Moving Comfort, manufacturer of women's high performance athletic wear, started the new year by announcing it will again sponsor a 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 support new or existing grassroots running and walking programs that inspire 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 running/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 (two copies) no later than March 12, 2004. Grantees will be notified by April 15, 2004.

"We are pleased to be able to again offer assistance in this way. Last year we made grants to 12 promising programs that have helped put more women and girls on the path to fitness," said Ellen Wessel.

For additional information about the grant program, contact Jeff Darman via e-mail or phone: (610) 925-1976.

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. President Ellen Wessel and Executive Vice President Elizabeth Goeke continue to lead the company. The brand is distributed nationwide through sporting goods, outdoor, travel, and running specialty retailers.