Baseball Victoria is thrilled to announce the recipients of the first round of the inaugural BV Development Grants Program.
After introducing this new, innovative funding pathway that supports member clubs, charters and associations in their outreach efforts, we opened applications and received an impressive 22 submissions. As part of the process, applicants were asked to detail their proposed activity designed to promote our sport and grow participation at a grassroots level. Acceptable activities included Come and Try Days, T-ball programs, gala events, women and youth women programs, club-driven school events, umpire development and baseball equipment. Applicants were also asked to explain why their proposal would have a positive impact on the future of baseball in their communities.
The Baseball Victoria Board of Directors chose to provide $20,250 in round 1 of the Development Grant scheme to 18 fantastic clubs, charters and associations. Congratulations to the following on their successful applications:
· Mornington Baseball Club
· Mulgrave Baseball Club
· North Coburg Rebels
· Preston Baseball Club
· Research Lower Plenty Baseball Club
· St. Kilda Baseball Club
· Sunraysia Baseball League
· Sunshine Baseball Club
· Bendigo Umpires Association
· Upwey Ferntree Gully Baseball Club
· Morwell Cougars Baseball Club
· Moorabbin Baseball Club
· Malvern Baseball Club
· Fitzroy Baseball Club
· Essendon Baseball Club
· Eastern Athletics
· Blackburn Baseball Club
· Wheelers Hill Baseball Club
Baseball Victoria CEO Justin Huber says he is very pleased by the overwhelming interest in the Development Grants program, and he’s confident this is only the beginning of a new phase of growth for our sport.
“This is an unprecedented program which has had an astounding reaction from the baseball community. I am thrilled with the amount of applications that we’ve had, and I am excited with the possibility for growth as a result. Time will tell how effective this program will be but I am confident that this scheme will allow Baseball Victoria to truly assess the return on investment at the most important level of our sport, and that’s grassroots participants and new entrants.”
Baseball Victoria President Myles Foreman shares the sentiment, and says he’s looking forward to seeing the recipients’ activities in action. “The BV Development Grant Program opens new doors for member clubs, charters and associations to use their creativity and enthusiasm to expand local baseball and further their reach to potential players. I believe this funding will lead to increased interest at the level where it matters most: our local clubs and charters.”
The entire Baseball Victoria team is looking forward to seeing these recipients make the most of this funding opportunity while encouraging participation and ensuring a bigger and brighter future for Victorian baseball.