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This year, The King’s Trust celebrates 50 years of empowering young people around the world to build brighter, more secure futures. That’s 1.3 million young lives transformed — and counting.

To mark this milestone, The King’s Trust USA is launching 50-for-50: a national, year-long marathon campaign challenging 50+ runners to take on iconic races across the United States with one inspiring goal — to raise at least $150,000 to support young people facing barriers to education, employment, and enterprise.

Which race will you take on?

Whether you’re a seasoned runner or taking on your very first marathon, this challenge is about more than a finish time — it’s about futures. Together, we can turn determination into opportunity for young people — one mile at a time.

RUN WITH TEAM KING’S TRUST USA

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Join the Movement & Change a Life

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Support the 50-for-50 Campaign

Already Signed Up

Here’s everything you need to know

Other Ways to Support:

Spread the word or nominate someone to run.

Seven marathons. Fifty+ runners. One mission: raising funds to help young people unlock their potential.

Share the Movement:

Help us spread the word by reposting our 50 for 50 announcements on Instagram or LinkedIn and bring new supporters into this campaign.

Inspire a Runner:

Forward this email to someone who loves a challenge or has a “run marathon” on their bucket list.

Fuel the Mission:

Your donation will directly support mentoring, training, and pathways to meaningful work and opportunities for young people across the United States.

RUNNER SPOTLIGHTS

Name: Paul Rennie OBE, His Majesty’s Consul General in Los Angeles

Marathon: Los Angeles

Race motivation: Turning community spirit into real, lasting impact. Every mile is a reminder that with the right support, a young person’s future can change completely. Running in LA feels like the perfect way to help open doors for those who deserve a chance at a bright future.

Training soundtrack: High-energy anthems!

Post-marathon treat: “Chocolate!! And also not having to do any training for a few days …”

What I’m most looking forward to on race day: The buzz and the atmosphere. Being able to see LA from a whole different perspective. And being able to finish knowing I’ve been part of something worthwhile in raising money for the King’s Trust.

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Name: Charlie Jardine

Marathon: Los Angeles

Race motivation: As an entrepreneurial Brit, living in LA, The Kings Trust is very close to my heart!

Training soundtrack: Soundtrack to my life, by Kid Cudi

Post-marathon treat: Pint of Hazy IPA

What I’m most looking forward to on race day: Jumping in the ocean and then drinking a pint when I finish

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Name: Holly Brooks

Marathon: Los Angeles

Race motivation: This will be my fourth marathon, each has a different ‘why’ but this one is honestly motivated by the amazing work the Trust are doing for young people. Remembering that is what I am running and raising money for is going to get me through!

Training soundtrack: Anything Olivia Dean gets me through!

Post-marathon treat: ALWAYS a pizza (specifically from Emmys in Santa Monica)

What I’m most looking forward to on race day: Marathons bring such an incredible sense of community, I can’t wait to just feel the excitement from the crowds and fellow runners.

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The CAUSE

Fifty years ago, His Majesty King Charles III founded The King’s Trust (formerly The Prince’s Trust) with one simple belief: that every young person deserves the chance to succeed.

Our mission is to work for young people. Together with our partners, we empower young people to build the confidence, skills and experience they need to succeed in the world of work. We do this through programs focused on Education, Employment and Enterprise.

Today, The King’s Trust operates in more than 25 countries and has supported over 1.3 million young people. Three in four of the young people we work with move into work, education, or training — proof of what can happen when potential meets opportunity.

Our Work In The United States

The King’s Trust USA was established in 2019 to expand this mission across the U.S. We believe that every young person — no matter their background, ZIP code, or circumstance — deserves the tools and support to build a future they can be proud of.

After a national assessment of youth needs, we launched our first U.S. program in 2023: Enterprise Challenge, a team-based entrepreneurship competition (think Shark Tank for students). Young people work together develop and pitch sustainable business ideas, strengthening essential skills like teamwork, communication, and creative problem-solving. This program has reached students in New York, Chicago, Orlando, Detroit, and San Jose, opening up the world of enterprise and possibility.

Get Hired is an employment-readiness program that supports young people at a critical moment in their journey to work. It helps build confidence, develop practical, real-world skills, and creates meaningful connections with employers offering genuine opportunities.

Delivered in 5 cities across the U.S, Get Hired brings together young people and employers who believe in potential, not just prior experience. The program focuses on equipping young people with the tools, belief, and opportunities they need to take that crucial first step into employment and begin building a more secure future.

WHY THIS WORK MATTERS

Every young person we meet has talent. What they often lack is access, to guidance, to opportunity, to someone who believes in them. The King’s Trust exists to change that.

When you fundraise and run with us, you’re doing far more than completing a marathon. You’re helping a young person take their first step toward a future they might not have reached alone.

You can learn more about the work of The Trust in our annual reports.

Case Studies

Memory Frame: Healing Through Innovation at Cody High School
Detroit Michigan

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At Cody High School in Detroit, a business idea started with something deeply personal. Alyiana and Carlos had both lost a parent at a young age. For Alyiana, the hardest part was not having any photos or recordings to remember her mom by. That absence inspired the team’s idea, Memory Frame, a digital photo frame that displays images, plays videos, and includes voice recordings.

Together with teammate Jordyn, they turned grief into something powerful. At first, they were hesitant to share such a personal idea. But with support from their Impact Manager Justin and several City Year AmeriCorps members, they practiced week after week and learned to tell their story with strength and clarity.

Leading With Heart

By the time they presented at the Detroit finals, their pitch was heartfelt and compelling. One judge, who had recently lost her husband, was visibly moved. The team’s honesty and purpose made a strong impression, and they won the Detroit competition.

A Journey Beyond the Finals

The team later traveled to New York City for the national finals. While they didn’t win there, they represented Detroit with pride. Their story was featured on two local news stations, and their idea resonated far beyond the classroom.

The Enterprise Challenge gave them more than a business plan. It gave them a chance to heal, grow, and prove that even painful stories can lead to meaningful change.

“I don’t really have any memories of my mom. No pictures, no videos, not even the sound of her voice. We came up with Memory Frame so other people wouldn’t have to grow up like me,” said Alyiana.

Crops to Customers
Chicago, Illinois

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This year’s Enterprise Challenge champions are Crops to Customers, led by a team of students hailing from The Collins Academy in Chicago. The team developed a business to combat food deserts and provide fresh, affordable produce to North Lawndale.

In North Lawndale, nearly 47% of the population is obese, 23% suffers from diabetes, and 40% has high blood pressure. Limited access to nutritious food exacerbates these issues. Recognizing this, Crops to Customers established a community garden on campus, growing produce like tomatoes and lettuce to sell at prices much lower than grocery stores. The garden also teaches students farming skills, supporting the emergence of Black farmers.

The initiative integrates with Chicago Public Schools’ service-learning program, engaging students in community projects while building civic and academic skills. With an initial cost of $2,141.04 for supplies, the team projects an annual profit of $885 from three garden beds. Profits will fund scholarships and provide surplus produce to local shelters.

Looking ahead, the team plans to expand accessibility through partnerships with corner stores and delivery services for residents with disabilities. Flexible operations, including online pre-orders and pick-up options, ensure fresh produce reaches those in need.

Crops to Customers is transforming North Lawndale into a food-secure community while inspiring sustainable solutions for other neighborhoods. By planting the seeds of change today, they are cultivating resilience and hope.

Sweet Dream Kit: Sixth Graders Take on Health and Hygiene
With Innovation and Teamwork, East Harlem New York

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At Intermediate School for Math and Science in New York City, six sixth graders joined the Enterprise Challenge Club and got to work tackling a problem they knew too many students face. After weighing different business ideas, the team landed on something practical and personal: a bed bug detection and prevention kit called the Sweet Dream Kit.

The idea came from noticing that many of their peers rely on public transportation, which increases the risk of carrying pests on clothing and backpacks. Their product was designed with care, empathy, and a real solution in mind.

Learning Through Challenge

Public speaking was one of the team’s biggest challenges. Some students were nervous about presenting in front of an audience, while others focused on design, writing, or research. With support and practice, they all found ways to contribute and build something together.

One of their boldest moves was reaching out to a Rutgers University professor who specializes in bed bugs. The professor helped them understand what works and what doesn’t exist in existing products. That conversation gave the team both credibility and a boost of confidence.

Growth Beyond the Competition

The team made it all the way to the Regional Finals, which was a huge win. They didn’t take home the national title, but they left the program with stronger research skills, more confidence as public speakers, and a deeper understanding of how to work as a team.

As their Student Success Coach Samuel Bowen shared, “The growth they have shown has been incredible. I hope they continue to build on this experience because what they made is truly special.”

Happy Flowers: Fifth Graders Reclaim Their Community’s Roots Through Blossoms and Business
San Jose, California

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At Belle Haven Elementary School in Menlo Park, a group of fifth graders came together with a creative idea and a lot of heart. The team, later named Happy Flowers, wanted to bring the California Golden Violet back to their community in East Palo Alto, where it once grew naturally.

They noticed that the nearest flower shop was more than 20 minutes away. That sparked the idea to sell flowers and seed packets grown right on their school campus. Their business had a purpose: make beauty more accessible, reconnect with local heritage, and spread joy.

Turning Ideas Into Action

Their business plan was detailed and thoughtful. They proposed selling seed packets for five dollars and locally grown bouquets for twenty five. With planter boxes on campus, they could take care of the flowers themselves and learn about sustainability in the process.

The students split up tasks based on their strengths, managed disagreements as they came up, practiced their pitch, and learned how to manage money and forecast profits.

More Than a Business

Their product came with a handmade friendship bracelet and plans to donate one bouquet per week to a local hospital or nursing home. It was clear that Happy Flowers wasn’t just about sales. It was about spreading kindness and pride.

Their win at the Northern California Regional Finals was well earned, and the students proved that even a classroom idea can become something powerful when rooted in community.

The Mighty Knights: Building Confidence and Creativity Through Custom Kits
Orlando, Florida

Read More

At Walker Middle School in Orlando, a team of students known as The Mighty Knights joined the Enterprise Challenge and took off running. They joined the seven week program led by City Year Orlando and The King’s Trust, which helped student teams across Orange County explore business ideas and build skills like communication, teamwork, and creative thinking.

From the Classroom to the Big City

The Mighty Knights came up with a simple and smart idea, customizable backpack kits that help students personalize their bags affordably. Their business concept was clear, creative, and relevant. They pitched it at the regional finals and won, beating out two other middle schools.

In May, they traveled to New York City for the national finals and represented Orlando with confidence and pride.

Learning That Lasts

Through the experience, the students stepped out of their comfort zones and discovered what they were capable of. They practiced public speaking, worked as a team, and started thinking about how they could apply what they learned to future goals.

They left New York with new skills and a sense of accomplishment, not just for their pitch, but for the growth they saw in themselves and each other.

Runner FAQ — Everything You Need to Know

Employer Matching

Yes! Many employers offer matching gift programs that can double — or even triple — the impact of your donation. Check with your company to see what’s available, and be sure to request a match once you’ve completed your fundraising so your support can go even further. Follow your company’s internal matching process — if documentation is required, we’re happy to help.

How to request a matching gift:

  • Log into your company’s giving or HR portal.
  • Search for “The King’s Trust USA.”
    • If you see “The King’s Trust USA: 50-for-50 Marathon Campaign,” you may select it, though choosing the general profile works just as well.
  • Submit your receipt or enter your donation amount.
  • If prompted, use our EIN: 82-5457122.
  • Once you submit the request, please email [email protected] so we know to look out for it.
  • We’ll track the match on our end and confirm once it has arrived and been added to your fundraising total.

Other employer matching options:

  • Mail a check from your company (or its foundation) to:
    The King’s Trust USA
    45 W 27th Street
    New York, NY 10001
  • Arrange a wire transfer by having your employee matching department contact [email protected].

Encouraging your employer to match your donation is a simple way to maximize your impact. Check here to see whether your employer offers matching gifts or volunteer grants.

Where does the money go?

The money you raise goes directly toward supporting young people in the U.S. in the areas where the need is greatest.

Do I need to pay my own race registration fee?

Race fees vary by marathon. Some races include the registration fee as part of the King’s Trust USA charity package, while others require runners to pay the fee separately. King’s Trust USA provides fundraising support, materials, and community; race registration fees are determined by each marathon. All runners register directly with the organization responsible for their chosen marathon and will be prompted to pay the registration fee at the time of registration if applicable. For questions about a specific marathon, please email [email protected].

Is there a minimum fundraising requirement?

The fundraising minimum varies by marathon, but we encourage runners to set a meaningful goal that reflects the campaign. If you have any questions or want to talk through what a strong or realistic goal might be, just let us know — we’re here to support you every step of the way.

What happens if I miss my goal?

If marathon day comes around and you still haven’t reached your goal, no worries — just reach out to us. We can strategize together on final pushes, matching gift outreach, and simple ways to close the gap.

The fundraising deadline varies by marathon. Please refer to your signed commitment form for your specific race’s deadline. As outlined in the form, any remaining balance needed to reach your fundraising commitment will be charged to the credit card information you provided. We’ll always do everything we can to support you before that point so you feel confident and set up for success.

Can friends join the team later in the year?

Absolutely. Recruitment is ongoing — and we can do the outreach if you’d prefer.

Please refer to your fundraising toolkit for more information and resources about recruitment.

How does 50-for-50 work?

Runners take part in select, iconic U.S. marathons throughout 2026 and early 2027, fundraising along the way. Together, their individual efforts unite around one powerful goal: raising $150,000 in celebration of The King’s Trust’s 50th anniversary and opening the door to life-changing opportunities for young people who need them most. All funds raised through 50-for-50 support young people in the United States and are directed to areas of greatest need.

Link to short video about our work in the U.S.

How does my donation make an impact?

Your gift helps change the trajectory of a young person’s life. It enables The King’s Trust USA to provide the skills, confidence, and belief young people need to take their next step — whether that’s into education, employment, or entrepreneurship. By investing in potential at a pivotal moment, your support doesn’t just open doors today; it helps shape brighter, more independent futures for years to come.

Can I give through a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF)?

Yes — giving through your DAF is easy:

  1. Use the embedded DAFpay form.
  2. Complete your grant recommendation in just a few clicks.
  3. Your gift will be directed to The King’s Trust USA (EIN: 82-5457122).

We’ll send an acknowledgment once your gift is received.

I can’t run — can I still get involved?

Absolutely. Whether you donate, cheer from the sidelines, or help spread the word on social media, every form of support helps move this campaign — and young people’s futures — forward.

You can also explore the stories of our runners and support an individual participant whose journey resonates with you.

RESOURCES

Welcome to the team — we’re thrilled to have you as part of the 50-for-50 national campaign. This resources hub is designed to support you every step of the way, with everything you need as you train, fundraise, and prepare for race day.

Fundraising

Fundraising is at the heart of the 50-for-50 campaign, and we’re here to help you succeed. Please download your fundraising toolkit here. This includes practical fundraising strategies, suggested timelines, ready-to-use email and social media templates. You’ll also find creative ideas to help you engage your network and keep momentum strong throughout your journey.

Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) giving

Giving through your DAF is easy:

  1. Use the embedded DAFpay form linked here.
  2. Complete your grant recommendation in just a few click
  3. Your gift will be directed to The King’s Trust USA (EIN: 82-5457122)

We’ll send an acknowledgment once your gift is received.

Social Media

Sharing your journey helps inspire others. As you train, race, and celebrate your marathon moments, we’d love for you to tag The King’s Trust USA and mention us in your posts. Your voice helps raise awareness, build momentum, and show how many people are coming together to support young people to build brighter futures. Tag us:

  • Instagram: @kingstrustusa
  • LinkedIn: The King’s Trust USA

Use our campaign hashtag: #50for50 (and any others you’d like to include) Mention us in your caption so we can see, share, and celebrate your post Stories count too! Tag us in Instagram Stories so we can reshare your journey Follow us on social media:

Subscribe to our newsletter here.

Race Dates, Milestones & Day of Logistics

Race Dates, Milestones & Day of Logistics

  • Los Angeles Marathon: Sunday March 8th
  • Boston Marathon – Monday April 20th
    • Fundraising deadline: May 30th
  • San Francisco Marathon – August 25th
    • Fundraising deadline: August 30th
  • Chicago Marathon – Sunday October 11th
    • Fundraising deadline: November 30th
  • New York City Marathon – Sunday November 1st
    • Fundraising deadline: December 30th
  • Miami Marathon – TBC, January 2027
  • Disney World Marathon – TBC, January 2027

Dates, deadlines, and day-of logistics will be updated as we receive additional information. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please check back soon or reach out to [email protected].

Support & FAQs

If you didn’t find what you were looking for here, please head over to the FAQ section and take a look. If you still have questions, please reach out over email.

For general questions, fundraising support, recruitment help please email:
[email protected].

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