Community

Scholarships

In service of its mission to promote the health and fitness of the youth of Santa Cruz County through running, the Wharf to Wharf Foundation awards scholarships to four graduating high school seniors who have distinguished themselves in track & field or cross country, and plan to compete at the college level.

HOWARD MARCUS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS

Since 1989, the Howard Marcus Memorial Scholarship has recognized two graduating seniors – one boy and one girl – with outstanding running careers. Howard Marcus was a longtime member of the Wharf to Wharf Race organizing committee, a family man, basketball coach, attorney, author, and supporter of youth track & field. In 1983, he founded the Star Track Club, precursor to today’s Santa Cruz Track Club. He was a major force behind making the dream of Santa Cruz County’s first all-weather track a reality at Soquel High School in 1986.

Howard Marcus Scholarships in amount $4,000 per year, renewable for three years, are payable to the four-year college or university of the awardee’s election, on behalf of the awardee in good standing on the college’s  inter-scholastic track or cross country team, and plan to compete at the college level..

Applicant requirements for the Howard Marcus scholarship:

• Santa Cruz County high school student
• Participation in a high school track & field or cross country program within Santa Cruz County
• Minimum 3.0 high school GPA
• Plans to continue participating in track & field or cross country at a four-year college or university

Qualified applicants are required to apply via the Google Form Link Below:

Howard Marcus Memorial Scholarship APPLICATION

Applications must be received no later than May 5

OTIS CHANDLER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS

Since 2006, Wharf to Wharf Race Inc. has awarded the Otis Chandler Memorial Scholarship to two graduating Santa Cruz County high school seniors, one boy and one girl. Otis Chandler was a world class track & field athlete, an early advocate of strength training, and a USA Olympic Team qualifier who rose to journalistic acclaim as publisher of the Los Angeles Times. A lifelong health and fitness aficionado, he often cited the lessons learned as a student-athlete for his personal and professional successes. Accordingly, the scholarships awarded in his name are intended to encourage their recipients to continue participating in track & field or cross country.

Otis Chandler Scholarships in amount $4,000 per year, renewable for a second year, are payable to the college or university of the awardee’s election, on behalf of the awardee in good standing. This scholarship takes into consideration education performance, athletic performance, and financial need of the student.

Applicant requirements for the Otis Chandler Scholarship:

• Santa Cruz County high school student
• Participation in a high school track & field or cross country program within Santa Cruz County
• Accepted into a two- or four-year institution of higher learning
• Demonstrated commitment to lifetime fitness

This scholarship takes into consideration education performance, athletic performance, and financial need of student.

Qualified applicants are required to apply via the Google Form Link Below:

Otis Chandler Memorial Scholarship APPLICATION

Applications must be received no later than May 5.

WHARF TO WHARF SCHOLARSHIP ALUMNI

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

2000

1999

1998

1997

1996

1995

1994

1993

1992

1991

1990

1989

Grants & Special Projects

2026 Grant Application Form – Click Here

I. Overview

The Wharf to Wharf is proud to offer annual grant funding to community-based programs and projects that aim to increase access to youth running opportunities in Santa Cruz County. Annual grantmaking aims to fund a range of programs and projects that support and encourage a wide range of activities that support this mission.

A Call for Applications will be released twice per year. Applicants will be contacted directly if they are selected.  

See below for application dates:

Call for Applications #1:  

– May 25, 2026 Application Deadline

– Review at June Board Meeting and announcing awardees by middle of June.

Call for Applications #2:  

– December 31, 2026 Application Deadline

– Review at January Board Meeting and announcing awardees by middle of January.

II. Purpose of the Grant

The goal of this funding opportunity is to support programs and projects that align with Wharf to Wharf’s core mission to improve the health and fitness of youth in Santa Cruz County through running. Grants are available for programs and projects that engage youth in running. We are especially interested in programs that:

• Increase youth access to running opportunities.
• Provide support for school based track and cross county athletics
• Provide opportunities for all interested students to participate in track and cross county regardless of ability to pay 
• Serve youth populations with limited access to running, including underserved or at-risk youth.
• Engage youth in meaningful and long-term behavior change related to health and wellness.

III. Eligible Projects

Eligible projects for this grant must focus on one or more of the following areas:

1. Team Equipment and Supplies
   1. • Track & Field and Cross Country equipment for required for all events
      • a fund for middle and high school track and cross coaches in Santa Cruz County to purchase shoes, snacks, water, and necessary gear for all interested students to be able to participate in Cross Country and Track & Field regardless of economic circumstances 
      • If team supplies and equipment is for an after school program or specific event, please consider “Youth Running Programs and Events” category
      • Maximum funding request: $3,000 per school

2.  Youth Running Programs and Events

1. • Sponsorship of school based events, including Walk- and Jog-a-thons
   • International Games
   • Education events supporting student athletes
   • After-school running programs.
   • Summer camps, clinics, and running skill-building programs for youth.
   • Santa Cruz Track Club
   • Similar programs to provide access and encouragement for youth running in Santa Cruz County
   • Maximum funding request: $3,000 per school or program

3.  High School Track and Cross County Support

1. • Medals and awards
   • Program support for uniforms, equipment and travel
   • Support for meets and events
   • Other program support as identified by coaching staff
   • Maximum funding request: $3,000 per year

4. Capital Projects and Large Equipment 

• • Matching funds for track and track-related expenses
  • Gap closure funds
  • Large equipment items: pole vault pits, high jump pits, hurdle sets, etc
  • Funds to upgrade existing infrastructure
  • Maximum funding request: Will be reviewed on a case by case basis

Please contact scott@wharftowharf.com for further information. 

IV. Eligibility Criteria

1. Applicant Organizations
   
   • Must have a proven track record of working with youth or a demonstrated ability to launch youth-centered programs.
   • Eligible applicants include schools, youth-serving organizations, community groups, and local government entities.
2. Eligible Participants
   • Programs should serve youth under 18 years old in Santa Cruz County.
   • Special consideration will be given to projects that serve populations and locations not previously funded
3. Program Requirements
   
   • Programs should have measurable outcomes, such as improved physical fitness, increased knowledge of healthy living, or enhanced mental well-being.
   • Ability to provide invoicing and reporting to Wharf to Wharf for expended funds

V. Funding Amount

• The total funding available for this round of grants is $100,000
• Individual grants will range from $2,000 to $50,000.
• Funding may cover direct program costs, including personnel, supplies, equipment, and other program-related expenses.
   

VI. Application Process

1. Submission Deadline:
   
   • Call for Applications #1:
     • May 25, 2026 Application Deadline
     • Review at June Board Meeting and announcing awardees by middle of June. 
   • Call for Applications #2:
     • December 15, 2026 Application Deadline
     • Review at January Board Meeting and announcing awardees by middle of January. 

    

2. Application Form:
   Applicants must complete the Grant Application Form. The form requires the following information:
   • Description of the program/project.
   • Goals and objectives related to running for youth.
   • Target population and how the project will serve them.
   • A budget outlining how grant funds will be used.
   • A timeline for implementation.
   • A plan for evaluating the effectiveness of the program/project.
   • A statement of organizational capacity and experience working with youth.

3. Submission:
Completed applications should be submitted via the form on our website by the application deadline.

VII. Review and Selection Process

• All applications will be reviewed by the Wharf to Wharf board.
• Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
  • Alignment with Wharf to Wharf mission to enhance the health and fitness of youth through running.
  • Applicant need
  • Expected impact on youth participants and the community.
  • Clear plan for delivering program outcomes.
• Successful applicants will be contacted directly for next steps

VIII. Reporting and Accountability

• Grant recipients will be required to submit a final project memo detailing the impact of their program. This memo is intended to be a high level overview and should include:
  • The number of youth served.
  • Key program outcomes and successes
  • Photos (as applicable)

IX. Wharf to Wharf  Sponsorship 

Wharf to Wharf is proud to sponsor community-based programs and projects that aim to increase access to youth running opportunities in Santa Cruz County. For awarded projects, Wharf to Wharf will provide the official logo to be used in the following manner for grant funded projects:

• Any assets or items that require custom printing must include Wharf to Wharf logo. 
• All capital and large equipment purchases shall have Wharf to Wharf logo. 
• All events shall include credit to Wharf to Wharf for sponsorship in any marketing collateral. Please work with Wharf to Wharf race director on specific items.  
• School uniforms are not required to have Wharf to Wharf logo

X. Questions and Additional Information

For any questions or additional information about the application process or eligible activities, please contact:

CONTACT
Email: scott@wharftowharf.com
Phone: 831-346-9450
Website: wharftowharf.com

We look forward to receiving your application and supporting your efforts to enhance the health and wellness of youth in Santa Cruz County through running!