Pirates Charities announces "Fields for Kids" grant application deadlines
Matching Grants up to $10,000 Available to Area Youth Baseball and Softball Organizations
Pirates Charities, the official philanthropic arm of the Pittsburgh Pirates, announced the three grant cycle deadlines for the 2015 "Fields for Kids" matching grants program. The "Fields for Kids" program is one of Pirates Charities' signature programs and provides financial support to improve youth baseball and/or softball facilities through matching grants. New for 2015, Pirates Charities has increased the total amount available per matching grant to $10,000, meaning local nonprofit youth baseball and/or softball groups may now apply for matching grants from $1,000 to $10,000. Each year the Pirates non-profit group distributes grants in three rounds-- spring, summer and fall.
Grant funds are used for the upgrading of essential field components such as sod, infield playing surfaces, fencing, dugouts and irrigation systems. Many organizations utilize the funds to make much needed upgrades to the overall facility, including lights, bleachers, scoreboards and concession stands.
For complete information regarding specific qualifications for grants and to submit an application, visit pirates.com/piratescharities.
Organizations must complete an application and submit all required documents for consideration. Applications will be accepted and reviewed throughout the year. Final grant determinations will be made by Pirates Charities in April, June, and September.
In 2014, a total of 38 youth baseball and softball organizations located in western Pennsylvania and Ohio were awarded grants to help ensure their programs continue to thrive. Since the program began in 2009, more than 175 individual grants have been distributed in western Pennsylvania, West Virginia and eastern Ohio.