Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian peoples. Central to these traditions is their profound relationship with food and land, developed over countless generations through sustainable practices of gathering, hunting, farming, and fishing.

Today, food insecurity remains a real challenge in Native communities. But there's hope. ❤️

We're working to change this story through:

🌾 Emergency food assistance reaching thousands of families

🌱 Teaching sustainable home gardening

🥗 Providing fresh produce through mobile markets

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Supporting children with school & summer meals

Native communities are reclaiming their food sovereignty. Families are growing their own gardens, sharing traditional knowledge, and even selling surplus produce at local markets!

Will you join us in honoring Native American Heritage Month with a contribution that supports both immediate food security and lasting food sovereignty for Native communities?
runningstrong.harnessgiving.org/donate/?checkout=9224&campaign_id=13300&selected-method=one-time&...
... See MoreSee Less

November is Native American Heritage Month—a time to honor and learn from the rich traditions, culture, and stories of Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian peoples. Central to these traditions is their profound relationship with food and land, developed over countless generations through sustainable practices of gathering, hunting, farming, and fishing.

Today, food insecurity remains a real challenge in Native communities. But theres hope. ❤️

Were working to change this story through:

🌾 Emergency food assistance reaching thousands of families

🌱 Teaching sustainable home gardening

🥗 Providing fresh produce through mobile markets

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Supporting children with school & summer meals

Native communities are reclaiming their food sovereignty. Families are growing their own gardens, sharing traditional knowledge, and even selling surplus produce at local markets!

Will you join us in honoring Native American Heritage Month with a contribution that supports both immediate food security and lasting food sovereignty for Native communities?
https://runningstrong.harnessgiving.org/donate/?checkout=9224&campaign_id=13300&selected-method=one-time&amount=50

🎃 Halloween magic is happening at Pine Ridge! The Oyate Ta Kola Ku Community Center (Oyate Teca Project) is buzzing with excitement tonight for our special Trunk or Treat! ✨

Yesterday's costume contest and zombie walk was just the warm-up! 👻 Families from all across the reservation have come together to celebrate, and we couldn't be more grateful! 🧡

To our amazing Running Strong supporters - you make these magical moments possible for our native children! Though you may never visit, your kindness fills these halls with joy every single day. 🙏
... See MoreSee Less

🎃 Halloween magic is happening at Pine Ridge! The Oyate Ta Kola Ku Community Center (Oyate Teca Project) is buzzing with excitement tonight for our special Trunk or Treat! ✨

Yesterdays costume contest and zombie walk was just the warm-up! 👻 Families from all across the reservation have come together to celebrate, and we couldnt be more grateful! 🧡

To our amazing Running Strong supporters - you make these magical moments possible for our native children! Though you may never visit, your kindness fills these halls with joy every single day. 🙏

This month, with your support, we’ve made strides for Native communities!

🌽 Doubling Down on Hunger Relief: We expanded food distribution, delivering over 1,700 food boxes to families across Pine Ridge, Crow Nation, Cheyenne River, and our new partner in Brushy Cherokee, Oklahoma.

💧 Critical Water Connections: We're connecting three more Pine Ridge families to clean, running water before winter hits, bringing essential resources to those still waiting.

🏃 Honoring Billy Mills in Italy: The Cinque Mulini race celebrated Billy’s legacy, inspiring youth to follow his path and raising funds for our mission.

💪 Empowering Entrepreneurs: Small business training and micro-loans are equipping Pine Ridge residents to launch their ventures, from food trucks to quill work.

🏅 30 Mile Challenge Success: Supporters logged thousands of miles, raising $7,500 for Native youth programs!

👶 Supporting New Moms: In partnership with T-Mobile Foundation, we provided maternal care kits to the Piscataway Conoy Tribe, ensuring new mothers have essentials for their journey.

Thank you for helping us make a difference! 💙
... See MoreSee Less

This month, with your support, we’ve made strides for Native communities!

🌽 Doubling Down on Hunger Relief: We expanded food distribution, delivering over 1,700 food boxes to families across Pine Ridge, Crow Nation, Cheyenne River, and our new partner in Brushy Cherokee, Oklahoma.

💧 Critical Water Connections: Were connecting three more Pine Ridge families to clean, running water before winter hits, bringing essential resources to those still waiting.

🏃 Honoring Billy Mills in Italy: The Cinque Mulini race celebrated Billy’s legacy, inspiring youth to follow his path and raising funds for our mission.

💪 Empowering Entrepreneurs: Small business training and micro-loans are equipping Pine Ridge residents to launch their ventures, from food trucks to quill work.

🏅 30 Mile Challenge Success: Supporters logged thousands of miles, raising $7,500 for Native youth programs!

👶 Supporting New Moms: In partnership with T-Mobile Foundation, we provided maternal care kits to the Piscataway Conoy Tribe, ensuring new mothers have essentials for their journey.

Thank you for helping us make a difference! 💙Image attachmentImage attachment+2Image attachment

This summer, the prestigious Cinque Mulini cross-country race in San Vittore Olona, Italy, honored our co-founder — Olympic Gold Medalist Billy Mills with a heartfelt “Student Edition” of the race. Children from across the region walked through the historic five mills — retracing the path Billy Mills himself once raced.

Billy spoke to the young participants, sharing inspiring words and copies of his book, Wings of an Eagle. To cap off the special day, the community gathered for a fundraising dinner in support of Billy’s nonprofit, Running Strong, and presented him with a golden certificate honoring his lifelong impact. Proceeds from this race will empower Native American youth, bridging cultures and building solidarity.

In Billy's own words:

"What moved me most is seeing how my dream of supporting Native American Youth transcends borders and crosses oceans. Your kindness shows how deeply connected we all are through the spirit of sport and humanity.”

Thank you, Cinque Mulini, for showing the power of unity and generosity. Together, we are Running Strong! 🙏💙
... See MoreSee Less

This summer, the prestigious Cinque Mulini cross-country race in San Vittore Olona, Italy, honored our co-founder — Olympic Gold Medalist Billy Mills  with a heartfelt “Student Edition” of the race. Children from across the region walked through the historic five mills — retracing the path Billy Mills himself once raced.

Billy spoke to the young participants, sharing inspiring words and copies of his book, Wings of an Eagle. To cap off the special day, the community gathered for a fundraising dinner in support of Billy’s nonprofit, Running Strong, and presented him with a golden certificate honoring his lifelong impact. Proceeds from this race will empower Native American youth, bridging cultures and building solidarity.

In Billys own words:

What moved me most is seeing how my dream of supporting Native American Youth transcends borders and crosses oceans. Your kindness shows how deeply connected we all are through the spirit of sport and humanity.”

Thank you, Cinque Mulini, for showing the power of unity and generosity. Together, we are Running Strong! 🙏💙Image attachmentImage attachment+1Image attachment

Running Strong has been chosen as a finalist for the Anthem Awards! 🏆 We are honored and thrilled to be recognized for our work empowering Native youth and communities. Now, we need your help to celebrate this achievement! 🌟

To show support, visit celebrate.anthemawards.com and click 'celebrate' to cast your vote. Voting ends on Thursday October 21st!

#AnthemAwards #RunningStrong #NativeYouth #Empowerment #VoteNow"
... See MoreSee Less

Running Strong has been chosen as a finalist for the Anthem Awards! 🏆 We are honored and thrilled to be recognized for our work empowering Native youth and communities. Now, we need your help to celebrate this achievement! 🌟

To show support, visit celebrate.anthemawards.com and click celebrate to cast your vote. Voting ends on Thursday October 21st!

#AnthemAwards #RunningStrong #NativeYouth #Empowerment #VoteNow

In rural communities, Native students face unique challenges that can limit their educational opportunities. At Running Strong, we’re working to change that by equipping Native students with the resources they need to excel.

Our teacher grants are creating meaningful change by making education engaging and inclusive once again. Through these grants, we are:

📋 Improving school attendance

🌍 Building cultural connections that foster pride and strengthen identity

📚 Supporting literacy

🏫 Providing safe after-school spaces for tutoring, meals, and mentorship

Take the story of Kristina Hyatt, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, who used her grant to establish a Homework Club in her community. Or Meredith Schramm from Utah, who introduced traditional regalia to her classroom, teaching students cultural dances they later performed with pride at a school assembly.

Your support can help us continue expanding opportunities for Native students. 🌱 Donate today to empower young minds with the tools to learn, grow, and succeed.

runningstrong.harnessgiving.org/donate/?checkout=9284&campaign_id=13383&selected-method=one-time&...
... See MoreSee Less

In rural communities, Native students face unique challenges that can limit their educational opportunities. At Running Strong, we’re working to change that by equipping Native students with the resources they need to excel.

Our teacher grants are creating meaningful change by making education engaging and inclusive once again. Through these grants, we are:

📋 Improving school attendance

🌍 Building cultural connections that foster pride and strengthen identity

📚 Supporting literacy

🏫 Providing safe after-school spaces for tutoring, meals, and mentorship

Take the story of Kristina Hyatt, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, who used her grant to establish a Homework Club in her community. Or Meredith Schramm from Utah, who introduced traditional regalia to her classroom, teaching students cultural dances they later performed with pride at a school assembly.

Your support can help us continue expanding opportunities for Native students. 🌱 Donate today to empower young minds with the tools to learn, grow, and succeed.

https://runningstrong.harnessgiving.org/donate/?checkout=9284&campaign_id=13383&selected-method=one-time&amount=50Image attachmentImage attachment
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