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Baseball Tomorrow Fund - Resources

 

In this section, the Baseball Tomorrow Fund provides helpful resources to assist youth baseball and softball organizations to become more effective and self-sufficient. Learn how to find additional sources of funding for youth sports and recreation programs and facilities, build valuable partnerships in the community and improve field maintenance by visiting the links below. Please visit this section regularly as this information is updated as new information is identified by our staff.

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GRANT SEEKERS
FUNDRAISING ADVICE
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NATIONAL GRANTS

Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation
The Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation provides a variety of grants to community groups and schools that meet their eligibility requirements, in order to support the growth of youth baseball and softball, as well as promote character growth in children. Visit this link for information about the grants and downloadable applications.

Finish Line Youth Foundation-Athletics and Wellness Support Grants
The Finish Line Youth Foundation provides funding and assistance for education, sports and exercise among the nation's youth. The foundation funds projects registered as 501(c)(3) organizations; have a primary focus on assisting children and young adults 18 and under; concentrate on athletics or wellness; and benefit communities in which Finish Line stores are located.

GoGirlGo! Grant and Educational Program
The GoGirlGo! Program, a program administered by the Women's Sports Foundation, provides financial assistance to sports and physical activity programs seeking to add new or expanded program participation opportunities for an under-served population of girls, particularly economically disadvantaged girls and/or girls from populations with high incidences of health-risk behaviors.

Good Sports
Good Sports is a non-profit whose mission is to increase youth participation in sports, recreation and fitness activities. Good Sports provides sports equipment, apparel, and footwear to youth organizations offering sports, fitness and recreational programs to youth in need.


Little League Online® Baseball & Softball
Little League Baseball, Incorporated is a non-profit organization whose mission is to "to promote, develop, supervise, and voluntarily assist in all lawful ways, the interest of those who will participate in Little League Baseball and Softball."

Roberto's Kids
At Roberto's Kids, our global reach and leadership bridges the gap between different cultures through baseball. Our organization partners with communities as they develop and nurture social responsibility.

Tiger Woods Foundation
Tiger Woods Foundation grants focus on providing opportunities to children who are underserved. The average grant range is between $2,500 and $25,000. The following are approved programmatic areas of funding: Education, Health & Welfare, Youth Development and Geographic Focus.

Wal-Mart and SAM'S CLUB Foundation-Community Grant Program
The Community Grant Program is the largest program funded by the Wal-Mart and SAM'S CLUB Foundation and includes both matching and direct grants. The Matching Grant program allows local nonprofit organizations to hold fundraisers outside their local Wal-Mart or SAM'S CLUB. Wal-Mart and SAM'S can elect to match a portion of the funds raised up to $1,000. Events held off the premises of a Wal-Mart store or SAM'S CLUB are also eligible for funding when a Wal-Mart or SAM'S CLUB associate is actively involved in the event.

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INTERNATIONAL GRANTS & FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES

Free the Children
Free the Children is an international network of children helping children at a local, national and international level through representation, leadership and action. Visit their website for 101 Fundraising Ideas. These ideas are designed to trigger your imagination.

Home Depot-Community Impact Grants
The Home Depot established a Community Impact Grants program to fund nonprofit organizations who engage volunteers to:

  • Construct, refurbish and maintain play spaces (such as parks and trails)
  • Refurbish or maintain community gathering places (structures)
  • Build, refurbish or maintain affordable or transitional housing
  • Rebuild structures damaged in weather-related disasters

Nike Foundation
Part of Nike's corporate giving focuses on programs that support youth and physical activity, and the positive effects of the two when they are truly in sync. Programs should increase and promote physical activity in some way - indoor, outdoors or both -- whether it's something as traditional as soccer or a basketball camp, the fluidity and passion of dance, or jumping rope, riding a unicycle or something completely fresh and new.

Puerto Rico Community Foundation (Spanish)
A nonprofit philanthropic organization supported by community resources, whose mission is to help community groups solve pressing socio-economic problems.

Preventive Health & Health Services (PHHS) Block Grant
In 1981, Congress authorized the Preventive Health & Health Services (PHHS) Block Grant. The PHHS Block Grant gives its 61 grantees (50 states, the District of Columbia, 2 American Indian tribes, and 8 U.S. territories) the autonomy and flexibility to tailor prevention and health promotion programs to their particular public health needs including physical education and fitness.

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MLB CLUB COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

MiLB CLUB PROGRAMS

'Cats for the Cause - Carolina Mudcats
The fundraising program, developed in 2008, teams up with non-profits, youth sports leagues, civic groups, schools, PTAs, and many more throughout the five county area to raise money and awareness as the Fundraising Group of the Night.

Durham Bulls Youth Athletic League (DYBAL) - Durham Bulls
DBYAL not only provides appropriate uniforms and equipment for the sports of baseball and soccer, assists in player registrations, plan for team pictures and end of season celebrations; it, more importantly, provides a great opportunity for all youth including those who are "at risk" while teaching youth about leadership, teamwork, winning and losing--with dignity and respect for self and others.

Grand Slam We Care Foundation - Lakewood BlueClaws
The important mission of Trenton Thunder and the Lakewood BlueClaws is to provide affordable family entertainment to our fans. In order to further serve the needs of our supporting communities, the companies have established the Grand Slam We Care Foundation.

KidSafe Collaborative - Vermont Lake Monsters
The mission of the KidSafe Collaborative is to engage agencies, community groups and individuals to work together to improve our community's response to child abuse and neglect.

Michigan Baseball Foundation - Great Lakes Loons
The Michigan Baseball Foundation, a Michigan public charity and non-profit corporation, will create regional economic development and support youth organizations through creative partnerships and grants by operating the finest minor league baseball facility and events center in the nation.

The Helping Hens Fund of the Toledo Community Foundation - Toledo Mud Hens
The Toledo Mud Hens organization is focused on the following mission: To foster new relationships and further develop current relationships with groups & organizations who are committed to the education and recreational development of our area youth. And, to make a positive difference in the Toledo area community through the existing programs and events the Mud Hens sponsor each year.

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PHILANTHROPIC DATABASES

Federal Grants Clearinghouse
From academics to health, recreation and social services, to public safety, the government's database provides information on hundreds of federal grants that can be used to support youth programs.

The Foundation Center
As the nation's leading authority on institutional philanthropy, the Foundation Center provides many resources to help grantseekers. Visit these links for tips on how to develop targeted proposals and identify appropriate funders:


GuideStar
This is a national database of nonprofit organizations. Search for more than 850,000 IRS-recognized nonprofits, including grantmaking organizations.

Sports Philanthropy Project
The Sports Philanthropy Project works to maximize potential of sports foundations having a significant impact on health, social development and well-being of communities. Visit this link for a listing of grantmaking organizations administered by professional teams, leagues and athletes.

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GRANTS FOR OTHER SPORTS/YOUTH PROGRAMS

NFL Community Football Fields Grassroots Program
The NFL Youth Football Fund Grassroots Program is a partnership of the National Football League Youth Football Fund (NFL YFF) and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) to provide non-profit, neighborhood-based organizations, middle schools and high schools with financing and technical assistance to improve the quality, safety, and accessibility of local football fields.

NHLPA Goals and Dreams Fund
Launched in 1999 as a way for the players to give something back to the game they love, Goals & Dreams has donated full sets of equipment to over 7,000 underprivileged children in 17 countries. In addition, over 75 ice re-surfacers and more than 110 sets of boards and glass were provided to community arenas in small towns in Europe and North America.

Tony Hawk Foundation
The primary mission of the Tony Hawk Foundation is to promote high-quality, public skateparks in low-income areas throughout the United States.

US Soccer Foundation
Throughout its history, the U.S. Soccer Foundation has made over $55 million available to groups in all 50 states to support the growth of soccer in the U.S. Since the first grants were awarded in the spring of 1995, the Foundation has issued over 600 grants to groups large and small in every corner of the nation. Hundreds of thousands of individuals have benefited from the Foundation's support and the need continues to grow.

USTA Tennis and Education Foundation
The USTA T&EF supports organizations that use tennis as a vehicle to help youngsters finish high school and qualify for college scholarships. The USTA T&EF targets youngsters from all cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Applicants must demonstrate financial need for college matriculation.

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FUNDRAISING ADVICE

Fundraising Help and Ideas for Nonprofit Organizations
Fundraising drives the operations of most nonprofit organizations. Explore the numerous articles and resources about fundraising on About.com.

Fundraising tips (from BTF grantee Harlem RBI's Executive Director Richard Berlin)
It has taken Harlem RBI more than 10 years to grow its budget, but most of that growth happened in a relatively short amount of time, and was preceded by many stops and starts. Here is a brief description of where the organization's resources come from, and the types of relationships that preceded those dollars.

Nonprofit Good Practice Guide
Visit this link to gain valuable information regarding Fundraising and Financial Sustainability. This website includes quick tips for successful nonprofit management that have been recommended by university faculty, nonprofit staff and foundation leaders.

The North American Booster Club Association (NABCA)
The North American Booster Club Association is the governing body and first of its kind national booster club association dedicated to providing booster clubs and their extracurricular organizations throughout North America with the highest level of Guidance, Education, Training and Support. NABCA supplies booster clubs with the most comprehensive portfolio of resources and club building tools available to help build and manage successful clubs. Booster Clubs are a key component to a successful extracurricular program as they provide funding, volunteer support, upkeep for facilities, fields and equipment, transportation and scholarships.

Tips on Planning Effective Auctions (BTF Q&A with Event and Auction Professionals)
Most youth baseball and softball organizations rely on charitable contributions from businesses and individuals to run a successful program. According to a poll on the BTF website, 41% of these organizations believe that holding a fundraising auction is the most effective way to generate these much-needed funds. BTF sat down with several professionals in the events and fundraising industries to get their expert advice on how to hold a successful auction.

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HELPFUL TEMPLATES

Donor Solicitation Letter:
 English |  Spanish (Microsoft Word)
Donor Thank You Letter:
 English |  Spanish (Microsoft Word)
 Letter of Inquiry or Business Letter (pdf)

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FORMING PARTNERSHIPS

UGive
Online network connecting student volunteers with non-profits across the U.S.

World Sport Chicago
Volunteer and networking opportunities to youth sports organizations and those interested in youth sports in Chicago, IL.

Team Up For Youth
Creating after-school sports opportunities for children throughout California.

Tips on Securing Corporate Sponsorships
As one of the premier sports leagues worldwide, Major League Baseball has developed partnerships with some of the most recognizable businesses around the globe. Through innovative thinking and effective branding techniques, MLB has consistently proven its ability to build successful relationships with corporate sponsors. The Baseball Tomorrow Fund spoke with the experts regarding the importance of local sponsorship opportunities and how even the smallest youth programs can utilize them.

Tips on Volunteer Recruiting
Each year, New York Cares brings vital volunteer support to over 850 diverse nonprofit agencies, public schools and other deserving organizations throughout New York City. New York Cares works with each organization to identify their most pressing needs, create projects where volunteers can make meaningful contributions, and then recruits and deploys teams of volunteers to help meet their needs.

Together With Youth
With limited government funding support, organizations providing youth services are being challenged to explore innovative and collaborative ways to deliver their programs. Together with Youth was produced as a staff resource by the Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation, a governmental agency of Canada. This resource guide provides practical information on how to plan recreation services for at-risk youth. It is designed for those involved with providing services and programs for youth. Visit this link for tips on developing successful collaborations.

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COACHES RESOURCES

** Disclaimer- The following resources are intended to provide general information about coaching and umpiring and are not meant to be a substitute to the guidelines of individual leagues. Please be sure to review the rules and regulations of your league. The Baseball Tomorrow Fund does not endorse any specific company, organization or product on this page. **

 

Coaching Clinics

One of the keys to effective coaching is knowledge. One of the best ways to learn is to attend a coaching clinic, which will provide you with hands on instruction from the experts. Many organizations, including several Major League teams, offer coaching clinics to the public.

MLB Coaching Guide (PDFs)
Major League Baseball has developed a CD-ROM to teach youth baseball and softball coaches proper techniques. Below are the step-by-step excerpts from the CD-ROM. Feel free to print these out and distribute to all of the coaches in your program.

Get the FREE Adobe® Reader® >>
 MLB Coaching Clinic introduction

Base-running Skills

 To First
 Taking Leads
 Stealing
 Sliding
 Rounding


Catching Skills

 Throwing Out Runners
 Receiving
 Blocking


Hitting Skills

 Bunting (RH)
 Batting


Infield Skills

 First Base Holding
 First Base Footwork


Fielding Skills

 Throwing (RH)
 Groundballs
 Catching The Ball
 Catching Fly Balls


Pitching Skills

 Righty
 Curve
 Changeup


Q&A with Positive Coaching Alliance Executive Director
Positive Coaching Alliance
Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) is a non-profit organization founded at Stanford University with the mission to transform youth sports so sports can transform youth. PCA was created to transform the culture of youth sports to give all young athletes the opportunity for a positive, character-building experience.

Little League, Inc.
While the information on Little League's website targeted to Little League coaches, it also provides useful content that is relevant to all youth baseball and softball coaches.

American Council on Coaching
The mission of the American Council on Coaching is to provide quality education through certification courses to ensure that coaches and youth are placed in sporting situations that are mutually beneficial to all involved.

National Youth Sports Coaches Association
The National Youth Sports Coaches Association (NYSCA) is a membership organization and the most widely used volunteer coach training program in the nation, having trained more than 2 million coaches since its inception in 1981. The NYSCA volunteer coach training program is designed to sensitize volunteer coaches to their responsibilities and hold them accountable to a strict Code of Conduct defined by the NYSCA Coaches' Code of Ethics Pledge.

Louisville Slugger
Louisville Slugger, the official bat of MLB, features a "Coach's Tips" section on its website, which offers information about equipment, including proper sizing and care.

Rawlings
The "Tips & Drills" offered by Rawlings, an MLB licensee, features many of today's biggest players and provides step-by-step instruction on everything from pitching to hitting. Many of the instructions are accompanied by video clips to help the reader visualize the proper technique.

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UMPIRES

** Disclaimer- The following resources are intended to provide general information about coaching and umpiring and are not meant to be a substitute to the guidelines of individual leagues. Please be sure to review the rules and regulations of your league. The Baseball Tomorrow Fund does not endorse any specific company, organization or product on this page. **

 

Little League, Inc.
Little League's website offers a wealth of information for umpires, including monthly tips, mechanics and newsletters. Though some of this information is intended for Little League umpires specifically, most of the resources available provide general information that can be used by all youth baseball and softball umpires.

Major League Baseball Umpires
MLB's website provides articles and resources that youth baseball and softball umpires may find interesting, specifically information on the MLB Umpire Camp, an annual event open to everyone interested in honing his or her umpiring skills.

Umps Care Charities
UMPS CARE Charities is a 501(c)(3) non-profit established by Major League Baseball (MLB) umpires to provide financial, in-kind and emotional support for America's youth and families in need. Through our youth-based programs, professional baseball umpires enrich the lives of at-risk youth and children coping with serious illness by providing memorable baseball experiences, supporting pediatric medical care, and raising awareness for foster care children waiting to be adopted.

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GREEN INITIATIVES

MLB & NRDC Greening Advisor
In 2008, MLB announced a partnership with the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC), developed to make baseball more environmentally friendly. In an effort to help MLB Clubs implement greener practices, MLB and the NRDC developed the Greening Advisor, a website containing resources to going green in Major League Markets.

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BASEBALL TOMORROW FUND QUICKLINKS