D-backs Partner Outreach Impact

In 2012, the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation partnered with the University of Phoenix to launch the D-backs School Challenge, a statewide grant program that challenged public, private and charter schools to "make their best pitch" for a $5,000 grant. The charitable grants have helped schools from across the state with innovative programs such as vocational activities for special education students, digital sculpting for animation art classes, community gardens, after school fitness classes and much more. Through the School Challenge program, the D-backs have provided more than 200 schools with grants for an overall monetary commitment of more than $1 million since the program launched in 2012.

The Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation and Chase joined forces to help revitalize struggling high school baseball and softball programs in Arizona. The "Chase Your Dreams" program provides financial support, equipment and supplies, facility improvements and field maintenance training to local high school baseball and softball programs.

In 2013, the D-backs launched D-backs Science of Baseball presented by Resolution Copper, a series of programs and initiatives that promote the importance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). During the MLB season, STEM teachers (grades 3-8) can participate in a FREE D-backs Science of Baseball teacher workshop at Chase Field. During the workshop, teachers will have the opportunity to learn new and fun ways to teach students a variety of STEM concepts through the game of baseball. Participating teachers will also have the opportunity to attend a D-backs game and participate in a pre-game recognition on the field.

The Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Complete Health and the Be Kind People Project have teamed up to help spread a message of anti-bullying and friendship. Using their positive approach to behavior and character education, the Be Kind People Project offers innovative youth development programs and services that initiate social change in schools and improve the overall learning environment.

Each September, join the D-backs as we partner with Phoenix Children's Hospital to help our littlest fans who need us the most as we raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer programs during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

Hunger hits Arizona every day at staggering rates. 1 in 7 seniors, 1 in 5 Arizonans, and 1 in 3 children are hungry in Arizona. The Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation teamed up with Arizona Milk Producers in an effort to feed our hungry neighbors through an annual food and donation drive at Chase Field.

Break a Bat, Plant a Tree is a partnership between the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation and Budweiser. An important sustainability initiative for "D-backs Give Back", Break a Bat, Plant a Tree will provide desert-adapted shade trees in area parks.

Every December, the Arizona Diamondbacks and University of Phoenix team up and turn Chase Field into a winter wonderland for the annual Winter Classic event. Six hundred students from various local Title I schools and non-profit agencies are invited to participate in this holiday event filled with gifts and engaging activities. Each participating student receives a brand new pair of athletic shoes, two books, a backpack and a D-backs sweatshirt.

To help lift the spirits of the kids in our community, Arizona Diamondbacks players regularly visit young patients at Phoenix Children's Hospital during the season. In addition to visiting with patients, the players sign autographs, take photos and distribute D-backs gift bags for young fans going through tough times.

Each year, the Arizona Diamondbacks and Maricopa County Supervisor Steve Gallardo team up to host the annual D-backs District 5 Jam. The D-backs welcome over 1,000 students from more than 20 local schools to Chase Field for a special day that includes a parade around the warning track and a complimentary game ticket, t-shirt and lunch at the ballpark.

The D-backs team up with the Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society each year to host 100 kids at Chase Field and teach them valuable lessons regarding the importance of exercise and the dangers of steroids. The children learn exercises from the D-backs training staff and participate in a question and answer session with a D-backs player about the importance of living healthy.