On July 7, 2016, five police officers were killed and eight police officers were injured in the line of duty in a deliberate attack on the Dallas Police Department, Dallas Area Rapid Transit Police, and El Centro College Police Department. Run For The Blue was founded in response to this attack to support fallen and injured officers and their families.

Funds donated to Run For The Blue events are collected by the National Latino Law Enforcement Organization, a 501(c)(3). NLLEO distributes the proceeds through its Signal 15 Fund.

Donations of services and products to the events are welcomed so that contributions to the affected officers and families can be maximized.