The Allan H. Selig Award for Philanthropic Excellence was created in 2010 to recognize the charitable and philanthropic efforts of MLB Clubs.
2024 Selig Award Recipient: Washington Nationals
Washington Nationals: For 10 years, the Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy has used baseball and softball as vehicles to foster positive character development, academic achievement and improved health among youth living in underserved communities. It embodies the broader mission of Nationals Philanthropies rooted in fueling access to opportunities so all of D.C.'s children, families and communities can thrive. The Academy has served more than 6,000 children ages 5-18 through a continuum of programs, and invested $50 million in the community through facility construction, capital improvements, community outreach and program delivery.
About the 2024 Finalists
Our Promise to Hank: Braves building equity & access to our game
The goals of this initiative include: increasing minority participation and tenure in the sport through high-quality baseball and softball experiences; increasing opportunities and safe places to access baseball and softball in historically under-resourced communities; increasing exposure for minority players at the high school, collegiate and pro levels, and ultimately, participation at the collegiate, MiLB and MLB levels of the sport both on the field and off; and leveraging Braves resources as a Major League Club, ballpark and brand to provide access and opportunities for diverse players, coaches and professionals on the field and in the front offices of our sport. LEARN MORE
Careers As Sports Executives (CASE)
Too often, the doors to opportunity in sports are open only to those who have connections or know someone in the industry. Careers As Sports Executives (CASE) is a free study program for high school students who are interested in sports -- and perhaps careers in sports -- but who would otherwise not have the opportunity to get the training, experience and tutelage to pursue jobs in the industry. CASE aims to offer pathways to create a more diverse workforce in the sports industry. Students gain an understanding of the academic and professional pathways they can take to break into the sports industry and make connections they can count on to help them start their career. LEARN MORE
Shut Out the Stigma
Shut Out the Stigma was created to use the platforms of the Kansas City Royals and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City to raise awareness for mental health issues, raise money for mental health initiatives and provide resources for people in need. Previously, we worked to raise awareness for mental health issues in sports, and these past two seasons, we took it to a new level by shining a light on the toxicity in youth sports. Headline after headline talks about how the perfectionism demanded by coaches and parents contributes to youth athletes developing anxiety, leaving the game and even having worse mental health outcomes. We encourage you to learn more about our initiative, including watching our documentary ¡°Not Good Enough¡± and taking the accompanying course to acquire tools on how to balance constructive feedback with encouragement and support. LEARN MORE
Ball for All
When it comes to adaptive programs, the Twins Community Fund leads the way with individualized instruction that not only meets kids¡¯ needs, but meets them where they¡¯re at to help them grow. The Twins work with partners including Deaf Equity, Special Olympics Minnesota, Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute and NubAbility to host adaptive baseball and softball clinics tailored to meet the needs of individual communities so athletes of all abilities can learn the fundamentals of the game, experience the fun of the game and learn life skills like leadership and resilience. From introductory clinics to training camps and league play, the Twins are committed to expanding opportunities for young people of all abilities to play and succeed in the games we love. LEARN MORE
Previous Winners
2023
The annual Community Makeover brings together some of Cincinnati¡¯s most iconic institutions, including P&G, the Cincinnati Zoo, Cincinnati Children¡¯s Hospital, GE Aerospace and the United Way of Greater Cincinnati, to make a sustainable impact on a local neighborhood while strengthening youth baseball and softball programs. Since 2010, the Community Makeover has invested more than $10 million and countless volunteer hours into some of Greater Cincinnati¡¯s neediest communities. What began as a field renovation project has evolved into a massive community revitalization.
2022
The White Sox created the Amateur City Elite (ACE) program in 2007 to reverse the declining interest and participation in baseball among African American youth, while offering resources and mentorship to pull kids away from the dangers of some of Chicago¡¯s most violent neighborhoods. The program holds a 99% high school graduation rate. In addition, more than 250 college scholarships have been earned by ACE participants to schools like Louisville, Michigan and Vanderbilt, as well as several HBCUs. Since its inception, 28 players have been selected in the MLB Draft.
2021
When the pandemic began, Royals Charities created the Royals Respond Fund, which has supported more than 500,000 meals, created grants for 17 nonprofit organizations and encouraged Royals staff to volunteer countless hours around the city. Goal No. 1: Establish the KC MLB Urban Youth Academy as more than a youth baseball and softball hub by hosting educational programming for students. Goal No. 2: Transform the KC MLB Urban Youth Academy into a makeshift community center for the people who live in the neighborhood -- something that didn¡¯t exist before the pandemic.
2020
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Canadian society has disproportionately affected under-resourced Canadian families who were already facing barriers in their lives. Seeing the alarming challenges youth and their families were facing in Toronto and across Canada due to COVID-19, the Blue Jays organization was determined to take immediate action.
2019
In philanthropic partnership with Massachusetts General Hospital, the Home Base Program is a nonprofit dedicated to providing world-class clinical care, wellness, education and research initiatives for veterans, active military service members and their families impacted by ¡°invisible wounds,¡± such as post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury.
2018
Texas Rangers Richard Greene Scholars has provided more than $1.2 million in college scholarships to 126 Arlington, Texas, high school students.
2017
The Astros Leaders Program has positively affected thousands of children in Greater Houston through baseball and softball programming, education-based initiatives and volunteer opportunities.
2016
The Philadelphia Phillies received the award for its commitment to supporting the fight against ALS through the ¡°Phillies Phestival.¡±
2015
Junior Giants program, a free, non-competitive initiative for youth, ages 5-18, that focuses on character development and baseball instruction.
2014
Refuse To Abuse? Domestic Violence Prevention Program, a state-wide educational initiative, in partnership with the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, to promote healthy relationships and take a public stand against domestic violence.
2013
Detroit Tigers Anti-Bullying program, a free, Michigan-wide educational program designed to help students and teachers manage the issue of bullying in schools.
2012
Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Academy, a series of initiatives that support young people by encouraging physical activity through baseball while also providing programs that offer important resources and help develop essential life skills.
2011
White Sox Volunteer Corps, a unique initiative designed to activate the fan base with White Sox players, executives and staff in helping give back to the greater Chicago community through service.
2010
Red Sox Scholars program creates educational opportunities for inner-city youth.
Learn more about Club programming in local communities
