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 Foundation provideS Chicago youth access to positive development through education, physical fitness and nutrition initiatives. In 2013, the organization launched its annual food insecurity campaign and fundraiser, Grand Giving, which has helped supply millions of meals to families in need through partnerships with the Greater Chicago Food Depository and the Northern Illinois Food Bank.
The University of Illinois, Chicago alum donated $5 million to UIC for enhancements to the indoor athletic training facilities and baseball field, where the stadium was named Curtis Granderson Stadium. His dedication to providing thousands of Chicago youth the opportunity to play baseball and softball on a college campus is made possible through the Chicago Baseball & Educational Academy (CBEA). To learn more about all of Curtis’ philanthropic initiatives, check out his website.
Leadership in Sports
From a young age, Curtis has been a leader on and off the field. He currently serves as the Board Chair for the New Balance Athlete Advisory Board and of The Players Alliance, a non-profit focused on building equitable systems in order to change the trajectory of diversity throughout baseball.
His passion and commitment to fostering deeper community connections and working to diversify baseball, is paving the way for more young kids to learn, grow and thrive through sports.
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.