Join the Mission
A meaningful step toward the next scholarship opportunity.
DNA Finish Line • 2026
26.2 Miles.
More Opportunities.
Chicago Marathon Weekend • October 2026
We have begun the work. Now we are inviting our community to help us create the next educational opportunity.
The Finish Line Challenge
$5,000Community Goal
$2,500Founding Family Match
$7,500+Potential Scholarship Impact
The first $2,500 contributed by the community will be matched dollar for dollar by DNA's founding family.
Help Us Cross the Finish LineEvery gift can go twice as far.1:1 match available on the first $2,500 raised.
Give now →Why We're Running
Where You Start Doesn't Determine Where You Can Finish.
The Chicago Marathon represents determination, perseverance, and the belief that a distant goal can be reached one step at a time.
Those same ideas sit at the heart of DNA Scholarship Program. We believe a young adult's circumstances should never define their potential.
DNA has already begun turning that belief into action through scholarship commitments, community partnerships, and our first direct scholarship awards. The Finish Line campaign is our invitation to help us keep going.
The Matching Challenge
Your Impact Can Go Twice as Far.
The founding family will match the first $2,500 contributed to the campaign, dollar for dollar.
1You give.
Make a contribution to the DNA Finish Line campaign.
2We match.
Your gift is matched 1:1 while matching funds remain.
3We keep going.
The match can end. The mission does not.
Community giftsMatched dollar-for-dollar
The live campaign will display real-time progress through Givebutter.
$5,000 isn't our ceiling. It's our next finish line.
Every Gift Matters
Choose the Impact That Feels Right to You.
Scholarship amounts and the number of awards vary by cycle. Your contribution helps DNA expand the pool of resources available for future scholarship opportunities.
Build Momentum
Help DNA grow the resources available to future scholars.
Expand Opportunity
Make a substantial contribution toward tuition-based support.
Move the Finish Line
Help DNA reach farther and support more educational opportunity.
During the matching challenge, eligible gifts are matched dollar for dollar until the $2,500 match is fully used.
Join Us in Chicago
Post-Marathon Celebration
Sunday, October 11, 2026 • Chicago
After 26.2 miles, we are bringing friends, family, supporters, runners, and the Chicago community together for an afternoon celebration and Bears–Packers watch party.
DNA plans to provide complimentary appetizers. Guests may purchase their own drinks and additional food directly from the venue.
No donation is required to attend.
Venue and final event details will be announced.
Come for the celebration
Stay for the mission.
- Post-marathon gathering
- Bears–Packers watch party
- Complimentary appetizers from DNA
- Live Finish Line campaign progress
- One short mission moment—then back to the game
Support the Finish Line
Help Us Create the Next Opportunity.
DNA intends for 100% of proceeds from this fundraising event to go directly toward scholarships.
Our strong preference is to remit scholarship awards directly to the recipient's accredited educational institution whenever possible.
DNA Scholarship Program is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions may be tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
Secure Donation
Choose an amount
$50
$100
$250
$500
At launch, the live Givebutter form will appear here with card, wallet, and other supported payment options, real-time campaign progress, and the matching challenge.
Finish Line FAQ
Good Questions. Simple Answers.
Is my donation matched?
Yes. The founding family will match community contributions dollar for dollar until the $2,500 matching pledge is fully used.
What happens after the match is exhausted?
Fundraising continues. Every additional contribution expands the resources DNA can direct toward future scholarship opportunities.
Do I have to attend the Chicago event to donate?
No. The Finish Line campaign is open to supporters whether or not they attend the post-marathon celebration.
Where will event proceeds go?
100% of the proceeds received by DNA Scholarship Program through the Finish Line marathon campaign will be dedicated to scholarships.
Are donations tax-deductible?
DNA Scholarship Program is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions may be tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Donors should consult their tax advisor regarding their individual circumstances.
How does DNA award scholarships?
DNA focuses on students who demonstrate academic merit, determination, financial need, and potential. Award amounts and the number of scholarships may vary based on the applicant pool and available funding.
One More Mile
You Don't Have to Run 26.2 Miles to Be Part of This.
Run. Cheer. Join us in Chicago. Share our mission. Make a contribution. However you participate, you can help DNA create more educational opportunity.
Help Us Cross the Finish Line