DUGOUTS FOR KIDS

PRESENTED BY KOPPERS

The Pirates Charities Dugouts for Kids program, presented by Koppers aims to support youth baseball and softball organizations by providing financial resources to renovate their field dugouts. These fields become places where young athletes and their coaches connect and create lifelong memories and learn some of life’s most important lessons such as teamwork and sportsmanship. Through this program, Pirates Charities and Koppers ensure our kids can continue to play the games they love in a safe environment.

APPLYING FOR DUGOUTS FOR KIDS

Any nonprofit tax-exempt organization, school or local government unit that operates youth baseball and/or softball programs within select counties of the Pittsburgh Pirates market area are encouraged to nominate their organization for the program.
For assistance, or if you are interested in nominating your organization, please reach out to John Leonard – Manager, Youth Baseball and Softball at John.Leonard@pirates.com
During application review periods, a Pirates Charities representative may reach out if further clarification or information is needed, so please ensure a monitored email and phone number are provided on the application.

GRANT PARAMETERS

Grant Information: Please note that grants are given in the amount of $20,000 and projects must be able to be completed within one calendar year. We are currently accepting applications for our 2026 projects.

Project Information: To be considered for this grant, organizations must use contractors appointed by Pirates Charities to complete the projects. Selected organizations will be put in touch with contractors who specialize in using Koppers treated wood products.

2024 DUGOUTS FOR KIDS

Smock Volunteer Fire Department

Through Dugouts for Kids, presented by Koppers, Smock Volunteer Fire Department saw a complete renovation at their Little League field. The project included removing two existing cinderblock dugouts, a concrete floor and old fencing. Two brand new dugouts were built, including adding new concrete floors inside. These dugouts will be used by athletes and players within the Smock community as well as surrounding areas, drawing teams and players in from the region to play exhibition games.

Jack Stack Park

Together with Koppers, the Pirates helped to build six new dugouts at Jack Stack Park where previously there was no physical dugout structures. Northside Baseball and Softball is comprised of multiple teams at each age level, including five teams that compete in the Pirates Nike RBI Program, a program that serves inner-city and underrepresented youth.

ABOUT KOPPERS

Koppers is an integrated global provider of essential treated wood products, wood preservation technologies and carbon compounds. Our team of employees create, protect and preserve key elements of our global infrastructure – including railroad crossties, utility poles, outdoor wooden structures. Together we are providing safe and sustainable solutions to enable rail transportation, keep power flowing, and create spaces of enjoyment for people everywhere. Protecting What Matters, Preserving The Future. Learn more at Koppers.com.