Running Strong, also known as American Indian Youth Running Strong, Inc., operates under the umbrella of Christian Relief Services Charities with the mission "to help American Indian people meet their immediate survival needs – food, water, and shelter – while implementing and supporting programs designed to create opportunities for self-sufficiency and self-esteem."

Mills, who is Running Strong's national spokesperson, started the charity as a "giveaway" to give back to the community that helped him succeed, as per Lakota tradition.

Running Strong started its work with programs focused on food and nutrition, women's health, education, and seasonal needs.

[6] However, Running Strong has continued to do much of its work on Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, as that is where Billy Mills grew up.

[25] In 2006 Running Strong joined with six other Native-focused nonprofit organizations to found the Native Ways Federation.