Cubs Charities accepting applications for field improvement grants |
Cubs Charities is accepting applications for 2016 Diamond Project field improvement grants through June 3. Since 2014, Cubs Charities' Diamond Project has awarded nearly $1 million in grants to support 28 youth leagues and 18 capital improvement projects across Chicago. The Diamond Project, one of Cubs Charities' three signature programs, provides funds to nonprofit, neighborhood-based organizations to expand opportunities for children to play baseball and softball and improve the quality, safety and accessibility of local baseball fields or indoor training facilities.
Earlier this month, Cubs Charities awarded program grants to support youth baseball and softball and honored 10 organizations leading capital improvement projects during a pregame ceremony at Wrigley Field. "We are proud to partner with local organizations to share our vision in providing Chicago's children with access to baseball and softball facilities and programs, as well as help develop their skills and foster a love for the game," said Cubs Charities Chair Laura Ricketts. Applications for this year's Diamond Project capital improvement grants can be found online at www.cubs.com/diamondproject and will be accepted through Friday, June 3. Organizations may apply for funding ranging from $5,000 to $150,000 for field surfaces, indoor training amenities and general field and stadium support. Cubs Charities also will donate five scoreboards to local fields in partnership with Daktronics, the manufacturer of the video boards at Wrigley Field. Cubs Charities will host an informational session about the Diamond Project Wednesday, May 4, at 10 a.m. CDT in the Audi Club at Wrigley Field. Interested nonprofit, neighborhood-based organizations and schools in the Chicago area can email diamondproject@cubs.com to attend. Cubs Charities, with assistance from Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Chicago, will review all applications and select local capital improvement projects to support through Diamond Project grants. For information on how to apply, please visit www.cubs.com/diamondproject. Supporting the Diamond Project: Net proceeds from MLB-authenticated, game-used and autographed Cubs memorabilia sold through Cubs Authentics will support the Diamond Project. Fans and collectors interested in supporting Cubs Charities through the purchase of Cubs Authentics memorabilia can currently find autographed baseballs, bats and jerseys from current players, coaches and alumni at www.cubs.com/authentics. Past Diamond Project Grantees: Capital Improvement Grants: Academy for Urban School Leadership Back of the Yards Neighborhood Council Breakthrough Urban Ministries Brighton Park Neighborhood Council Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation Canaryville Little League Friends of Alcott Friends of Amundsen Mather High School/Park Near West Side CDC Neighborhood Boys & Girls Club New Life Centers of Chicagoland Perspectives Charter Schools South Central Community Services South Side Little League Program Grants: Athletes for Christ Association Youth Baseball AUSL Middle School Baseball Blue Jays - Salvation Army Brighton Kelly Little League Baseball BUILD Peace League Chicago Comets Chicago Little League Chicago Public League Englewood Police Youth Baseball League Future Entrepreneurs of America Garfield Park Little League Hamlin Park Baseball Association Horner Park North-West Little League Josephinum Academy Kilbourn Park Little League Little Village Little League Little Village Summer Softball League Ludeman Stingers Lost Boyz Inc. (Rosemore Little League) Near South Little League Near West Side CDC Oz Park Baseball Association Roberto Clemente Little League Roseland Little League South Side Little League Warren Park Youth Baseball League Welles Park Parents Association West Lawn Little League
