In 2010, the Minnesota Twins Community Fund will distribute approximately $1 million to promote and improve youth baseball, softball and education in the Upper Midwest, southwest Florida and Latin America.
Grant/Scholarship Applications
- Fields for Kids – Matching grants to help renovate or construct youth baseball and softball fields throughout the Upper Midwest, Southwest Florida and Latin America. Justin and Krista Morneau contribute $100 per RBI to the program annually. For more information and to download an application click here.
- Tournament Grants – Support Upper Midwest regional and national youth baseball and softball tournaments. For more information and to download an application click here.
- Youth Baseball/Softball Camp Scholarships – Provide economically-disadvantaged youth the opportunity to attend baseball/softball instructional camps, including Minnesota Twins Baseball and Softball Training Camps. For more information and to download an application click here.
- Competitive Youth Baseball/Softball Team Grants – Provide financial support for travel and operational costs for upper-level, travel baseball and softball teams in the Upper Midwest. For more information and to download an application click here.
- Youth Coaching Grants – Assist youth baseball and softball organizations in recruiting coaches for the youth teams in their leagues. For more information and to download an application click here.
Recreational Programs
- Play Ball! Minnesota – A collaboration of youth baseball and softball organizers working together to promote and improve baseball and softball in the Upper Midwest.
- Play Ball! Minnesota Coaches Conference – An opportunity for youth baseball and softball coaches, administrators and volunteers to hear from top instructors on teaching baseball and softball skills and philosophy. Twins coaches, players, alumni and Play Ball! Minnesota members serve as conference presenters. The 2010 conference is scheduled for April 24 at Target Field.
- Play Ball! Minnesota Youth Clinics Presented by the Minnesota Twins Community Fund – Designed to teach basic fundamentals including hitting, fielding and throwing, while also providing participants with positive messages about staying in school and away from drugs and alcohol. No registration is required to participate in a clinic. Applications to host a clinic between April and August 2010 are being accepted now. For more information and to apply to host a clinic click here.
- Kub’s Kids – Funded by Jason Kubel, Kub’s Kids provides support to Upper Midwest communities with the administration and operation of t-ball programs.
- Rookie League and Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) – Provides funding to the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul to assist in the organization and execution of summer youth baseball and softball programs. For more information click here.
- RBI Academy – Provides advanced baseball and softball skills training for RBI participants.
- RBI Central Regional Tournament – Held in Minneapolis and St. Paul in July 2010 hosting more than 400 RBI participants from across the Midwest, including three Twins RBI All-Star teams. Championship games will be hosted at Target Field.
Educational Programs
- Diamonds and Dreams Scholarships – Provides $2,000 scholarships to Upper Midwest and Southwest Florida high school seniors in their pursuit of post-secondary education. (Visit www.twinsbaseball.com/community, and click on the "Community" link for program guidelines and a scholarship application.) For more information and to download an application click here.
Recognition Programs
- Carl R. Pohlad Award – Recognizes the outstanding community involvement and on-field performance of a current Twins player each season.
- Kirby Puckett Award – Recognizes a Twins alumni player or coach who best exemplifies Kirby's legacy of community service and involvement.
- Play Ball! Minnesota Terry Ryan Award – Recognizes a member of the Minnesota baseball and/or softball community that is a leader in supporting the game of youth baseball and/or softball by contributing to the advocacy and promotion of the game and its participants. For more information click here.
Ticket Donation Program
- TwinsCare – Donates Twins home game tickets to economically-disadvantaged families and youth. (Call 612-33-TWINS/800-33-TWINS for more information or a ticket donation application.)
The Twins Community Fund was established in 1991 with the mission to enrich local and regional communities by providing resources for the healthy development of children and families through an association with baseball, softball and the Minnesota Twins. The Twins Community Fund is governed by a community board of directors; for a complete listing click here.
Through their founding partnerships with the Minnesota Twins at Target Field, Target, U.S. Bank, Best Buy, Delta Air Lines and Treasure Island Resort and Casino contribute annually to the Twins Community Fund. The Twins Community Fund also raises support through a variety of fundraising initiatives including TwinsFest (January 29-31, 2010), Twins Welcome Home Luncheon (April 12, 2010) and Autograph Party (June 12, 2010). For more information or to make a contribution, click here or call (612) 33-TWINS/800-33-TWINS.
