Throughout its long history, the Pittsburgh Pirates have developed deep-rooted relationships throughout the Pittsburgh region. The Pirates have supported many non-profit and civic organizations through its considerable charitable and community efforts, specifically its charitable giving, memorabilia, merchandise and ticket donations, and volunteer efforts.
Under the direction of Chairman of the Board Bob Nutting, the Pittsburgh Pirates organization's mission is to strive for excellence in every aspect of the organization, including the way the organization interacts with the community, its business partners and its fans.
Although the organization is extremely active in the community, the management team decided it could be more effective in its philanthropic efforts and make an even greater impact in meeting the needs of the region. As a result, the Pirates formed Pirates Charities as its defined philanthropic arm in late 2006.
Pirates Charities has been established as a 501(c) (3) organization with a focus on three core areas of youth health, fitness and education. Based on these core areas, the objective of Pirates Charities is outlined in the charitable foundation's mission statement:
Pirates Charities is committed to strengthening the community by supporting organizations and programs aimed at improving the lives of children and adults in the greater Pittsburgh region. Pirates Charities places a special emphasis on supporting youth programs focused on health, fitness, and education by developing partnerships with those who share in our mission.
By focusing its charitable contributions of both time and funds in this manner, Pirates Charities will enable the Pirates to support programs that align with its mission and allow the organization to continue its already established community relations activities. As a result, Pirates Charities will increase the impact of the Pirates charitable support throughout the Pittsburgh region.
Pirates Charities is a recognized 501(c) (3) charitable organization. The official registration and financial information of Pirates Charities may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania, 1 (800) 732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
The Pirates Charities
Fields for Kids program provides financial support to improve youth baseball and/or softball facilities via matching grants to nonprofit organizations and local government units that operate baseball and/or softball programs.
The
Fields for Kids program is open to any independent nonprofit tax-exempt organization, school or local government unit that operates youth baseball and/or softball programs within the Pittsburgh Pirates market area.
Matching grants between $1,000-$5,000 are available for the renovation or construction of baseball and/or softball fields used primarily by youth.
Learn more about the Fields for Kids program »
Pirates Charities partnered with the Boys & Girls Club of Western Pennsylvania, the Baseball Tomorrow Fund and the Roberto Clemente Foundation to reenergize the community facility that was previously unusable for more than five years.
The complex has been transformed from a dilapidated indoor swimming pool into a state-of-the-art, year-round youth baseball and softball training facility.
The indoor complex, which has been renamed the Pirates Community Baseball Center, now features enclosed batting cages, automatic pitching machines, two multi-media training rooms, storage facilities, baseball and softball equipment and more.
The Pirates Community Baseball Center will have a widespread positive impact on youth throughout the region by giving them a place to focus on productive activities and positive interaction with their peers and coaches.
Learn more about the Community Baseball Center »
Pirates Charities and the Miracle League of Southwestern Pennsylvania (MLSWPA) officially opened Pirates Charities Miracle League Field on Saturday, May 16, 2009. The baseball field, which is designed specifically for children with special needs, is the first of its kind in the Pittsburgh area.
The new field, located in Cranberry Township's new Dick's Sporting Goods Sportsplex at Graham Park, is made of a synthetic surface to make it possible for children in wheelchairs, walkers and with other special needs to safely move about the field. It also features an ADA compliant concession stand, dugouts, and restrooms and includes lights that will allow the children to play night games.
Learn more about Miracle League Field »
Pittsburgh RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) is part of the international MLB RBI program. Pittsburgh RBI began in 1994 as part of the Roberto Clemente Foundation. Because of the program's growth and its need for additional resources, in 2003, Pittsburgh RBI became part of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania. The Boys & Girls Club provides Pittsburgh RBI with the infrastructure and administrative services that are necessary for its success.
The program has continued to grow. In 2007, Pirates Charities, in its first official act, partnered with the Roberto Clemente Foundation and the Baseball Tomorrow Fund to renovate a portion of the Shadyside Boys & Girls Club facility to build a home for Pittsburgh RBI.
Learn more about Pittsburgh RBI »
Pirates Charities, pitcher Ian Snell, the Baseball Tomorrow Fund, Del Monte Foods and The Grable Foundation, in conjunction with the City of Pittsburgh, have officially opened Josh Gibson Field. The complex, which consists of two infields and one shared outfield, will be home to the Josh Gibson Foundation youth baseball program.
The renovated complex features two new grass infields, a restored shared outfield, new pitcher's mounds, four new dugouts (one including a second "press box" level), new bleachers, a scoreboard, sprinkler system, as well as a concession stand that includes ADA compliant restrooms and a baseball equipment storage area.
Learn more about Josh Gibson Field »
The 4th annual Pirates Charities Golf Classic, presented by West Penn Allegheny Health System, will take place on Thursday, August 20th at Fox Chapel Golf Club. Participants will have the unique opportunity to spend the day with current and former Pirates, broadcasters and front office executives, while supporting the many and varied efforts of Pirates Charities.
Learn more about the Golf Classic »
The 5th annual Bowling with the Bucs fundraiser took place on Sunday, May 31, 2009 at AMF Noble Manor Lanes in Crafton.
The event offered fans the opportunity to meet and bowl with their favorite Pirates players and celebrities.
More than $22,000 was raised for Pirates Charities and the Pittsburgh Project!
Learn more about Bowling with the Bucs »
Pirates Charities, PPG Industries Foundation, Trib Total Media and Great American Opportunities have partnered to underwrite the cost of the student workbook used in the Pirates "Education Days" program.
"Education Days" has completed its third season in 2009, and more than 7,000 students have participated in the program so far!
With the assistance of Kittanning Middle School and Great American Opportunities, the program was initially developed as an educational lesson plan revolving around a Pirates baseball game at PNC Park.
The lesson plan encompasses subjects such as history, math and geography for students in grades 6 - 8 throughout our region.
Pirates Manager John Russell and his wife Jamie hosted 'Pirates Fabulous Casino Night', sponsored by Wheeling Island Hotel, Casino and Racetrack, in memory of Jamie's grandfather David Fitzgerald.
Fans had the chance to roll the dice with their favorite Pirates players, coaches, alumni, broadcasters and other local sports celebrities to raise money for Pirates Charities and the Alzheimer's Association of Greater PA.
There was also a great silent auction and raffle prizes for the 'high-rollers', including a trip to Vegas!
Learn more about Pirates Fabulous Casino Night »
Pirates Chairman of the Board Bob Nutting presented a check on behalf of Pirates Charities in the amount of $30,000 that was utilized to purchase a Pirates-themed school bus for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County.
The donation was presented during a special on-field pregame ceremony prior to the Pirates home Spring Training game against the Cincinnati Reds on Friday, March 21.
Learn more about the Manatee County Boys & Girls Clubs »
Online Auctions
Bid on a variety of Pirates memorabilia - from autographed hats, balls and bats to baseball cards to locker nameplates, there is plenty to choose from and a portion of each winning bid benefits Pirates Charities!
Bid on auction items »
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