MLB and Players' Union Commit $3m to Grant Program

January 24, 2020 

Last week, Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) announced a $3 million grant program to support organizations that advocate for positive mental health, relationship skills and survivors of domestic violence.

The “Healthy Relationships Community Grant” will provide funding in 2020 and 2021 to organizations who provide services to vulnerable populations and those affected by domestic violence.   

U.S. based non-profit's and global non-governmental organizations (NGOs) can apply for support throughout the year, with proposals reviewed on a quarterly grant cycle. They can apply for grants of up to $50,000 for one or more of the following categories: Healthy Relationship Practices/Education, Support for Survivors of Domestic Violence and/or Mental Health Resiliency.

Additionally, MLB Club charities and Major League Players are encouraged to apply for up to $25,000 as part of a gift matching component of the initiative. The grant evaluations will be based on documentation of direct funding and commitment to the issue. 

“This program will support deserving organizations working to build and improve the mental health resiliency and relationship skills of those they serve, with a particular focus on youth, and to provide critical services to help domestic violence survivors rebuild their lives,” said Melanie LeGrande, Vice President of Social Responsibility at Major League Baseball.  

MLBPA’s Senior Director of International and Domestic Player Operations, Leonor Colón says that their players are committed to supporting and promoting healthy relationships. “This initiative will allow us to support organizations that raise awareness of domestic violence, assist survivors and promote mental wellness.” 

The initiative is intended as a prevention strategy, aiming to empower the next generation to understand the components of a healthy relationship. Organizational efforts may include public education on the difference between health and unhealthy relationships as it relates to interpersonal violence, with a key focus the youth. Funding can also go towards supporting existing, or introducing new, programming on how to break the cycle of violence. 

In order to build and improve mental health resilience, vulnerable populations may have greater access to quality mental health services and wellness programs, as well as programs designed to reduce suicide. Along with training programs headed by mental health professionals or school and community-based interventions.    

The grant initiative has a particular importance around strengthening and providing services to survivors of domestic violence. These efforts may include mental health support, professional and life skills workshops, as well as advocacy efforts to reduce domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking.  

The joint donation for the “Healthy Relationships Community Grant” represents an ongoing commitment by MLB and the MLBPA to provide support to causes that assist vulnerable populations.

Major League Baseball is a Founding Supporter of Beyond Sport.