Thank you for your interest in the 2025 Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day. This annual celebration honors Ruby’s courage and highlights the importance of anti-racism, kindness, and community connection.
You Talked, We Listened!
In response to community feedback, we are pleased to share the application questions in advance to help schools and organizations prepare. While the application will officially open on August 4, we hope this early release of questions gives you the time and clarity you need to plan a meaningful event.
Mini-grants of $500 and $1,000 will be available to support local celebrations. We look forward to seeing the creative and impactful ways you bring Ruby’s legacy to life in your community.
Register for the 2025 Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day webinar
View information and photos from the 2024 Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day
The mini-grant application opens on August 4 and closes August 22, 2025. The application opening will be announced on all social media channels and this page.
Eligibility and Guidelines
Thank you for your interest in hosting a Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day event! Please review our grant eligibility guidelines and funding ideas below before completing your application. Submissions are due by Friday, August 22, 2025 at 11:59 Pacific Time. Grants will be awarded by Friday, October 4, 2025. You may request a grant in amount of $500 or $1000. Award amounts will be determined 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 more than 400 students
***For communities in Alaska, Arizona, Montana, Nevada, Northern California, Utah, and Wyoming: Please apply to the Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day grant program offered by AAA Mountain West Group - details available online. For questions, reach out to communityimpact@mwg.aaa.com
Grant Eligibility Guidelines
- 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)
- We will prioritize first-time celebrations and communities that did not receive mini-grants in 2024
Event Requirements
- Funds must be used to support a Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day event on or around November 14, 2025
- Projects must align with the goals of Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day: 1) Promote constructive dialogue about activism, anti-racism, and anti-bullying, and 2) Inspire young people to make positive changes in their community
Funding Allocation
- $500 grants will be awarded for events reaching less than 400 students
- $1000 grants will be awarded for events reaching more than 400 students
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 the Safe Routes Partnership
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
Register your Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day Event: The Ruby Bridges Foundation
Visit our website to learn more about planning a Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day event. For additional questions, please email kori@saferoutespartnership.org
Mini-Grant Application Questions
About You
- Applicant First Name
- Applicant Last Name
- Organization
- Applicant Title
- Email Address
- Phone Number
School Information
- Participating School or School District
- School Address (Street Number, Street Name, City, State, Zip)
- Add additional school names and addresses below
Project Information
- Have you hosted a Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day celebration before? [Y/N]
- Will your celebration reach more than one school? [Y/N]
- Will your celebration serve a Title 1 school? [Y/N/Maybe]
- How much funding are you requesting?
- Approximately how many students will you reach?
- 1–399 students OR [check]
- More than 400 students [check]
- Describe your planned celebration and how the grant funds will support your event. (Limit: one paragraph)
- What is the age group of the students for the celebration?
- If awarded, I will provide our EIN. [Y/N]
- What is an EIN? The Employer Identification Number is a nine-digit number for business entities. Your school’s front office or business manager can provide this.
- If awarded, I will provide our 501(c)(3) designation form or local government certification form. [Y/N]
Questions before the application opens? We're happy to help!