The Youth Baseball Funding program entered its eight year in 2012. This initiative is a funding mechanism for underserved youth baseball and softball organizations. The program is inspired by local inner-city coaches, who single-handedly keep baseball alive in urban neighborhoods while striving to be positive role models.

 

The Reds Community Fund began this outreach operation in 2005 by funding five Knothole baseball organizations. This year the Reds Community Fund expanded the program to reach more than 40 organizations while financially assisting more than 400 teams.

 

In order to qualify for funding, organizations must fill out a grant application and to remain eligible for the program, each organization must do a minimum of three community-based activities. Grant dollars can be used by the teams to assist in uniforms and equipment expenses, along with field fees, league fees and trophies.