Throughout its 121-year history, the Pittsburgh Pirates have developed deep-rooted relationships throughout the Pittsburgh region. The Pirates have supported many non-profit and civic organizations through its considerable charitable and community efforts, specifically its charitable giving, memorabilia, merchandise and ticket donations, and volunteer efforts.
Under the direction of Chairman of the Board Bob Nutting, the Pittsburgh Pirates organization's mission is to strive for excellence in every aspect of the organization, including the way the organization interacts with the community, its business partners and its fans.
Although the organization is extremely active in the community, the management team decided it could be more effective in its philanthropic efforts and make an even greater impact in meeting the needs of the region. As a result, the Pirates formed Pirates Charities as its defined philanthropic arm in late 2006.
Pirates Charities has been established as a 501(c) (3) organization with a focus on three core areas of youth health, fitness and education. Based on these core areas, the objective of Pirates Charities is outlined in the charitable foundation's mission statement:
Pirates Charities is committed to strengthening the community by supporting organizations and programs aimed at improving the lives of children and adults in the greater Pittsburgh region. Pirates Charities places a special emphasis on supporting youth programs focused on health, fitness, and education by developing partnerships with those who share in our mission.
By focusing its charitable contributions of both time and funds in this manner, Pirates Charities will enable the Pirates to support programs that align with its mission and allow the organization to continue its already established community relations activities. As a result, Pirates Charities will increase the impact of the Pirates charitable support throughout the Pittsburgh region.
Pirates Charities is a recognized 501(c) (3) charitable organization. The official registration and financial information of Pirates Charities may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania, 1 (800) 732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
Pirates Charities partnered with the Boys & Girls Club of Western Pennsylvania, the Baseball Tomorrow Fund and the Roberto Clemente Foundation to reenergize the community facility that was previously unusable for more than five years.
The complex has been transformed from a dilapidated indoor swimming pool into a state-of-the-art, year-round youth baseball and softball training facility.
The indoor complex, which has been renamed the Pirates Community Baseball Center, now features enclosed batting cages, automatic pitching machines, two multi-media training rooms, storage facilities, baseball and softball equipment and more.
The Pirates Community Baseball Center will have a widespread positive impact on youth throughout the region by giving them a place to focus on productive activities and positive interaction with their peers and coaches.
Learn more about the Community Baseball Center »
Pittsburgh RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) is part of the international MLB RBI program. Pittsburgh RBI began in 1994 as part of the Roberto Clemente Foundation. Because of the program's growth and its need for additional resources, in 2003, Pittsburgh RBI became part of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania. The Boys & Girls Club provides Pittsburgh RBI with the infrastructure and administrative services that are necessary for its success.
The program has continued to grow. In 2007, Pirates Charities, in its first official act, partnered with the Roberto Clemente Foundation and the Baseball Tomorrow Fund to renovate a portion of the Shadyside Boys & Girls Club facility to build a home for Pittsburgh RBI.
Learn more about Pittsburgh RBI »
Pirates Charities, in partnership with the City of Pittsburgh, Baseball Tomorrow Fund, Del Monte Foods and The Grable Foundation, will completely renovate a little league complex in Pittsburgh's Hill District that serves the Josh Gibson Little League Program.
Work on the "Josh Gibson Field - A Pirates Charities Project" will commence in late May of 2008 and be targeted for completion in April of 2009 for the start of the little league baseball season.
Learn more about Josh Gibson Field »
The second annual Pirates Charities Golf Classic took place Thursday, July 19, 2007 at the Fox Chapel Golf Club. All proceeds benefited Pirates Charities and its associated organizations and programs that place a special emphasis on supporting youth health, youth fitness and youth education.
Learn more about the Golf Classic »
The 4th annual Bowling with the Bucs fundraiser, hosted by Jack and Julie Wilson, is scheduled to take place on Monday, June 9, 2008, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at AMF Noble Manor Lanes in Crafton.
The event offers fans the opportunity to meet and bowl with their favorite Pirates players and celebrities.
All proceeds will benefit Pirates Charities.
Learn more about Bowling with the Bucs »
Pirates Charities, PPG Industries Foundation, Trib Total Media and Great American Opportunities have partnered to underwrite the cost of the student workbook used in the Pirates "Education Days" program.
"Education Days" is in its third season, and more than 7,000 students have participated in the program so far!
With the assistance of Kittanning Middle School and Great American Opportunities, the program was initially developed as an educational lesson plan revolving around a Pirates baseball game at PNC Park.
The lesson plan encompasses subjects such as history, math and geography for students in grades 6 - 8 throughout our region.
Learn more about Pirates "Education Days" »
Pirates Chairman of the Board Bob Nutting presented a check on behalf of Pirates Charities in the amount of $30,000 that was utilized to purchase a Pirates-themed school bus for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County.
The donation was presented during a special on-field pregame ceremony prior to the Pirates home Spring Training game against the Cincinnati Reds on Friday, March 21.
Learn more about the Manatee County Boys & Girls Clubs »
Scoreboard Messages
Commemorate a special occasion by displaying a message on the PNC Park scoreboard during a Pirates home game.
Scoreboard messages can now be purchased online for a cost of $38.50. Digital color printouts (8x10) of your scoreboard message are also available for an additional cost of $16.50 each.
Proceeds benefit Pirates Charities.
Display your Scoreboard Message »
Online Auctions
Bid on a variety of Pirates memorabilia- from autographed hats, balls and bats to baseball cards to locker nameplates, there is plenty to choose from and a portion of each winning bid benefits Pirates Charities!
Bid on auction items »
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