How is your organization doing? Biggest highlight from 2024?
Our biggest highlight from 2024 was being named one of three recipients of the $50,000 Q-mmunity Gives Grant. While we reached a record high of 1,185 bikes donated in 2023, financial constraints forced us to scale back slightly in 2024. With your generous funding, we are on track to surpass the number of bikes given away in 2024 by the end of this year.
How has your organization grown in the past year?
Our bike distribution has grown tremendously, from 35 bikes in 2010 to a record 1,185 in 2023. While we intentionally reduced donations in 2024 to ensure financial sustainability, this grant provided the resources to accelerate our efforts. Thanks to your support, we are on track not only to exceed our 2024 numbers but to continue our long-term upward trend of getting more people in our community on bikes. Since the beginning of the year, we have distributed a total of 576 bikes, averaging approximately 70 per month. This includes 244 kids' bikes and 332 adult bikes.
What are some of the direct impacts the grant has had on your organization? Please describe and give examples.
Your grant has been transformative for our organization. In 2024, financial constraints led us to prioritize revenue-generating repairs over our core mission of donating bikes, which typically account for over 80% of our income. Your support directly reversed this shift, enabling us to reallocate resources toward building donation bikes. As a result, we have accelerated production and are now projected to not only meet but exceed our 2025 goal of 726 bikes.
What advice would you give those who are considering applying for the Q-mmunity Gives grant?
Focus on the transformative change you will create for your community. Clearly articulate the direct benefits your project will deliver, demonstrating a deep understanding of local needs.
What is next for your organization and what goals do you have for future growth and impact?
As our city grows, we are committed to growing with it, ensuring we can provide free, reliable transportation to match the increasing demand. This means not only improving our internal production efficiency but also improving and expanding relationships with our community partners to deepen our reach and serve more people.
Our strategic direction is focused on:
- Improving and expanding relationships with our community partners so that we can deliver more bikes to people in need.
- Creating and implementing an education program that we can take offsite.
- Expanding and diversifying the volunteer base of our organization.
Support from grants like yours has been instrumental in helping us achieve these goals to the greatest possible benefit of our community.
Click here to learn more about Yellow Bike and their mission.