Many sports teams each have a foundation they support in their community to raise money and create programs to show support for the major issues their communities face. Here is a list of each of the MLB teams and their foundations.
National League
Starting in the East, the Atlanta Braves Foundation focuses on building a community by improving equity and access in sports, health, and education. They focus on five areas which are live, learn, play, serve, and sustain, which focus on raising awareness for life-altering illnesses, supporting teachers and students, addressing equity in baseball, honoring those who serve, and caring for the environment.
The Miami Marlins Foundation focuses on empowerment for youth by helping them build leadership skills and staying active. The New York Mets Foundation is committed to helping and providing opportunities to families and under-served groups in the community. The Phillies Charities, Inc., the charitable arm of the Philadelphia Phillies organization, focuses on serving a wide variety of needs for those in the Philadelphia area. The Washington Nationals strive to enhance their region through signature programs and community grants.
In the Central Division, the Chicago Cubs fund nonprofit programs and direct community programming and also grant money to the Cubs Charities Community Fund. This fund has significantly impacted children and families in the Chicago area.
The Cincinnati Reds improved the lives of youth in their community through baseball and softball. The Milwaukee Brewers Foundation serves over 100 nonprofit organizations. Their funding goes towards areas such as health, education, recreation, basic needs, and social justice issues. The Pittsburgh Pirates established a charity to strengthen their community and create a lasting positive impact. Finally, the St. Louis Cardinals give back to their community through educational programs, grants, and community events.
In the West, the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation supports three main areas of need: homelessness, indigent healthcare, and children’s programs of all types. Additionally, the foundation addresses community needs including veterans, police, teachers, firefighters and first responders.
The Colorado Rockies Foundation focuses on supporting underprivileged youth through softball, baseball, education, literacy, drug and alcohol abuse awareness and prevention. The Dodgers fight to improve education, health care, homelessness, and social justice for all Los Angeles citizens. The San Diego Padres Foundation prioritizes health, education, and fitness for those in their community. Last but not least, the San Francisco Giants promote character development and health to strengthen the youth by focusing on fundraisers to raise money for community efforts.
American League
Starting in the East, the Baltimore Orioles support and donate to charitable organizations. While the Boston Red Sox’s goal is to make a difference in the lives of youth, veterans, families, and communities, the New York Yankees focus on working with the community and building relationships. They focus on six pillars which include: arts, education, healthy lifestyles, multicultural, recreation, and social responsibility.
Furthermore, the Tampa Bay Rays are dedicated to improving the lives of those in need by focusing on development and education. Finally, the Toronto Blue Jays strive to create a level playing field for all youth; they focus on children in poverty, those with disabilities, girls, and indigenous youth.
Moving to the Central Division, the Chicago White Sox work to help those in need in the Chicago area by promoting youth education. The Cleveland Guardians raise money from events and player contributions to support school districts, youth baseball and softball programs, and community organizations.
The Detroit Tigers take donations and give out scholarships to schools as well as grants to refurbish youth ballfields. The Kansas City Royals strive to support the youth and military families: they have put over $20 million back into their community. Finally, the Minnesota Twins strive to teach baseball and softball to promote healthy development.
Lastly, in the West, the Houston Astros Foundation renovates baseball and softball fields in the area and invests money into parks to support the youth. The Los Angeles Angels invest in education, healthcare, arts and sciences, and community related programs, meanwhile the Oakland Athletics strive to improve quality of life in Oakland through programs and volunteer efforts. The Seattle Mariners are committed to create a place where everyone can thrive and have the opportunity for good health and economic stability. Finally, the Texas Rangers focus on improving the lives in their community through meaningful change.
Although there are a variety of teams and foundations, each team is committed to their own philanthropy, with some focusing on the youth and all focusing on improving the lives of the people in their communities. While each team has a different way of achieving and supporting their foundations, all are driven and focused to provide more to those around them. Whether you want to donate to a cause or attend events, you, too, can support a foundation you are passionate about.
Comments