Willmar, MN – The Willmar Stingers 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 eighth 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 2026 season. The Foundation will be awarding twenty-six (26) equipment grants, to youth baseball and softball organizations across the twenty-six (26) communities in which a Northwoods League Affiliate currently operates.

What is the grant?

The grant is a standardized set of Rawlings equipment. There will be both baseball and 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. 28 in. 29 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. Please contact your local Northwoods League team for information on application materials and deadlines. The Foundation has designated which communities will be awarded baseball grants and which communities will be awarded softball grants. For the 2026 season, the Stingers are awarding a baseball grant to one area organization. The deadline to apply for the 2026 grant is April 14.

Application: https://bit.ly/3O84oie

If your organization wishes to apply for this grant, please complete the application form above by following the link. The grant recipient will be chosen by the Northwoods League Foundation and be notified by the Stingers Office in early May. Any questions relating to the application, or Share the Glove Initiative can be directed to the Willmar Stingers office by calling 320-222-2010

Now is the perfect time to lock in your seats for what promises to be an exciting season. The Stingers are offering 7-Game and 5-Game Kwik Trip Ticket Plans, giving fans the flexibility to catch the biggest nights of the summer while enjoying added perks and savings. Ticket plans are available now at willmarstingers.com or by calling the Stingers front office at (320)222-2010.

The Willmar Stingers will celebrate their 17th season in the Northwoods League in 2026, all plans are available.

The 2026 season is presented by J.D. Kreps Financial Group, empowering investors with powerful financial advice.

About the Willmar Stingers:
The Willmar Stingers are a member of the Northwoods League, the premier summer collegiate baseball league in North America. The Stingers provide affordable, family-friendly entertainment while showcasing the top college baseball talent from across the country.

For more information about the Willmar Stingers, visit willmarstingers.com or contact the front office at (320)222-2010 or info@willmarstingers.com

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The Willmar Stingers are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. The Northwoods League is the proven leader in developing elite college baseball players. Entering its 32^nd season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in history with 24 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires, and front office staff, nearly 2400 NWL alums have been drafted and over 380 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including three-time All-Star and 2016 Roberto Clemente Award winner Curtis Granderson, three-time Cy Young Award winner and World Series Champion Max Scherzer (TOR), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford and World Series Champion Chris Sale (ATL). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and 2019/2021 Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (NYM) and 2023 World Series Champion, MLB All-Star, MLB Gold Glove, two-time Silver Slugger winner and two-time All-MLB first team shortstop Marcus Semien (TEX). League games are viewable live on Northwoods League+ (at watch.northwoodsleague.com), ESPN+, and the Northwoods League Network. Learn more and find complete streaming schedules at watchnwl.com. For more information, visit www.willmarstingers.com or download the new Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store or on Google Play and set the Stingers as your favorite team.