Program Guidelines

Program Summary
The Twins Community Fund's Twins Fields for Kids program provides financial support to improve baseball and/or softball facilities for youth in the Upper Midwest and Southwest Florida. The program makes matching grants to non-profit organizations and local government units that operate baseball and/or softball programs.

In addition to the Minnesota Twins Community Fund, this year's program is sponsored by The Toro Company. Previous funders of the program have included: the Carl and Eloise Pohlad Family Foundation, Northwest Airlines, Pepsi Cola Company, Cargill, Inc., Land 'O Lakes, the South Dakota Community Foundation, The Toro Company, the Northland Foundation and the Minnesota Twins.

Since its inception in 1999, the program has granted nearly $1.25 million to renovate more than 323 Upper Midwest, Southwest Florida, and Latin American ball fields.

Administration
The Twins Fields for Kids program will be administered by the Minnesota Twins Community Fund staff who review all requests, pay matching grants, work closely with grantee organizations to ensure completion of the projects and maintain program records.

Matching Grant Size/Purpose
$1,000 to $5,000.

Matching grants up to $5,000 are available for the renovation or construction of baseball and/or softball fields used primarily by youth. Eligible renovation projects include the upgrading of essential field components, such as new sod, infield, fencing and dugouts. Non-essential items, such as lights, bleachers, grandstands, restrooms, batting cages and scoreboards, do not qualify for support. Routine maintenance of fields does not qualify. Communities that have not received a Twins Fields for Kids grant receive higher priority.

Eligibility
The program is open to any independent Upper Midwest or Southwest Florida 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, school or local government unit that operates youth baseball and/or softball programs.

Any organization operating baseball or softball programs for youth that has secured funds equal to or exceeding the amount of the requested matching grant funds (can include in-kind contributions of materials or labor) may apply for a grant.

Organizations must also be governed by active boards and have sufficient revenue to operate their leagues.

Application Process/Schedule
Organizations must complete an application and submit other required documents. During 2008, applications will be accepted and reviewed throughout the year until all funds are distributed. Final grant determinations will be made by the Minnesota Twins Community Fund Board of Directors in April, June, and September. Application due dates are as follows:

Applications must be complete and sent through the U.S. Mail. Faxed/emailed applications are not accepted.

Applicants must complete their renovation project within one year of the grant award date.

Matching Grant Payments
Matching grants will be paid after approval from the Twins Community Fund Board of Directors.

Other Requirements
Organizations receiving grants are required to:

• Prominently display provided signage recognizing program supporters; and
• Seek local media coverage of grant and dedication ceremonies.

For all grantees, the Minnesota Twins Community Funds agrees to:

• Recognize the organization and matching grant in Twins Magazine during the season as well as in newsletters.
• Provide, if possible, a program representative (e.g., a member of the Minnesota Twins Community Fund Board) and/or a funder representative to participate in any field dedication ceremonies.

Questions about the Twins Fields for Kids program should be directed to:

Stephanie Johnson
Twins Fields for Kids Program
TWINS COMMUNITY FUND
34 Kirby Puckett Place
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55415

Phone: 612-375-7523
Toll free: 1-800-950-1987
E-mail stephaniejohnson@twinsbaseball.com