Share the Glove Equipment Grant

The Share the Glove Equipment Grant is administered by the Northwoods League Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization established to utilize the sport of baseball as a platform for community impact. The Foundation operates in partnership with Northwoods League Affiliate teams, such as the Wausau Woodchucks, to support youth development and engagement in baseball and softball across their local communities. Founded in 2018 to celebrate the League’s 25th anniversary, the Share the Glove initiative aims to inspire participation and passion for the sport while fostering inclusive access to equipment for young athletes. The Foundation's mission centers on enriching the quality of life for children and families through the values and communal aspects of baseball. This grant provides tangible resources—specifically standardized youth softball equipment—to nonprofit, school-based, or community-based organizations. The equipment package includes essential gear for players aged 9 to 12, such as a full set of catcher’s gear, batting helmets, gloves, bats, and a bucket of practice softballs. All items are appropriately sized and intended to support youth programming at the grassroots level. Eligibility for the Share the Glove Equipment Grant is limited to U.S.-based organizations that are classified as 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, or equivalent community entities. The organization must operate within a community served by a Northwoods League Affiliate and offer softball programming for youth aged 9 to 12. Political, religious, for-profit, or individual applicants are ineligible. The grant is not financial in nature—it provides in-kind equipment donations to qualifying recipients. The application process requires submission of an online form through the Wausau Woodchucks portal, along with supporting tax-exempt documentation. Applicants must detail their organizational history, current funding sources, number of youth participants, and a brief statement of purpose outlining how their programming contributes to the well-being of children and families in their community through softball. While financial documentation is not required, organizations must certify the accuracy of their submission via an electronic signature. Grant recipients will be notified in April, ahead of the 2026 season for both the Wausau Woodchucks and Wausau Ignite Softball teams. Although the opportunity appears to be issued annually, no recurring dates are specified beyond the notification timeline. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply directly through the team’s website. Contact information for the Wausau Woodchucks is available for organizations needing assistance or clarification.