Key Takeaways
- Little League International receives $7 million grant from the Easton Foundations, marking one of the organization’s largest philanthropic investments to date
- Funding will enhance the Little League World Series complex in Williamsport, expand volunteer training programs, and bolster social impact grant initiatives
- The Easton Foundations has supported Little League for over 40 years, including previous donations for videoboards and scoreboards across tournament facilities
- Grant honors the legacy of James L. Easton (1935-2023), former International Olympic Committee member and longtime youth sports advocate
- Little League serves as a mission-based nonprofit providing registration assistance, equipment grants, and disaster relief to leagues nationwide
Expanding Infrastructure at the World Series Complex
Little League International announced a $7 million grant from the Easton Foundations on January 21, 2026, with funds designated for facility enhancements at the Little League World Series complex in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. The investment also supports the organization’s volunteer training programs and social impact initiatives serving leagues across the country.
Patrick Wilson, Little League President and CEO, stated the grant enables the organization to “enhance the Little League World Series complex, provide unparalleled training for our volunteers, and provide new grant opportunities for our leagues and communities.”
The Easton Foundations established its relationship with Little League in 2007 and has contributed to infrastructure projects including three videoboards installed at the World Series complex in 2018 and scoreboards at the organization’s five U.S. regional facilities.
Strengthening Volunteer Support and Community Programs
The grant allocation extends beyond physical infrastructure to address operational capacity. Little League has developed grant programs targeting registration fee assistance, equipment donations, volunteer training, and emergency response after natural disasters. The organization positions these initiatives as part of its mission to expand access to youth baseball and softball programs.
Caren Sawyer, Executive Director of the Easton Foundations, confirmed the foundation’s ongoing commitment to supporting Little League International’s growth trajectory.
The funding reflects Little League’s approach to sustaining volunteer-driven operations while managing facility needs for tournaments that attract national attention each summer.
Continuing a Four-Decade Partnership
James L. Easton, who passed away in 2023, built a legacy of supporting youth sports access throughout his career. Beyond his Little League involvement, Easton served on the International Olympic Committee from 1995 to 2006 and championed archery accessibility initiatives.
Little League recognized Easton’s contributions with the Peter O’Malley Distinguished Little League Ambassador Award in 2022. The latest grant represents a continuation of support that spans personal donations and foundation funding over more than 40 years.
Rawlings Sporting Goods, which acquired Easton Baseball/Softball in 2006, maintains its role as the “Official Team Equipment Supplier” of Little League. The company provides equipment to all participants at both the Little League Baseball and Softball World Series tournaments annually.
Building Capacity for National Reach
The $7 million commitment positions Little League to address infrastructure needs while expanding support services for local leagues. As a nonprofit managing both tournament operations and community programs, the organization balances facility maintenance with grant distribution to leagues facing financial barriers.
The funding structure addresses immediate facility needs at the World Series complex while creating resources for volunteer development and league assistance programs that extend Little League’s reach beyond tournament play.
via: Little League
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