HARLEYSVILLE, PA – February 16, 2022 — Pitch In For Baseball & Softball (PIFBS) and the Tull Family Foundation (TFF), founded by Thomas and Alba Tull, today announced the 2022 Equipment Grant Program to provide disadvantaged youth in the Pittsburgh area better access to baseball and softball programs. The equipment grant program will provide 20 local youth organizations with much needed baseball and softball equipment before the upcoming 2022 seasons, enabling them to have successful and safe play on the field.
For the fifth year, The Tull Family Foundation Equipment Grant Program will be a community initiative open to all baseball and softball leagues and schools that serve disadvantaged youth in the greater Pittsburgh area. Grants will vary based on each program’s needs, with an average allocation of around $2,000.
“Children are eager to return to the field, but it’s a challenge for many families to meet the equipment needs for safe play, especially given the current supply chain and economic challenges” said Meredith Kim, CEO of PIFBS. “With the generous support from the Tull Family Foundation, we can help leagues, teams, and organizations in the greater Pittsburgh community ensure that lack of equipment is not a barrier for kids to play ball. Youth leagues play an integral role in children’s lives, and we are happy with the help of the Tulls to be able to ensure another season in the communities that most need it.”
“Sports have the ability to teach discipline, perseverance and determination in children. No matter who you are or where you come from, sports bring people together and provide opportunities – and in my case, an opportunity to access higher education,” said Thomas Tull, co-founder of the Tull Family Foundation. “Alba and I are honored to support this worthy cause for another year and give kids the gift of sports this season. I hope this program continues to open doors for children in the Pittsburgh area, the same way that athletics created opportunities for me.”
Once all applicants are chosen, representatives from each youth organization will work with PIFBS to identify the greatest equipment needs for their respective organizations. PIFBS and the Tull Family Foundation will then work to ensure these needs are met and the equipment is shipped to the respective organizations.
Program Eligibility:
• Applicants must serve economically disadvantaged children;
• Applicants must be located in one of 26 eligible Pennsylvania counties; and
• An Impact Report must be submitted by August 1, 2022.
To read the full application guidelines and to submit an application, please click here. The deadline to submit all grant applications is Tuesday, March 1, 2022 at 11:59 p.m.
About the Tull Family Foundation (TFF).
The Tull Family Foundation (TFF) seeks to empower change and transform lives in under-funded communities. Founded by Thomas and Alba Tull, TFF is a private foundation that supports the advancement of innovative ideas in education, medical and scientific research and conservation. For more information on TFF: tullfamilyfoundation.com