On April 23, L.E.A.D. celebrated a milestone in the organization’s history. Over 150 L.E.A.D. families and supporters marched from Sylvan Hills Middle School to Perkerson Park where everyone enjoyed Opening Day ceremonies; the ceremonies marked the Opening Day of L.E.A.D.’s Middle School Baseball Development League. Through this march, L.E.A.D. is declaring that baseball is alive and well in Atlanta the organization is truly Transforming Communities Through Baseball. — http://lead2legacy.org/photo/albums/leads-1st-annual-inner-city

L.E.A.D., Inc. (Launch, Expose, Advise and Direct, Inc.) is a 501c3 non-profit organization established by former Major League player, C.J. Stewart, to increase the number of African-Americans playing competitive high school baseball in the inner city of Atlanta. Through its programming, L.E.A.D. prepares young ment o compete for scholarships at the college level. The fall Legacy League (instructional league play), Middle School Baseball Develoopment League and Ambassador and Jr. Ambassador program all provide a year round development opportunity that includes baseball skill development, education/leadership developmen and monthly community service opportunities. L.E.A.D. also provides coaches training through its Legacy League via the Urban Coaching Mentoring Program.  A Baseball Tomorrow Fund grant provided funding for the purchase of equipment, uniforms, travel expenses and selected program expenses to support the availability of quality programs to inner-city players and coaches in 2010. www.lead2legacy.org

“The Baseball Tomorrow Fund helps Toronto Community Housing, North America’s second largest social housing provider, to provide an opportunity for young people to be physically active, learn life skills and learn the game of baseball. In partnership with Jays Care Foundation, the Rookie League is an eight week summer baseball camp that is provided at no cost to the 700 children and youth from 30 Toronto Community Housing communities across the city of Toronto. The children and youth engaged in the program live in social housing communities and the majority of them come from self-identified visible minority families. Baseball Tomorrow Fund supported Rookie League by donating $5,000 as well as hosting an equipment drive at Rogers Centre, home of the Toronto Blue Jays and helped to donate over 200 pieces of equipment to the program. Toronto Community Housing provides affordable housing and works with partners to connect tenants to opportunities that help create a thriving city for us all. Without the Rookie League program and the Baseball Tomorrow Fund Grant, these future all-stars would not have the opportunity to be exposed to the sport and the magic of baseball.”

–Mr. Justin Bobb, Toronto Community Housing Corporation, 2010 Equipment Day Grant Recipient

…you can find the transcript here!

Thanks to those who attended on Wednesday, and stay tuned for future chats by following us on Facebook and Twitter.

Baseball Tomorrow Fund

Wednesday April 6, 2011

1:42	Beth: Welcome to today’s chat!Wednesday April 6, 2011 1:42 Beth
1:46	[Comment From Mark Mark: ] Thank you, when can we begin with the BTF questions? Wednesday April 6, 2011 1:46 Mark

 

1:48

Beth: The chat will begin in approximately 10 minutes. At that time we will open the floor to questions.Wednesday April 6, 2011 1:48 Beth

1:53

Cathy Bradley – BTF: Hello! Welcome to the Baseball Tomorrow Fund (BTF)/NRPA Chat Session.As you may know, BTF 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. Today, we are available to answer questions regarding the application process. Please feel free to submit your questions now! Wednesday April 6, 2011 1:53 Cathy Bradley – BTF

 

1:56

[Comment From David G. David G.: ] Hi Cathy, thanks for having a chat. I have just submitted a grant application for the APR-JUN, review. Can you give me a sense of what happens during the review process and how I can best prepare to give you everything you need to make a decision Wednesday April 6, 2011 1:56 David G.

1:59

Cathy Bradley – BTF: Hi David. Thank you for your question. All applications are reviewed by our staff and evaluated based on the BTF evaluation criteria. If additional information or clarification is needed, a BTF staff person will contact the applicant. After this process is completed, site visits are scheduled with a select group of applicants. The best way for an applicant to prepare is to submit a complete application with all required supporting documentation.Wednesday April 6, 2011 1:59 Cathy Bradley – BTF

 

2:00	[Comment From Mark Mark: ] Hi Cathy, Can the BTF funds be used for the construction of a public indoor baseball/ softaball facility. please note that this facility is necessary for baseball/ softball skills during the long cold weather season in Buffalo, NY. Thank you. Wednesday April 6, 2011 2:00 Mark
2:00	Cathy Bradley – BTF: Hi Mark. Yes, BTF has awarded grants for indoor facilities in the past.Wednesday April 6, 2011 2:00 Cathy Bradley – BTF

 

2:01	[Comment From David G. David G.: ] thanks. Can you give me a sense of what happens on a visit? Wednesday April 6, 2011 2:01 David G.
2:03	Cathy Bradley – BTF: During a site visit, the applicant has the opportunity to provide an overview of the project, any updates to the status of the project, matching funds, etc. Questions may be asked of the applicant to clarify information in the application. A visit to the proposed site or facility is also scheduled.Wednesday April 6, 2011 2:03 Cathy Bradley – BTF

 

2:05	[Comment From David G. David G.: ] thanks. Typically, how long from the grant application deadline until the visits are scheduled? And, excuse me if I’m hogging the chat . Feel free to move my question lower on the list. Wednesday April 6, 2011 2:05 David G.
2:06	Cathy Bradley – BTF: Site visits are usually scheduled 4-6 weeks from the application deadline.Wednesday April 6, 2011 2:06 Cathy Bradley – BTF

 

2:07	Cathy Bradley – BTF: Hi Lynn. Grants to past recipients are dependent upon the applicant’s demonstration of participation growth and need for BTF funding, responsiveness during the previous grant period and demonstration of results from the previous grant.Wednesday April 6, 2011 2:07 Cathy Bradley – BTF
2:07	[Comment From Lynn Lynn: ] Cathy – We received the BTF funding a few years ago (Barnwell SC) and the complex is great….what is the likelyhood of receiving funding for field equipment now (drags, rakes, toro machines, paint liners, chalkers, etc…)? Wednesday April 6, 2011 2:07 Lynn

 

2:08	[Comment From Ellen LeMaitre Ellen LeMaitre: ] If we have an “itty bitty baseball” program in existence here already – is it conceivable that we could receiev program support funding (Lawrence Ma branch) YMCA Wednesday April 6, 2011 2:08 Ellen LeMaitre
2:08	Cathy Bradley – BTF: Hi Ellen. BTF grants are intended to support growth rather than ongoing operating expenses.Wednesday April 6, 2011 2:08 Cathy Bradley – BTF

 

2:09	[Comment From Peggy Peggy: ] Hi there, I’m Peggy. Are grants awarded for past expenses? Wednesday April 6, 2011 2:09 Peggy
2:09	Cathy Bradley – BTF: Thanks for your question, Peggy. BTF grants are not awarded for past expenses.Wednesday April 6, 2011 2:09 Cathy Bradley – BTF

 

2:10	[Comment From Margie Margie: ] Hi Cathy (and Meghan), I want to tell David that the site visit includes both discussion on the project and also a detailed visit to the location where work will be done. Very specific questions are asked so it is important to have the people with you who will have the answers that BTF needs. Wednesday April 6, 2011 2:10 Margie
2:11	Cathy Bradley – BTF: An applicant can seek funds for a project that will facilitate participation growth.Wednesday April 6, 2011 2:11 Cathy Bradley – BTF

 

2:11	[Comment From elemaitre@mvymca.org elemaitre@mvymca.org: ] does that mean we could seek funds and use them for more kids to join our itty bitty program? Wednesday April 6, 2011 2:11 elemaitre@mvymca.org
2:11	Cathy Bradley – BTF: An applicant can seek funds for a project that will facilitate participation growth.Wednesday April 6, 2011 2:11 Cathy Bradley – BTF

 

2:12	[Comment From elemaitre@mvymca.org elemaitre@mvymca.org: ] great – and i assume form website – we can ask for help to purchase jerseys and help suypport coaching expenses? Wednesday April 6, 2011 2:12 elemaitre@mvymca.org
2:13	Cathy Bradley – BTF: BTF grant funds are awarded for equipment and uniforms; however, only coaches training expense are eligible for consideration. Salaries are not eligible.Wednesday April 6, 2011 2:13 Cathy Bradley – BTF

 

2:13	[Comment From Guest Guest: ] Thank you, Cathy. For the construction of an indoor facility, will the municipality need to prepare a feasibility study prior to submission the BTF application? Wednesday April 6, 2011 2:13 Guest
2:14	Cathy Bradley – BTF: An applicant should conduct any type of study, research, design, cost estimates, permitting, etc. prior to applying for a BTF grant.Wednesday April 6, 2011 2:14 Cathy Bradley – BTF

 

2:14	[Comment From elemaitre@mvymca.org elemaitre@mvymca.org: ] outside of bats, baseballs, jerseys, etc – can we ask for help with a “dugout” or benches etc for players/veiwing? Wednesday April 6, 2011 2:14 elemaitre@mvymca.org
2:16	Cathy Bradley – BTF: Dugout or benches would be considered a field renovation project. Information regarding the condition of the field, maintenance, etc. would be required in the application.Wednesday April 6, 2011 2:16 Cathy Bradley – BTF

 

2:17

Cathy Bradley – BTF: BTF generally considers projects that include capital expenditures for youth baseball and softball programs such as baseball/softball equipment and uniforms, basic baseball/softball field renovations and construction (e.g. infield mix, sod/seeding, bases, dugouts, fencing, field lighting, irrigation system, grading, etc.) As I mentioned, indoor facilities are also considered.Wednesday April 6, 2011 2:17 Cathy Bradley – BTF

2:17

Cathy Bradley – BTF: Expenditures such as annual operating expenses (i.e. salaries, field rental, umpire fees, insurance, administrative expenses, membership dues, advertising and promotional expenses, bank charges or audit expenses, etc.), other third party overhead costs, the purchase of land, multi-sport facilities, parking lots, concession stands, grandstands and restrooms will not be considered for BTF funding. Baseball and softball fields used by other sports and activities other than youth baseball and softball (i.e. soccer in the outfield, community festivals, adult softball leagues, etc.) will not be considered for BTF funding.Wednesday April 6, 2011 2:17 Cathy Bradley – BTF

 

2:18	[Comment From Parker Parker: ] Hi Cathy. Thanks for the chat! What type of applicant gets chosen for a grant to fund field lighting? Wednesday April 6, 2011 2:18 Parker
2:20	Cathy Bradley – BTF: Applicants that request funding for field lighting must demonstrate need with regard to number of players/teams served, use by multiple leagues or programs, ability to adequately maintain the fields and availability of matching funds. These are key criteria in addition to the basic BTF criteria.Wednesday April 6, 2011 2:20 Cathy Bradley – BTF

 

2:20	[Comment From Jamie N. Jamie N.: ] Does BTF contribute funding to a project that already has outside funders involved, or do you have to be the sole funding source (other than inkind)? Wednesday April 6, 2011 2:20 Jamie N.
2:21	Cathy Bradley – BTF: Hi Jamie. BTF requires an applicant to secure matching funds, usually at least 50% of the total cost of the project. We definitely do not want to be the sole source of funding for any project.Wednesday April 6, 2011 2:21 Cathy Bradley – BTF

 

2:21	[Comment From Lynn Lynn: ] Can we use grant funds to purchase field maintenance equipment – not for renovation but just maintenance? Wednesday April 6, 2011 2:21 Lynn
2:22	Cathy Bradley – BTF: Grant funds for maintenance equipment are usually awarded as a part of a larger project such as field renovation or construction.Wednesday April 6, 2011 2:22 Cathy Bradley – BTF

 

2:23

Cathy Bradley – BTF: The Baseball Tomorrow Fund will also evaluate the each applicant’s ability to demonstrate its: § Commitment to increase youth participation in baseball and softball and to be inclusive in all areas of its program; § Thorough planning of the proposed project; § Ability to be self-sustaining operationally and its ability to maintain fields and facilities on an on-going basis; § Strong partnerships with other organizations, agencies, local business community and individuals; § Willingness and ability to provide complete and accurate information during the application and review process; § Ability to manage and account for the use of grant funds, provide complete and meaningful quarterly and final reports and willingness to adhere to the Baseball Tomorrow Fund Terms and Conditions and Grant Recipient Responsibilities.Wednesday April 6, 2011 2:23 Cathy Bradley – BTF

2:25

Cathy Bradley – BTF: You can follow BTF on Twitter, Facebook and the MLB Blogs for application tips and for the latest BTF news!Wednesday April 6, 2011 2:25 Cathy Bradley – BTF

 

2:26	Cathy Bradley – BTF: A frequently asked question: Our project is a collaboration of several organizations. Which organization should apply to the Baseball Tomorrow Fund?The non-profit or tax-exempt organization that will be responsible for the administration of the project and grant funds should be the official applicant organization. Wednesday April 6, 2011 2:26 Cathy Bradley – BTF
2:28	Cathy Bradley – BTF: How many of you have applied to BTF in the past or are thinking about it for the first time?Wednesday April 6, 2011 2:28 Cathy Bradley – BTF

 

2:30	[Comment From Margie Margie: ] We applied, recently received a BTF grant, and have just started the process of replacing our field lights. Wednesday April 6, 2011 2:30 Margie
2:30	[Comment From David G. David G.: ] I have just applied for one Wednesday April 6, 2011 2:30 David G.

 

2:30	[Comment From Jamie N. Jamie N.: ] I’m not certain if my organization has ever applied. It’s the first time I’ve been involved. Wednesday April 6, 2011 2:30 Jamie N.
2:31	[Comment From Mark Mark: ] We will apply for one in the near future Wednesday April 6, 2011 2:31 Mark

 

2:31	[Comment From Ken Ken: ] I am considering a future application Wednesday April 6, 2011 2:31 Ken
2:31	[Comment From Ryan Ryan: ] will be my first time Wednesday April 6, 2011 2:31 Ryan

 

2:31	Cathy Bradley – BTF: If there are no other questions today, we will wrap it up for today. We will schedule another chat session next quarter.Thanks very much for your participation today and interest in BTF. More information about the application process can be found at www.baseballtomorrowfund.com. Have a great afternoon! Wednesday April 6, 2011 2:31 Cathy Bradley – BTF
2:33	[Comment From David G. David G.: ] thanks Wednesday April 6, 2011 2:33 David G.

 

2:33	[Comment From Margie Margie: ] Thank you, too. Wednesday April 6, 2011 2:33 Margie
2:33	[Comment From Janie Janie: ] Thank you for your time

2011 marks the 7^th anniversary of Equipment Day, a joint effort between the Baseball Tomorrow Fund (BTF) and Major League Baseball clubs to host equipment drives at stadiums across the country. On Equipment Day, fans are invited to bring in new and used equipment in addition to cash donations that will benefit local, youth baseball and softball organizations. Having the proper equipment is vital to providing access to the game for all children, and we’ve heard this directly from one of our previous recipients of equipment:

 ”This grant will allow us to provide new baseball gloves to any low income participant for free. It will ensure that no child is unable to participate due to not owning the necessary equipment.”
-Matt B., Parkways Foundation, Chicago, IL

As an intern with the BTF, one of my main duties is preparing MLB clubs for Equipment Day. This is a quite rewarding process because I can directly see the benefits of all the work we do behind the scenes once the equipment is distributed. The first step is reaching out to each team to coordinate resources and marketing efforts around each Equipment Day. It can be difficult to simultaneously coordinate with community relations managers at all 30 clubs, but it’s a necessary task to ensure that we collect as much equipment as possible. Next, we provide teams with Equipment Day promotional materials so that they can draw as much awareness to the event as possible. We send a variety of materials to each club including personalized signage and Equipment Day collateral to name a couple.

Now that all of these pieces are in place, we are looking forward to each club’s equipment drive. The Oakland A’s will be hosting the first Equipment Day on April 17, at the Coliseum. Check out our website for a full list of Equipment Day dates, and please stop by your local team’s stadium with equipment or cash to help one of your local, youth teams.