Jackie Robinson Grant

The Jackie Robinson Grant Program is a philanthropic initiative established by the Tampa Bay Rays and the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the summer of 2020. Named in honor of the legendary baseball player and civil rights pioneer Jackie Robinson, the program is committed to perpetuating his legacy by supporting organizations that embody his nine core values: courage, determination, teamwork, persistence, integrity, citizenship, justice, commitment, and excellence. With a mission rooted in advancing equity and opportunity, the program provides annual funding to local organizations engaged in community-strengthening work. The primary objective of the Jackie Robinson Grant is to break down systemic barriers in several critical areas: housing, workforce development, health equity, criminal justice reform, education, and youth development. The program aims to amplify the efforts of organizations that are innovating solutions, building inclusive programs, and delivering meaningful services in these domains. By focusing on systemic change and direct impact, the grant reinforces a holistic approach to social justice and community upliftment. Eligible applicants must have a business address or provide services in one of the following Florida counties: Charlotte, Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, or Sarasota. This geographic focus ensures that the funding stays within the community footprint of the Tampa Bay Rays and Tampa Bay Rowdies, enabling hyperlocal engagement and accountability. Applications from outside this nine-county area are not eligible for consideration. The grant program offers a total of $100,000 in funding annually, which is distributed among selected local organizations. Specific award amounts per organization are not stated, but the program prioritizes alignment with its values and community focus. Matching contributions are not required, making the grant accessible to a wider range of nonprofits and community initiatives. The absence of a matching requirement allows smaller organizations with limited resources to apply on equal footing with more established entities. To apply, organizations must submit their applications via an online form no later than February 28, 2026. Submissions must comply with specified formatting guidelines, and non-conforming applications may be disqualified. All directions for proper formatting are made available through a dedicated link in the application portal. The submission process is straightforward, requiring applicants to demonstrate alignment with the program’s values and impact areas. While evaluation criteria are not fully disclosed, it can be inferred that adherence to Jackie Robinson’s core values and a clear demonstration of impact in one or more focus areas will be central to the review process. For questions related to the application, applicants are encouraged to contact the program via [email protected]. There is no mention of a pre-application stage such as a Letter of Intent or Concept Paper, nor are there multiple application rounds. As the grant is described as an annual investment, it is considered recurring. Therefore, organizations that are not selected in the current cycle may anticipate the next round in early 2027. Interested applicants are encouraged to review formatting guidelines thoroughly and prepare compelling, values-driven submissions that reflect both vision and practical community benefit.

Follow the required format and submit via the online form by February 28. Applications not meeting structural requirements will not be reviewed.