Red Sox Foundation launches $750,000 Special Recognition Award, Investing in Education & Community Empowerment
The Red Sox Foundation has announced a notable expansion of its philanthropic efforts with the launch of the Special Recognition Award, a new initiative dedicating $750,000 annually to impactful, large-scale community investments. This inaugural yearS funding will be distributed between two vital organizations: Square One and the Pedro Martinez Foundation,bolstering educational opportunities and strengthening community resources in both Western Massachusetts and the Dominican Republic.
this award represents a strategic evolution for the Red Sox Foundation,moving beyond customary grantmaking to focus on transformative gifts that address systemic needs within its core mission areas of education and recreation. Unlike many foundations that operate on a broad application basis,the Special Recognition Award allows the Red Sox Foundation’s board of directors to proactively identify and directly support organizations demonstrating remarkable potential for lasting impact.
rebuilding & Renewing Early Childhood Education in Springfield, Massachusetts
Square One, a cornerstone of early childhood education and family support in Springfield, Massachusetts, will receive $400,000. This ample investment will directly fund the construction of a state-of-the-art outdoor learning center and play space as part of the organization’s ambitious “Back to Square One” capital campaign.
The campaign itself is a testament to Square One’s resilience, born from the need to rebuild its South End facility following a devastating tornado in 2011. For over 140 years, Square One has served as a critical anchor for the Springfield community, navigating economic challenges, natural disasters, and evolving societal needs.
“These funds will create an outdoor learning center grounded in a play-based,trauma-informed curriculum tailored to the families we serve,” explains Dawn DiStefano,President and CEO of Square One. “We’re not just building a new campus – we’re nurturing lifelong learners, confident parents, and a stronger community.” The new facility will provide a safe, stimulating environment for preschool-aged children, fostering crucial early development and supporting family stability.
Expanding Educational Access in the Dominican Republic
The Pedro martinez Foundation will be awarded $350,000 to establish a new library within its Community & health Center in Manoguayabo, Dominican Republic. This project aligns with the Red Sox’s longstanding commitment to the Dominican Republic, a region integral to the team’s player development and community engagement efforts, including the prosperous Lindos Sueños program – a collaborative partner with the Pedro Martinez Foundation.
The new library will serve as a vital resource for over 1,700 students, providing access to reading materials, computers, and dedicated study spaces. Crucially, the facility will also be open to adult community members, fostering a culture of lifelong learning and empowering individuals of all ages.
“Growing up in the Dominican Republic, I experienced firsthand the struggles that many children face – limited access to education, healthcare, and overall safe spaces,” shares Hall of Fame pitcher Pedro Martinez. “This award will help us build a library located in our Community Center that will become a place of learning and imagination for thousands of students and their families.”
A Commitment to Lasting Change
The Red Sox Foundation’s special Recognition Award underscores a commitment to strategic philanthropy that prioritizes long-term impact. As Red Sox Foundation Chairman Tom Werner states, “We want to spark meaningful, lasting change… With the Special Recognition Award, we are building on that foundation by committing to a few larger-scale donations each year that will make significant impact.”
This initiative demonstrates a clear understanding that substantial investment in key community organizations can empower families, expand opportunities for young people, and create positive outcomes that resonate for generations to come.The on-field recognition of Square One and the Pedro Martinez Foundation during pregame ceremonies on September 12th at Fenway Park serves not only as a celebration of their achievements but also as a powerful symbol of the Red Sox foundation’s dedication to building stronger, more equitable communities.
