The Access and Opportunity Fund is the embodiment of Little League’s core value of inclusivity, focused on breaking down barriers of entry and creating new, transformative ways to participate in the program. This fund provides opportunities to increase diversity including support of the Little League Urban Initiative, provide more opportunities to champion girls’ experiences in the Little League programming, and encourage inclusiveness in volunteerism through unique training programs that focus on creating positive environments for kids to participate and grow.

The Little League for All Equipment Fund represents more than the distribution of sports gear. It is an integral step toward dissolving the divide between varying affluence within Little League communities. By providing essential equipment through this fund, Little League will create equitable opportunities for every child to have a positive experience within our program and beyond. This initiative stretches the impact of local contributions across the globe, ensuring that economic circumstances do not dictate a child’s ability to participate in baseball or softball, thus upholding Little League International’s commitment to integrity and community.

The Volunteer Excellence Fund was established to support the selfless and vitally important work of volunteers who make the Little League experience come alive for millions of kids around the world. Funding the Volunteer Excellence Fund means nurturing a generation of volunteers who are not only tactically and technically proficient but who also excel as educators and role models. This fund helps to ensure that every Little League volunteer can provide a rich, educational, and enjoyable experience through enhanced training, leadership, and learning experience. The Volunteer Excellence Fund was created in honor of former President and CEO, Stephen D. Keener, who announced his retirement at the end of 2024 after 44 years as a Little League staffer.

At its foundation, Little League strengthens communities through sustaining and growing local programs. Providing resources directly to our leagues, through Little League-operated grant programs, allows us to qualify and support improvements that may be needed to sustain programming or attract new participants. Additionally, the summer excitement culminates at each of our competitive divisions in a World Series tournament. Supported by Little League Staff and a team of local volunteers, the tournaments demonstrate the greatness of competition coupled with the spirit of communities around the globe. Each year, Little League International pays for the housing, travel for international and domestic teams, meals, and accommodations for all teams who compete at all seven World Series tournaments. As travel costs have increased, the cost of operating all of Little League’s Region Tournaments and the seven World Series Tournaments totals more than $12.5 million annually, with the Little League Baseball^® World Series in Williamsport costing approximately $7.5 million alone, as part of Little League’s overall annual operating budget. Ranging anywhere from $5,000 to $60,000, the average cost to travel teams to the LLBWS each year is approximately $30,000 per team while the average cost to run a U.S. Region Tournament (both Baseball and Softball) each year, is approximately $450,000. Continuing to sustain the tournament experience and create new opportunities for participants and their families to enjoy the community and have fun is paramount for our future initiatives. This fund is dedicated to enhancing all resources in our program and creating new opportunities for participants and their families.

The Little League Disaster Relief Fund is focused on helping affected Little League programs receive the support they need to rebuild, recover, and continue providing children with the invaluable life lessons learned through youth baseball and softball. Whether it’s repairing fields, replacing equipment, or helping families reestablish their involvement in Little League, the Disaster Relief Fund allows us to support our local families and communities during times of greatest need. Unfortunately, disasters occur every year in communities all around the world, and the Little League fields are many times the first place that families and neighborhoods turn to.

For local Little Leagues that have suffered a natural disaster, please learn more about the process for assessing your league.