Since Francisco Lindor made it to the Major Leagues, he has had a philanthropic heart for giving back, not only in the States but also in his home of Puerto Rico.
When Hurricane Fiona made landfall in Puerto Rico, causing catastrophic flooding and leaving millions of people without power, their homes and basic necessities, Francisco and his wife, Katia, sprang into action immediately by partnering with Team Rubicon to help them respond on the ground to communities in need. The Lindor family donated $50,000 to support Team Rubicon’s efforts, with the Amazin' Mets Foundation and the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation matching their donation. Francisco’s support of Team Rubicon inspired thousands of people to donate, which brought relief and assistance to those most affected.
The Mets star is passionate about giving back to those who have helped him get to this stage in his career, which is why he works closely with his alma mater, Montverde Academy, to provide resources to the next generation. Francisco believes education is at the foundation of the future of every young man and woman. He has assisted with the funding and development of Montverde Academy’s Lindor Hall, a two-story middle school building with 14 classrooms, three innovative science laboratories, a technology laboratory, conference room, study hall, teacher’s lounge and administrative space. Lindor Hall also includes an attached 12,711-square-foot gymnasium, which is used for physical education classes, sporting events and general activities, like assemblies, dances and robotics competitions.
Francisco was the lead donor on this project, donating $1 million. Along with Lindor Hall, Francisco has made a pledge to his former school by creating the Francisco Lindor Scholarship Fund, which provides financial assistance to students who otherwise would not be able to attend Montverde Academy. Beyond disaster relief and education, the All-Star shortstop is extremely passionate about health and wellness and giving back to the community through his platform. This season, Francisco teamed up with Cohen Children’s Medical Center to spend time with patients and their families, take photos, sign autographs and hand out gifts to the patients and hospital staff.
In 2018, Francisco visited his middle school in the municipality of Gurabo, where he presented a check to the executive director of Nuestra Escuela, a high school in Caguas, Puerto Rico. The donation was used to reinstate the school's sports program and refurbish the playing fields damaged by Hurricane Maria. Francisco also hosted a baseball clinic for 250 kids on the newly renovated fields.
This August, Francisco partnered with New Balance for a back-to-school backpack drive. Throughout the months of August and September, Francisco will have visited numerous schools in the tri-state area to deliver backpacks and school supplies to schools and students in need, as well as provide financial assistance to several schools in the New York City area.