Share the Glove

The Badlands Big Sticks are excited to announce the organization is accepting applications for the Share the Glove Youth Baseball Equipment Grant Program in conjunction with the Northwoods League Foundation. The Share the Glove program provides youth baseball and softball equipment annually in every Northwoods League market. Entering its seventh year of the Share the Glove initiative, the Northwoods League Foundation has awarded more than $220,000 in baseball and softball equipment to youth organizations.

The Northwoods League Foundation (“Foundation”) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that serves as a vehicle to transform a shared passion for baseball into positive change and support for communities. The Mission of the Northwoods League Foundation is: To utilize the game of baseball to enrich the quality of life for children and families with an enduring and caring focus on Northwoods League communities.

In support of this mission, the Foundation has announced it is continuing its Share the Glove initiative, launched in 2018, for the 2024 season. The Foundation will be awarding twenty-five (25) equipment grants, to youth baseball and softball organizations across the twenty-five (25) communities in which a Northwoods League Affiliate currently operates.

What is the grant?

The grant is a standardized set of Rawlings equipment, sized for youth ages 9-12. There will be thirteen (13) baseball grants and twelve (12) softball grants awarded. Each grant includes:

(1) Set of catcher’s gear (helmet, chest protector, shin guards, mitt)
(6) Batting helmets
(9) Fielding gloves (7 RH, 2 LH)
(1) Bucket of practice baseballs
(3) Bats (27 in. – 30 in)

Who is eligible to receive the grant?

The following criteria must be met in order to be eligible to receive the grant:

Organization qualifies as a 501(c)(3) organization, school or school-based program, or community-based organization as defined under US IRC section 501(c)(3);
Organization is not an individual, for-profit business, political, or religious organization;
Organization provides opportunities for kids ages 9-12 to play baseball or softball within a community that is served by a Northwoods League affiliate.

How will grant applications be accepted and awarded?

Affiliate teams will be accepting grant applications from organizations within their community. The Foundation will not directly accept applications. The Foundation has designated which thirteen (13) communities will be awarded baseball grants and which twelve (12) communities will be awarded softball grants. For the 2024 season, the Big Sticks are awarding a baseball grant to one area organization. The deadline to apply for the 2024 grant is April 30.

If your organization wishes to apply for this grant, please complete the application form below. The grant recipient will be chosen by the Northwoods League Foundation and be notified by the Big Sticks in early May. Any questions relating to the application, or Share the Glove Initiative can be directed to Big Sticks General Manager, Logan Hoff, via email (logan@badlandsbigsticks.com).

Share the Glove

Please fill out completely to be considered for a recipient of Share The GLOVE Grant Program. Thank You.

Date*
MM slash DD slash YYYY
Organization Name*
Tax-Exempt Status (include copy of IRS designation, if applicable)
Upload copy of IRS Designation Letter (if available)
Max. file size: 8 MB.
Year Organization Founded*
Director*
Contact Person and title (If not Director)
First Last
Contact's Email*
Physical Address*
Street Address Address Line 2 City State ZIP Code
Mailing Address (if different from physical address)
Street Address Address Line 2 City State ZIP Code
Telephone Number*
Website*
Number of Participants*
List all current funding sources (e.g. dues, pay to play, grants, sponsors, government funds)*
Section 2. Statement of Purpose --Please give us a brief description of how your organization enriches the lives of children and families in your community through the game of baseball or softball. (You may upload a file below)*
Statement of Purpose Upload File if applicable
Max. file size: 8 MB.
Name of Person Completing Application*
First Last
Section 3. Signature By checking Yes below, I certify that the information provided in this application is true to the best of my knowledge and belief. I understand this information will be used to make a determination in the awarding of grants and if determined to be false or misleading, may disqualify my organization from consideration. If my organization is awarded the grant, information provided as part of this application (organization name, year founded, # of participants, statement of purpose) may be used for promotional purposes.
- YES