Gloves for Kids Application
The main objective of the Detroit Tigers Equipment Request Application is to eliminate the barrier of equipment costs and level the playing field for youth playing baseball and softball. Requests are assessed by a multitude of factors including, but not limited to, program registration fees, additional cost to parents, school free/reduced lunch rates, and the type of equipment requested.
We will review new equipment donation requests on a bi-weekly basis. We will get back to you with a decision within 30 days of the application closing.
Please complete the form below to request equipment for your organization and program.
*The application is set to close on May 31, 2024. However it may close before the end of the cycle if funds are depleted due to early requests. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early. Once funds for a cycle have been depleted, the application will close and will not reopen to new requests until 2025.
Guidelines
Organization must meet the following requirements to be considered:
- Role of applicant should be a coach, team representative or league representative.
- Must serve youth between 3-18 years old.
- Must operate primarily from and serve children located in Michigan.
- Must not charge a participation fee above $300.
This program favors organizations that focus on providing low-cost athletic opportunities to youth in need. As a result, organizations that do not meet the above criteria or fall into one of the following categories are not eligible to apply:
- Competitive travel teams (this includes tournament teams, elite/AAU teams and training programs)
- Athletic programs for adults
- Individual families/children
FAQ
What type of equipment is typically available?
We source a variety of equipment from local sporting goods stores. The type of equipment will vary from cycle-to-cycle depending on the current supply available in local markets. Despite our best efforts, it is possible that we may not be able to source specific requests due to lack of availability.
Is there a limit to the number of items I may request?
You can request as many items as you would like, so long as the quantities correlate with the number of athletes you serve. It is important to note that while there is no explicit limit, applications are reviewed against current inventory levels and availability of items requested. It is possible that an item may not be in stock or come into stock by the request date. Therefore, there is the possibility that we will be unable to fulfill certain requests. We will do our best to inform the organization if certain items are unavailable.
Am I required to report any information back to the Detroit Tigers after I receive my equipment?
Yes. We ask that you complete a survey once your season has concluded. This form will be emailed to the contact person listed on the application. The survey will provide the Detroit Tigers Foundation (who fund the equipment donation grants) with the opportunity to understand the impact made by the donation and use this information to raise funding for the program in the future. The Detroit Tigers Foundation may use the information collected for promotional and/or fundraising purposes.
What is the process for receiving equipment?
You must complete an application to be considered for an equipment grant. Once an application has been received, a Tigers staff member will review the information and reach out within 60 days with a decision.
What condition should the equipment be in?
The equipment should be in new/like-new condition.
Do I have to apply during the cycle that correlates with my team’s season?
No. Organizations are not expected to apply during their respective season. Fall ball teams, for example, are welcome to apply during the Spring cycle. The same applies for summer programs looking to apply in the winter.
Do you provide financial assistance to programs?
No. The program currently focuses on providing equipment to teams in need.
Am I eligible to apply for multiple grants throughout the year?
Programs that meet the application requirements are eligible to apply for up 2 grants per calendar year. Organizations must reapply to be considered. It should be noted that preference will be given to organizations that have not received an equipment grant before.
How will I know if my application was received?
A confirmation email will be sent to the email listed in the application.
When will I know if my application is approved or rejected?
A decision will be made within 30 days of the application closing.
The application is closed, despite it being in the middle of an application cycle. Why might that be?
The application may close before the end of the cycle if funds are depleted with early requests. Once funds for a cycle have been depleted, the application will close and will not reopen to new requests until the next cycle.
I have equipment that I no longer use, may I bring it to Comerica to donate?
Currently, we are not accepting used equipment donations.
My application was denied. Why might that happen?
Applications may be denied if a program is ineligible. Ineligible programs include competitive travel teams (this includes tournament teams, elite/AAU teams, and training programs), athletic programs for adults, and requests from individual families/children. Applications may also be denied if the application is incomplete. Forgetting to list contact information or not answering a required question could also lead to your application being denied.
If my application is approved, where/when will I get my equipment?
A Tigers staff member will reach out with details about acquiring equipment.
