NEW YORK, March 8 – The Major League Baseball Players Trust has launched a $500,000 fund to support nonprofits that provide youth development programs and services throughout the Spring Training communities in Arizona and Florida.
The fund will be administered by the Players Trust and distributed to qualifying nonprofits to ensure that these organizations have the financial support they need to continue to run their programming.
The owners’ lockout of Players, now in its 96th day, is impacting a range of organizations and individuals that have historically benefitted from Spring Training games through fundraising and promotional activities.
“Players understand the lockout is impacting a wide number of communities, including these nonprofits that have already persevered pandemic-related challenges the past two years,” said Amy Hever, Director of the Players Trust. “The Fastball Fund will provide quick and responsive grants to organizations that need it most.”
Nonprofit organizations are encouraged to apply by 5 pm ET on March 31. Grants of up to $5,000 will be awarded. Decisions will be made on a rolling basis so that funds can be dispersed quickly and efficiently and put to immediate use by the recipients. Application forms and additional information can be found at here.
Players have also set up a relief fund for stadium workers in coordination with the AFL-CIO.