Youth Baseball Fund

The Youth Baseball Fund, managed by the Greater Salina Community Foundation in Salina, Kansas, is a grant initiative established in 2000 by long-time youth baseball coach Larry Britegam. The fund was inspired by the Knot Hole Gang, a historic organization initiated by baseball legends such as Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig in the early 1900s, which allowed children unable to afford game tickets to attend Major League Baseball games. Echoing that mission, the Youth Baseball Fund seeks to remove financial barriers for children wishing to participate in organized baseball within Saline County, Kansas. Larry Britegam, the fund’s founder, coached youth baseball for over three decades. Over the years, he witnessed the financial struggles that prevented some children from joining local leagues. The fund began with memorial gifts honoring former coaches Lowell Letourneau and Larry Caldwell and has grown through the generosity of community members and annual donors. Contributions in memory of baseball enthusiasts such as Jack Britegam, John Moshier, Harold Frazier, and Ben Breault have further bolstered the fund’s endowment, ensuring its continued ability to provide support for future generations. The grant program specifically supports individual youth players participating in local leagues within Saline County who are hindered by financial need. Grants can cover a variety of costs associated with youth baseball, including registration fees, tournament fees, uniforms, equipment, and clinics. The grants are not intended for team-level support and must be applied for by a parent or guardian on behalf of the eligible child. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate limited financial resources and preferably meet eligibility for free or reduced lunch programs, although other extenuating circumstances may also be considered. All grant checks are made payable directly to the child’s coach, ensuring that funds are appropriately allocated to cover participation-related costs. The application process operates on a first-come, first-served basis, allowing eligible families to apply until funding is exhausted for the grant cycle. At present, applications for team-wide funding are not being accepted. The Greater Salina Community Foundation is responsible for administering the Youth Baseball Fund. Interested families should contact Jessica Fuller, the Foundation’s Director of Grants and Scholarships, for further information or application assistance. She can be reached by phone at 785-823-1800. The Foundation’s office is located at 119 W. Iron, 8th Floor, Salina, KS 67402, and applications are managed through their standard grants intake process. This grant is currently open and accepting applications, with awards made on a rolling basis as funds allow. As an endowed fund, it is expected to offer recurring opportunities in future years as well. However, since no specific open or close dates are listed in the source material, families are encouraged to apply as soon as possible or inquire with Foundation staff about current availability.