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Mini with a Meaning Program

The Mini with a Meaning program connects non-profit organizations to passionate participants of the IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon and Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K, providing a more meaningful experience by raising awareness and funds in support of the local community and beyond. Not to mention, all Mini-Marathon and 5K registrations support the 500 Festival's free youth and educational programming.

Participants may further their impact within the community by joining a Mini with a Meaning team! View our official teams below, contact their Team Captain to join, and start fundraising as you train.

“Our partnership with the Mini with a Meaning program has not only helped to raise funds to further our mission, it has increased awareness about our organization in the running community and beyond. When we attend other events, participants recognize us and know they saw us at the Indy Mini!”

– Ainsley’s Angels Team Captain

How Do I Get My Nonprofit Involved?

Through the Mini-Marathon and 5K, the 500 Festival offers non-profit organizations the opportunity to participate as a team through the Mini with a Meaning Program to raise awareness and funds in support of their organization and participate together in the Mini-Marathon and 5K.

Organizations may utilize the fundraising platform of their choice and 100% of the proceeds will go to the respective non-profit organization. Utilize this unique fundraising opportunity to further your organization’s mission and join today!


  • Step 1. Choose a Team Captain: Each non-profit organization will need a Team Captain to lead their team fundraiser and to correspond with the 500 Festival.
  • Step 2. Enroll Organization: The Team Captain will fill out an application form here. The 500 Festival will then provide the Team Captain with further team and registration information if accepted.
  • Step 3. Create Online Fundraiser: The Team Captain will create a customized online fundraiser specific to the 2025 IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon and the 2024 Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K. Full details to be provided by the 500 Festival.
  • Step 4. Get Fundraising and Build Your Team!  The Team Captain will promote team registration and fundraising efforts to staff, volunteers, family, and friends. Continue to build your team and motivate participants as they train for the Greatest Spectacle in Running!

2024 Mini with a Meaning Teams

The 500 Festival is proud to partner with nonprofit organizations to bring awareness and fundraise for their cause through our Mini with a Meaning program. Each year, the 500 Festival partners with a select number of non-profit organizations to further their mission as their team trains for the IU Health 500 Festival Mini Marathon or Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K. If you are interested in joining a Mini with a Meaning Partner Team, please contact your organization of choice below by clicking on the contact button.


Ainsley's Angels

Because we believe everyone deserves to be included-Ainsley's Angels of America strives to build awareness about the importance of inclusion through action, while transforming populations into all inclusive communities. Together we shall: Educate to empower with empathy, Advocate to advance with awareness, and Celebrate to continue with courage. Ainsley's Angels of America brings the pure joy of positivity, evident through the smiles of Riders, their families, and our Angel Runners at each event.

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American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention- Indiana Chapter's mission is to save lives and bring hope to those impacted by suicide.

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Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

The mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is to cure cystic fibrosis and to provide all people with CF the opportunity to lead long, fulfilling lives by funding research and drug development, partnering with the CF community, and advancing high-quality, specialized care. Together, we will make CF stand for Cure Found!

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Down Syndrome Indiana

Down Syndrome Indiana's mission is to enhance the lives of individuals with Down syndrome. We carry out this mission through new and current parent support, outreach, education, resources, programming, free community events, and much more!

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Friends of Riley

At Friends of Riley (FOR) we are committed to supporting the Child Life Program at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis. FOR serves as a bridge between Riley at IU Health and an expansive Indiana professional community. Through our efforts, members of FOR work to continuously build, nurture and grow new and/or existing affinities for the children at Riley Hospital.

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Help Over Hurdles

Help Over Hurdles is an organization that assists Direct Support Professionals who provide valuable supports to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our goal is to support DSPs so they may continue to provide support without the burden of financial stress.

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Hilinski's Hope

Hilinski’s Hope Foundation (H3H) is a non-profit organization formed to promote awareness and education of mental health and wellness for student-athletes. H3H was founded in 2018 by Mark and Kym Hilinski to honor the life of their son Tyler. The Foundation’s mission is to educate, advocate, and eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness while funding programs that provide student-athletes with the tools and resources that support their mental health and wellness.

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Metastatic Mission

At Metastatic Mission, we strive to continue Ralph's fight by making a positive impact in the fight back against cancer. We use running, the outdoors, and community as a means to support those battling and bring love and positivity to their day. Ultimately metastasizing the fight so no one feels like they are fighting this disease alone!

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United Way of Central Indiana

Right now, despite being employed, nearly 40 percent of Hoosier households cannot afford enough food, keep up with basic housing costs, find reliable transportation, and pay for adequate health services.

United Way’s basic needs work supports our most vulnerable neighbors and provides life-saving assistance to those in emergency situations. Helping those in need survive today so they can thrive tomorrow.

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Walk It Out

Heart failure is the #1 cause of death for Americans, and it has been for almost 10 years. 2. More than 70% of Americans are either obese or overweight. Walk It Out America was established specifically to aid in the reduction of these two horrific statistics as well as the habits give them life.

Within Thin Lines

The Within Thin Lines Foundation is a Veteran-owned and First Responder-operated training, education, and support 501c3 organization dedicated to better education, training, access to gear supply, agency preparation, and public community relations. All while supporting and advocating the need for mental health support for all First Responders and members of our Armed Forces. All proceeds of our fundraisers go towards the support of our mission and to the mental health advocacy and assistance of First Responders, Veterans, and their families.

Questions?

For any questions about how to get involved with the Mini with a Meaning Program, please contact raceinfo@500festival.com.

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