It is not uncommon for professional sports franchises to pursue and participate in philanthropic endeavors. Through grants, donations and other benevolent acts, these organizations help a variety of groups, individuals and causes within the communities they represent. One such organization is Major League Baseball's Arizona Diamondbacks, whose Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation offers a number of grants throughout the year.
Grand Slam Award
Among the Arizona Diamondbacks charity grants is the Grand Slam Award. The award is given to community organizations to strengthen their impact in the community. Typically, organizations receive either $75,000 or $100,000. Previous recipients have been Arizona-based groups. These groups include Boys and Girls Club of Metropolitan Phoenix, Southwest Autism Research Center, and Arizona Helping Hands.
Program Grants
The foundation provides program grants to nonprofit groups in Arizona. Grants range from $1,000 to $5,000. The Diamondbacks hold several fundraising events annually in an effort to continue providing the grants. Events include the "Evening on the Diamond" benefit dinner and "Play Catch on the Field," a Father's Day event. Program grants are open to all 501(c) nonprofit organizations in the state.
Diamonds Back Field Building Program
Each year, the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation subsidizes the costs of refurbishing baseball fields throughout the state through its Diamonds Back Field Building Program. Since 2000, the foundation has built and refurbished over 29 baseball fields. Areas of attention include fencing around the field, irrigation and lighting. Fields are renamed after Diamondback players.
Play Ball Scholarship Fund
The Diamondbacks assist little league and youth baseball players through its Play Ball Scholarship Fund. The fund is a partnership between Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation and Chase Bank, designed to grant money to struggling little league organizations.
