Red Sox Foundation - Who We Are & What We Do
The official team charity of the Boston Red Sox, the Red Sox Foundation is committed to using the power of Red Sox Nation to make a difference in the lives of youth, families, Veterans, and communities in need by improving their health, educational, and recreational opportunities.
Immediately after taking ownership of the Boston Red Sox in 2002, Principal Owner John Henry, Chairman Tom Werner and President/CEO Larry Lucchino and the team’s partners founded and funded the Red Sox Foundation as part of their commitment to making positive impact in our communities. Today, the Foundation is one of the largest and most philanthropic team charities in Major League Baseball. The Red Sox became the first two-time winner of the Allan H. Selig Award for Philanthropic Excellence. The club earned the inaugural award in 2010 for the Red Sox Scholars program, then won again in 2019 for the Home Base program.
By coupling our year-round, direct-service programming with our grant-making and core partnerships, the Foundation utilizes a unique structure and model as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization to effectively triple our impact in our local communities;
- Direct-Service Programming:
- In the focus area of youth education, our goal is to empower youth and young adults in our local communities by affording them access to high quality educational resources, mentorship and continued learning;
- The Red Sox Scholars is a college success program annually awarding a $10,000 scholarship to 10 Boston 7th graders, as well as mentorship and academic, professional and social support.
- The New England and Lee County Service Scholarships recognizes graduating high school seniors who are making meaningful contributions in their local communities.
- In the focus area of youth baseball and softball, our goals are to increase access for underserved youth to participate and thrive, and to ensure all youth players have a positive experience;
- The RBI & Jr. RBI Leagues annually provide team equipment, uniforms, field access and umpires to 2,000+ youth, ages 5 to 18, in Boston at no cost.
- In collaboration with MLB, our Play Ball Events introduce youth in underserved communities to the game in a fun, informal setting.
- The Red Sox Coaches Box provides virtual and in-person trainings in partnership with best-in-class youth development organizations free-of-charge for youth, coaches and administrators.
- The Foundation provides stipends for local Little Leagues and also sponsors all State Tournament.
- The Foundation is also a leading supporter of Teddy Ebersol's Red Sox Fields at Lederman Park. The project was completed in 2006 along the Charles River Esplanade in memory of an avid, young Red Sox fan, Teddy Ebersol. The fields were developed by a new civic and philanthropic partnership between the Foundation, Hill House, and The Esplanade Association, in cooperation with The Executive Office of Environmental Affairs and the Massachusetts Department of Conversation and Recreation.
- In the focus area of youth education, our goal is to empower youth and young adults in our local communities by affording them access to high quality educational resources, mentorship and continued learning;
- Core Partnerships:
- In the focus area of health, the Foundation partners with three reputable, best-in-class partners;
- We've helped raise over $155 million for cancer treatment and research for The Jimmy Fund, which represents one of the most remarkable partnerships between a team and charity in the history of sports.
- We've supported more than 25,000 Veterans and their families suffering from the "invisible wounds of war" with the Home Base Program created under the leadership of Red Sox & Red Sox Foundation Chairman Tom Werner.
- We've championed The Dimock Center in Roxbury, which annually provides health and human services to over 20,000 individuals.
- In the focus area of health, the Foundation partners with three reputable, best-in-class partners;
- Grant-Making & Giving Initiatives:
- As the Foundation continues to respond to our communities' evolving needs and commit to supporting recovery across New England and Lee County, Florida, our grant-making and giving initiatives also evolve;
- Since 2002, the Foundation has donated to over 1,900 mission-aligned nonprofit organizations strengthening outcomes in health, education, and recreation in our local communities.
- The Foundation has also facilitated thousands of ticket donations from generous Season Ticket Holders and fans to afford access to Fenway Park for youth and families, and grow the game we all love.
- Each year, the Foundation also recognizes non-profits organizations demonstrating deep impact in raising awareness and improving mental health outcomes through the IMPACT Awards.
- In 2020, the Red Sox Foundation created and launched the Emergency Hardship Fund to help those experiencing food insecurity in New England and Southwest Florida as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- As the Foundation continues to respond to our communities' evolving needs and commit to supporting recovery across New England and Lee County, Florida, our grant-making and giving initiatives also evolve;
To achieve our mission, the Foundation works to raise millions of dollars each year through major gifts, donations, events, grants and sponsorships. The Foundation is fortunate to have access to and leverage a suite of assets, including the team and Fenway Park, in order to fundraise — as well as the generosity of Red Sox Nation in all that we do. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your support. Our work would not be possible without you!
The Executive Director of the Red Sox Foundation is Boston Red Sox Executive Vice President of Social Impact, Bekah Salwasser. More information about the Red Sox Foundation can be found on www.RedSoxFoundation.org.