Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for funding from the Red Sox Foundation?
Organizations are encouraged to apply if they have a 501(c)(3) status; are located within New England & Lee County, FL; and their mission aligns with one of our mission pillars (Health, Education, and Recreation).
Do I have to be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit?
Yes, all organizations receiving funding from the Red Sox Foundation must be a registered 501(c)(3).
What are the eligibility requirements?
Registered 501(c)(3) organizations serving populations in New England and Lee County, FL are encouraged to apply. However, the Red Sox Foundation is unable to approve requests for capital campaigns, endowments, or field refurbishments; grants to political or religious organizations, individual persons, or school parent organizations; or requests from organizations serving populations outside our geographic area or that have received funding within the calendar year.
Can I apply for funding for my baseball or softball team?
The Red Sox Foundation currently accepts applications for sponsorship for chartered official Little League teams in Rhode Island and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts if recognized as a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity in good standing. Information on our Little League sponsorship application can be found here. The Foundation is currently unable to fund field refurbishments or tournament fees and travel.
I’ve received support from the Foundation in the past. Am I still eligible?
Organizations are welcome to apply for a grant each calendar year. Given the volume of requests we receive, we are unable to support each request and must often rotate our support of individual non-profits year over year. If you have already received a grant within the calendar year, you are not eligible for a second round of funding.
Who should I contact if I’m having technical difficulties with the application?
If you are experiencing technical difficulties with our application, please contact giving@redsox.com.
Can I submit multiple applications?
Each organization is only eligible for one charitable donation per calendar year. If you are an event manager or grant writer submitting multiple applications, you are welcome to submit applications for each organization under your registered account permitted you provide 501(c)(3) documentation for each request.
Is it required to apply through the DonationX platform in order to receive funding?
Yes, each organization is required to submit an application for funding through our platform here.
I have been referred by an employee of the organization. Where do I note my referral?
Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility and 501(c)(3) status, the application will include a field for any internal referrals.
How are grant decisions made?
Grant applications are reviewed by an internal charitable giving committee. The charitable giving committee meets monthly to review all requests. Funding requests are generally responded to within the 6-8 week timeframe.
Will my application require a meeting with the Red Sox Foundation?
Most applications do not require a meeting or site visit with the Foundation. However, select applications may require more information on event sponsorship or program details in order for the committee to make a decision. In those cases, your organization will be contacted directly by the Red Sox Foundation.
How will I be notified of my decision?
All applicants will be automatically notified via the DonationX platform once the committee has made a decision. For accepted applications, the organization’s contact will be notified by the Red Sox Foundation in order to communicate any grant details.
When are grant payments made?
Grant payments are made following notification of the approved application. The payment process typically takes about 6 weeks from the date of approval. If your application was approved and you have not yet received funding, please contact giving@redsox.com.
Why was my grant application denied?
Given the quantity of requests, we are simply unable to fulfill each grant application. We take multiple factors into consideration when evaluating proposals. If you have further questions, please reach out to giving@redsox.com.
