from hitting
Grand Slams
to making
Grand Plans
Photo Credit: @fetelifestylemag & @James_Gustin
During his 16 years as an MLB outfielder, Curtis Granderson, left a positive impact wherever he played. The three-time MLB All-Star and Roberto Clemente Award winner’s passion for fostering deeper community connections in Chicago is paving the way for more young kids to learn, grow and thrive through sports.
Grand Philanthropy
In 2007, Curtis established the Grand Kids Foundation, which now operates as the Curtis Granderson Foundation. The mission of the Foundation is to provide Chicago youth access to positive development through education, physical fitness and nutrition initiatives. In 2013, the organization launched an annual food insecurity campaign and fundraiser, Grand Giving, which has helped supply over 40 million meals to families in need through partnerships with the Greater Chicago Food Depository and the Northern Illinois Food Bank.
In 2014, the University of Illinois, Chicago alum donated $5 million to UIC for enhancements to the athletic training facilities and baseball field, where the stadium was re-named Curtis Granderson Stadium. His dedication to providing thousands of Chicago youth the opportunity to play ball on a college campus is now made possible through the Chicago Baseball & Educational Academy (CBEA). To learn more about all of Curtis’ philanthropic initiatives, check out his website.
The Players Alliance
Recognizing the inequity and under-representation of black athletes in baseball, a group of 150 current and former MLB players united to create The Player’s Alliance. This 501c3 non-profit is dedicated to increasing opportunities, inclusion and diversity in baseball and Curtis currently serves as the Board Chair for the TPA.
Invested in Chicago
Curtis’ support of Chicago extends far beyond the non-profit initiatives he’s established. Born, raised and educated in Chicago, he’s proudly called Chicago home all his life. Over the years, he’s had the opportunity to invest in and support local businesses—like The Fifty/50 Group, form lasting community partnerships with UIC and Mariano’s, and serve as a positive role model to the thousands of kids he’s coached and mentored.
He recently formed a partnership with Chicago men’s clothier, The Tie Bar, to collaborate on several custom suits and a possible Curtis Granderson Tie Collection.
Events & Appearances