The Pittsburgh Pirates philanthropic arm, Pirates Charities, has announced the two grant cycle deadlines for the 2017 "Fields for Kids" 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 by providing matching grants to area youth organizations.
In 2016, Pirates Charities increased the total amount available per matching grant up to $25,000 for local nonprofit youth baseball and/or softball groups. This option will continue in 2017. Any interested organization must complete a grant application found at Pirates.com/PiratesCharities. Grant applications will be accepted during two grant periods this year. Please note organizations are eligible to receive a Fields for Kids grant every other calendar year. Each grant cycle will distribute a total of 21 grants ranging from $1,000 to up to $25,000 in the following increments: 
o 15 grants per period between $1,000 and $5,000
o Five grants per period between $5,001 and $10,000
o One grant per period between $10,001 and $25,000 
Application Due Dates    Grant Determination Dates
Monday, March 6, 2017 Monday, April 3, 2017
Tuesday, August 1, 2017 Tuesday, September 5, 2017 
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 the required documents for consideration. 
Since the Fields for Kids program's inception in 2009, a total of 251 individual grants have been distributed in the greater Pittsburgh region, in addition to 38 total grants in the Pirates Spring Training home of Bradenton, Florida since the program began there in 2011.