Learn More About the Urban Intiative Program, click the image below for a pdf brochure.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Little League Urban Initiative program provides assistance packages for eligible leagues that aid the local volunteer group with equipment acquisition, capital improvement cash grants, field development and renovation, access to Little League Baseball and Softball Education and Training programs, advocacy, and networking.

American Honda Motor Company
Honda donates $100,000 annually to the Little League Urban Initiative to establish a cash grant program. Eligible leagues can apply for a cash grant ranging from $500-$5,000 for capital improvement projects. Click here for the Honda Grant Application.

 

Bank of America
A corporate partner of Little League Baseball and Softball; it has expanded its support of the Little League Urban Initiative Program with a matching program within its Keep the Change™ savings program and during the 2007 Major League Baseball All-Star Game. When Major League Baseball’s All-Stars stepped up to the plate during the 78th Midsummer Classic they had an added incentive to swing for extra bases. Bank of America donated $70,000 to the Little League Urban Initiative for every double, triple and homerun hit during the 2007 All-Star Game. Over the past two years Bank of America has donated $570,000 to the Little League Urban Initiative to improve little league baseball fields nationwide.

 

Training and Education
For the past seven years the Little League Urban Initiative has promoted recruitment and retention for local leagues through Little League Training and Education programs. At various times throughout the year, Little League provides a variety of clinics at its five regional centers and at Little League International in Williamsport. The clinic topics include instruction for managers, coaches, umpires and league administrators, with emphasis on safety, child protection, and parent orientation. Any volunteer involved with a local Urban Initiative league can attend any of the clinics at no charge and receive resource materials free or at a reduced cost. Recently, the program has provided remote clinics at locations in Richmond, Va., Philadelphia, Houston, and Pittsburgh.

 

Networking/Advocacy
Because many of the Little League Urban Initiative leagues and independent organizations operating in these environments face the same problems, networking opportunities are crucial to the growth of a volunteer-based organization. Little League encourages mentoring relationships with other Urban Initiative leagues, working toward positive relationships with the appropriate municipal agencies, developing an assessment of their program’s budgetary needs and concerns, and compiling a list of funding opportunities in their communities.

In 2008, the first annual Urban Initiative Summit was held in Indianapolis, IN. This summit brought Urban Initiative leagues together from across the country and provided opportunities for networking and showing best practices.