The Baseball Tomorrow Fund (BTF) awards grants to non-profit and tax-exempt organizations involved in the operation of youth baseball and/or softball programs and facilities. The fund is designed to promote the growth of youth baseball and softball throughout the world by awarding grants to support field renovation and construction projects, equipment and uniform purchases, coaches training material and other selected program expenses.
Toro Lends a Hand
Since 2007, Toro has been a proud partner to BTF by providing high-quality turf maintenance products and irrigation equipment to grant recipients at a substantially discounted rate. For eight years and counting, Toro has helped support the program’s mission to facilitate the growth of the game through safe and high-quality facilities, and will continue to do so well into the future.
“Toro is an outstanding partner. Toro’s top-quality equipment provides long-term support to our grant recipients,” explains Cathy Bradley, executive director of the Baseball Tomorrow Fund. “Investing is quality fields and equipment is our goal, and we are able to accomplish that goal with the help and expertise of strategic partners like The Toro Company.”
The Process
Every year, BTF receives approximately 400 requests and awards grants to less than 10%. Grants are awarded on a quarterly basis through a selective review process. The funds are awarded to support new programs, expanding an existing program, or to secure facilities or equipment necessary to increase participation in youth baseball or softball.
The Impact
With the goal of enhancing, encouraging and maintaining youth participation in the game, the Baseball Tomorrow Fund is a joint initiative between the Major League Baseball Players Association and Major League Baseball. Since its formation in 1999, BTF has awarded more than 800 grants totaling over $27 million to non-profit and tax-exempt organizations in the U.S., Canada, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, Africa and Asia. BTF also facilitates league-wide initiatives including the collection and distribution of new and gently used equipment to organizations in need as well as field maintenance education clinics.
For more information, visit baseballtomorrowfund.com and follow BTF on Facebook, Twitter and MLBlogs. To learn more about how to apply by the next grant deadline on July 1st, please click here for more information.
For all of us at Toro, we’re proud to play a small part in helping to provide a first-class playing experience to youth program participants. We are also happy to continue our support of this important program that provides a special experience for each and every young person positively affected by the Baseball Tomorrow Fund grant program.
