Moving Comfort, manufacturer of women's high performance athletic wear, has announced the launch of their Women's Beginner Fitness Grant program with grants ranging from $300 to $1,000.

"The purpose of the Women's Beginner Fitness Grant Program is to help create or support existing grassroots running and walking programs that encourage women to get fit," said Moving Comfort President, Ellen Wessel.

"We expect organizations receiving grants to work closely with local Moving Comfort retailers in promoting and conducting the programs," she added.

"The applicant must be a non-profit group such as a running or walking club. We are looking for organizations that can show they are capable of managing an effective beginner fitness program," said Moving Comfort Sports Marketing Director Jeff Darman.

Applicants will be judged on creativity of proposal, including promotional plans, ability and strategy to work in partnership with local retailers, organizational experience of club officers or program leaders, number of participants targeted, likelihood of lasting effect on participants, and exposure for Moving Comfort in the local community.

Applications must be received (three copies) no later than April 15, 2003. Grantees will be notified by May 15, 2003.

"At a time when many organizations are feeling the stress from sponsor cutbacks, we are pleased to be able to offer assistance in this way and hope to award eight to twelve grants in May," said Wessel.

Moving Comfort, a division of Russell Corporation, designs and markets women's high performance athletic wear. The company was founded in 1977 by two female long distance runners who got tired of running in men's clothes. The brand is distributed nationwide through sporting goods, outdoor, travel, and running specialty retailers. Ellen Wessel and Elizabeth Goeke, president and executive vice president, continue to lead the company.