Pitch In For Baseball & Softball (PIFBS) is a nonprofit organization committed to eliminating equipment as a barrier to participation for underprivileged youth around the globe. Since 2005, PIFBS has helped nearly two million children play ball in every state in the U.S. and more than 117 countries worldwide. We believe in the power of the game on a child’s development and that all children have access to play.
For nearly 20 years, PIFBS has been committed to ensuring children living under a variety of different circumstances are able to access the game. Prioritizing those most in need, PIFBS achieves its mission through four core strategies:
- Domestic and International Equipment Grants – These grants are a blend of new and used equipment and designed to help leagues, teams, and community organizations around the globe receive the proper equipment to play baseball and softball.
- School-Based Program – Launched in 2008, our School-Based Program helps schools/districts stretch limited budgets, reduce participation fees, and shift funds to other areas, such as transportation. PIFBS delivers formal School-Based Programs in Philadelphia, Northern Kentucky, and Minneapolis/St. Paul as well as dozens of individual schools both domestically and abroad.
- Disaster Relief Program – In times of tragedy, baseball and softball can help restore a sense of normalcy for children amidst the chaos. PIFBS has helped rebuild entire leagues so that thousands of kids can start their seasons on time. PIFBS has assisted with relief efforts on the New York/New Jersey shoreline following Hurricane Sandy; Joplin, MO; the Gulf Coast region; Japan; Houston; Puerto Rico; and more.
- Targeted Programs – PIFBS receives funding from partners and industry leaders to deliver programming in communities of interest. PIFBS manages all components including identifying groups in need of equipment when appropriate, program development, and measuring impact based on partners’ charitable interests. Some current partners include Major League Baseball, Little League, the MLB/MLBPA Youth Development Foundation, and Wilson Sporting Goods.
Each equipment recipient completes a report detailing the impact of the donation on the program and participants.
In addition to the programs, PIFBS also has a very active volunteer program thanks to the support of nearly 100 children who choose us as their charitable partner for youth service learning projects, whether for school service learning, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Eagle Scout projects, or simply supporting others play the game we love. About 60% of the equipment PIFBS has available to distribute comes from the efforts of motivated caring kids who run equipment collections and fundraise on PIFBS’ behalf.
