Over 16 seasons, HOPE Week has brought players, coaches and front-office employees into the community for an annual, weeklong celebration of inspiring individuals and community organizations. Yankees players not only surprise honorees with a specially-planned event in their neighborhood, but they bring local and national media with them, providing critical exposure to help honorees grow their impactful efforts. HOPE Weeks are also held by each of the Yankees' Minor League affiliates, and nearly 500 total HOPE Week events have been held over the years in New York and in Yankees-affiliate cities. The initiative has inspired other sports teams, schools and businesses to embark on similar endeavors, and along the way the Yankees have contributed more than $1 million to fund the honorees' missions.

For 10 years, the Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy has used baseball and softball as vehicles to foster positive character development, academic achievement and improved health among youth living in underserved communities. It embodies the broader mission of Nationals Philanthropies rooted in fueling access to opportunities so all of D.C.'s children, families and communities can thrive. The Academy has served more than 6,000 children ages 5-18 through a continuum of programs, and invested $50 million in the community through facility construction, capital improvements, community outreach and program delivery.

The annual Community Makeover brings together some of Cincinnati’s most iconic institutions, including P&G, the Cincinnati Zoo, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, GE Aerospace and the United Way of Greater Cincinnati, to make a sustainable impact on a local neighborhood while strengthening youth baseball and softball programs. Since 2010, the Community Makeover has invested more than $10 million and countless volunteer hours into some of Greater Cincinnati’s neediest communities. What began as a field renovation project has evolved into a massive community revitalization.

The White Sox created the Amateur City Elite (ACE) program in 2007 to reverse the declining interest and participation in baseball among African American youth, while offering resources and mentorship to pull kids away from the dangers of some of Chicago’s most violent neighborhoods. The program holds a 99% high school graduation rate. In addition, more than 250 college scholarships have been earned by ACE participants to schools like Louisville, Michigan and Vanderbilt, as well as several HBCUs. Since its inception, 28 players have been selected in the MLB Draft.

When the pandemic began, Royals Charities created the Royals Respond Fund, which has supported more than 500,000 meals, created grants for 17 nonprofit organizations and encouraged Royals staff to volunteer countless hours around the city. Goal No. 1: Establish the KC MLB Urban Youth Academy as more than a youth baseball and softball hub by hosting educational programming for students. Goal No. 2: Transform the KC MLB Urban Youth Academy into a makeshift community center for the people who live in the neighborhood -- something that didn’t exist before the pandemic.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Canadian society has disproportionately affected under-resourced Canadian families who were already facing barriers in their lives. Seeing the alarming challenges youth and their families were facing in Toronto and across Canada due to COVID-19, the Blue Jays organization was determined to take immediate action.

In philanthropic partnership with Massachusetts General Hospital, the Home Base Program is a nonprofit dedicated to providing world-class clinical care, wellness, education and research initiatives for veterans, active military service members and their families impacted by “invisible wounds,” such as post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury.

Texas Rangers Richard Greene Scholars has provided more than $1.2 million in college scholarships to 126 Arlington, Texas, high school students.

The Astros Leaders Program has positively affected thousands of children in Greater Houston through baseball and softball programming, education-based initiatives, and volunteer opportunities.

The Philadelphia Phillies received the award for its commitment to supporting the fight against ALS through the “Phillies Phestival.”

The Junior Giants program is a free, non-competitive initiative for youth ages 5-18 that focuses on character development and baseball instruction.

Refuse To Abuse® Domestic Violence Prevention Program is a state-wide educational initiative, in partnership with the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, to promote healthy relationships and take a public stand against domestic violence.

Detroit Tigers Anti-Bullying program is a free Michigan-wide educational program designed to help students and teachers manage the issue of bullying in schools.

The Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Academy created a series of initiatives that support young people by encouraging physical activity through baseball while also providing programs that offer important resources and help develop essential life skills.

White Sox Volunteer Corps is a unique initiative designed to activate the fan base with White Sox players, executives and staff in helping give back to the greater Chicago community through service.

Red Sox Scholars program creates educational opportunities for inner-city youth.