The question for all of us

How can these seed monies germinate to create new resources, not only to assist granted organizations, but to help baseball-related community groups, and newly formed organizations? To restate Jackie Robinson, "A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives." The optimal goal of the Trustees is not just to assist others in finding their dreams, but also to foster a similar passion in granted organizations that, in turn, will pay it forward. Friends of Baseball believes the best grant making we can provide must be considered within the context of the youth baseball community. What type of shared information and resources might grant applicants have available to assist other organizations with similar aspirations now, or in the future?

These are the qualities the Trustees will review in making their grant related decisions, as well as how and where this foundation will evolve in the future.

Who should apply for grant consideration?

All youth baseball/softball related organizations in the designated geographic region are eligible to submit their request for a grant. Individuals may also submit a grant request. Applicant organizations should provide affiliation information relating to their association with accredited youth baseball organizations.

What types of grants will be funded?

This is truly left to the imagination and specific needs of the applicant organizations. From equipment, tournament expenses, or field grading, to a parent and child weekend at a Major League ballpark, or a popcorn machine for fund raising. We cannot possibly fund all requests submitted, and the requesting organization's partnership in sharing in the overhead of making dreams a reality is essential. Grants may not be devoted to administrative expenses.

In making your application please consider the following:

• Good sportsmanship is a cornerstone in meeting the Foundation's values. Mutual respect is essential in all life's relationships, let alone on the ball field. Have you taken steps to insure and protect this virtue within your organization and its members, both on and off the field?
• Applicants should demonstrate the ability to efficiently and creatively manage current and future resources. We support members of the baseball community who will add their own value to the resources we provide.

How can we maximize our collective resources?

As the Foundation evolves, it is our objective to develop a Board of Providers to include businesses and individuals willing to make in-kind resources available to our grantees. This might include local excavators, contractors, sporting equipment providers, even Major League Baseball; individuals or companies willing to provide the Foundation and its partners with equipment, product or services at a reduced cost. Applicant organizations are welcome and encouraged to provide any contacts that might assist the Foundation, or be considered for this Board.

Create a grant application.