CHICAGO -- Cubs Charities announced today its 2018 Diamond Project capital grants. This year, Cubs Charities will award more than $1.5 million to support 14 projects across Chicago's neighborhoods from Evanston to Pullman.
Chicago Cubs President of Business Operations Crane Kenney made the grant announcement during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new Pullman Community Center, which is receiving a $500,000 Diamond Project grant - one of the largest Diamond Project grants given since the program's inception - to help fund a field and four batting cages in the new 135,000-square-foot facility.
The Pullman Community Center features three indoor playing fields, year-round recreational and educational programs, and space for meetings and gatherings for far-south side communities.
"We are proud to support the Pullman Community Center with our $500,000 Diamond Project grant," said Cubs President of Business Operations Crane Kenney. "With this facility, children in Pullman, Roseland and surrounding communities will benefit from increased access to a large-scale indoor baseball and softball facility and programming that will teach the fundamentals of the game with year-round instruction. The new field and batting cages will help athletes develop their skills and foster a love of the game."
The Diamond Project aims to expand baseball and softball opportunities for all Chicago children and youth by providing them with skilled coaches, quality year-round softball and baseball programs and safe and accessible places to play the game.
Since 2014, the Diamond Project has invested more than $7.3 million to fund 60 investment capital projects, distributed equipment to 14 organizations and provided operating support to 45 youth leagues. Cubs Charities partners with LISC Chicago to vet capital requests and partners.
2018 Diamond Project Capital Grantees:
B.I.G. Baseball Academy (4425 S. Western Blvd.)
Children First Fund for Lindblom Park (6054 S. Damen Ave.)
Evanston Baseball Softball Association for Foster Park (1655 Foster Street, Evanston, IL.)
Hamlin Park Baseball Association, Inc. (3035 N. Hoyne Ave.)
Horner Park North-West Little League (2741 W. Montrose Ave.)
Kerry Wood Cubs Field (3400 N. Rockwell St.)
New Life Centers of Chicagoland for La Villita Park (2800 S. Sacramento Blvd.)
Oz Park Advisory Council (2021 N. Burling St.)
Pullman Community Center (10355 S. Woodlawn Ave.)
The BASE Chicago (230 N. Kolmar Ave.)
The Noble Network of Charter Schools for Hermosa Park (2240 N. Kilbourn Ave.)
Warren Park Youth Baseball Little League (6601 N. Western Ave.)
Willye B. White Park Advisory Council (1610 W. Howard St.)
Wrightwood Little League for Hayes Park (2936 W. 85th St.)
About Cubs Charities: Cubs Charities harnesses the passion of Cubs fans to improve the lives of children and families across Chicago and beyond. Cubs Charities' goal is to provide increased access to sports opportunities and target improvements in health, fitness and education for those at risk. Through grants to quality nonprofit programs, development of parks and baseball fields, and other community initiatives, the Cubs and Cubs Charities help fulfill a commitment to be the best in the game, on and off the field. For more information, visit www.cubscharities.org.