Rapha Foundation
Creating a pathway to the future of the sport.
Founded in 2019 with the mission of building a better future for cycling and cyclists, the Rapha Foundation now funds more than 20 organisations around the world committed to inspiring, empowering and supporting the next generation of riders and racers from under-represented communities in the sport. To date, the organisation has provided over $5 million of funding to 29 grantees around the world. Since its inception, 68% of funding has gone towards programs that help marginalised groups. Keep reading to find out more about each of the organisations in our growing community of grantees around the globe.
Existing Grantees
ABOUT THE RAPHA FOUNDATION
Rapha was established in 2004 to celebrate and promote cycling. Initially we did this by producing high quality road cycling clothing showcased in inspiring photography and stories. Since then, the company has expanded into many more product categories and established a thriving global community of cyclists. Rapha is fiercely ambitious about cycling, and we strive to see it become the most popular sport in the world. At the start of 2018, Rapha published the Roadmap following a two-year research project that investigated how the 'shop window' of cycling – that is, the professional sport – could be made more exciting and more valuable. The recommendations in the Roadmap guide all of Rapha's investments, starting with a new approach to team sponsorship and leading to the launch of our charitable foundation focused on the grassroots of the sport.
MORE INFORMATION ON FUNDING
WE FUND
Mission-aligned institutions – Applicants must be able to demonstrate their alignment with the mission and vision of the Rapha Foundation, as well as their broader commitment to advancing cycling within their work. Registered charities –US-based applicants must be Section 501(c)(3) public charities.
WE DO NOT FUND
Individuals – The foundation is unable to make grants directly to individuals. Unsolicited proposals - Staff strive to identify mission-aligned organizations, and thus do not accept unsolicited proposals.
WHERE WE FUND
Acknowledging the global footprint of cycling, the Rapha Foundation will support eligible charitable organizations based in and supporting communities in Asia/Pacific, the European Union, the United Kingdom and the United States.
LEGAL OVERVIEW
The Rapha Foundation is a donor advised fund at an independent US-based charitable organization. All grants are subject to the organization’s grantmaking guidelines and US rules and regulations for charitable donations (which apply to both domestic and international organizations.