2021 Q2 Funding Brings Overall Donation to Nearly $2.8 Million in Support of Domestic Violence Survivors, Providing Services for Mental Health Resiliency & Positive Relationship Skills
Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) today announced the sixth round of recipients for the joint “Healthy Relationships Community Grant” program. The current distribution of $300,000 is going to six nonprofit organizations, marking nearly $2.8 million donated to more than 55 organizations so far in this program. The focus areas for the organizations receiving funding include support for survivors of domestic violence, mental health resiliency, and developing positive relationship skills in youth as a preventive measure to breaking the cycle of violence.
Organizations were encouraged to apply for funding to cover general operating expenses, allowing them to respond to their greatest needs or program support. The recipients are as follows:
| Name of Organizations | City | State | Category of focus |
| Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County, Inc. | San Diego | CA | Mental Health Resiliency |
| Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center | Warwick | RI | Survivors of Domestic Violence |
| Family Tree Clinic | Saint Paul | MN | Relationship Skills |
| Epworth Children & Family Services, Inc. | St. Louis | MO | Relationship Skills |
| Fathers Incorporated | Atlanta | GA | Mental Health Resiliency |
| National Coalition Against Domestic Violence | Denver | CO | Survivors of Domestic Violence |
This overall initiative is a $3 million commitment to provide funding in 2020 and 2021 to organizations that support healthy relationships through programs designed to strengthen and provide critical services to survivors of domestic violence, improve mental health resiliency among vulnerable populations and build and improve relationship skills of the next generation.
U.S.-based nonprofit and global non-governmental organizations (NGOs) can still apply for localized support at MLB.com/HealthyRelationships and MLBPLAYERS.com/HealthyRelationships throughout the year, with proposals reviewed on a quarterly grant cycle. Nonprofits and NGOs may apply for grants of up to $50,000 for general operating or programmatic funding for one or more of the following categories: Healthy Relationship Practices/Education, Support for Survivors of Domestic Violence, and/or Mental Health Resiliency. Grant applications will be evaluated quarterly based on an assessment of the population served, organization strength, impact, partnerships, sustainability of the programs, and more. Additionally, MLB Club charities and Major League Players have been encouraged to apply directly for up to $25,000 as part of a gift matching component of the initiative, with grant evaluations based on documentation of direct funding and commitment to the issue.
This initiative is intended as a prevention strategy to empower the next generation to understand the components of a healthy relationship. Organizational efforts supported by grant funding may include public education, with a preference for youth populations, on the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships related to interpersonal violence (e.g., intimate partner, family, or teen dating). Examples of education efforts include creating, producing & distributing public service announcements with relevant content and call to action as well as conferences or events focusing on awareness. Funding can also support existing or introduce new programming on how to break the cycle of violence.
Strengthening and providing services to survivors of domestic violence is of critical importance to this grant initiative. Efforts may include (a) capacity building in support of the organizational mission of the nonprofit or NGO; (b) mental health support; (c) professional and life skills workshops as well as additional education and materials to improve employee readiness and workplace development; or (d) advocacy efforts to reduce domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
Efforts toward building and improving mental health resiliency for vulnerable populations may include providing greater access to (a) quality mental health services and wellness programs; (b) preventative programs designed to reduce suicide, suicidal ideations, and self-harm; (c) training programs for mental health professionals; or (d) school or community-based interventions.
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, which has historically included financial assistance toward disaster relief and recovery as well as human trafficking prevention.
