The Jays Care First Pitch Fund helps reduce financial barriers so kids can participate in registered baseball and softball programs and experience the benefits of organized sport.
The fund provides eligible families with up to $350 per child to cover or offset baseball or softball registration fees, helping more young people experience the power of baseball while building skills, confidence, and a lifelong love of the game.
The Jays Care First Pitch Fund is delivered in partnership with Their Opportunity – a national children’s charity offering subsidies for grassroots sports since 2009. Families can apply for the Jays Care First Pitch Fund in 3 easy steps:
The Jays Care First Pitch Fund is open to all Jays Care athletes and kids across Canada who are 18 and younger. The fund focuses on supporting families who face financial barriers.
Eligibility is reviewed by Their Opportunity and decisions are based on:
We encourage families to apply as early as possible. Applying in advance helps ensure there is enough time for eligibility review and funding approval before the athlete's baseball or softball season begins.
All applications are considered based on:
When you apply, you will need to share the following information:
1. Child Information: your child’s name, age and gender identity.
2. Family Information: number of people in your household and your total household income
3. Proof of financial need: a copy of your Canada Child Benefit Statement or your Notice of Assessment
4. League Information: the name, location, and contact details of the baseball or softball league your child wants to join
*Important Note: To help make sure your child gets a spot, families are encouraged to register with their chosen league before applying. League space can be limited and fills up at different times depending on location, age group, and province. Jays Care and Their Opportunity cannot guarantee a spot or control league availability.
Application Status: you will receive an email from Their Opportunity regarding the status off your application within 14 business days.
Funding Payments
If your application is approved, funds are paid directly to the baseball or softball league:
The league will then issue any refund required.
Rising costs are preventing too many kids from playing and Jays Care is committed to playing a meaningful role in increasing access to baseball for Canadian kids.
[1] Canadian Tire Jump Start, State of Youth Sport in Canada, 2025, p. 4
[2] Canadian Tire Jump Start, Cost and Barriers to Sports Participation, 2025, p. 46
[3] Canadian Tire Jump Start, State of Youth Sport in Canada, 2025, p. 6
"My son is passionate about baseball and enjoys every opportunity to learn and improve in the game. Playing sports has helped build his confidence and create meaningful friendships. Assistance from the Jays Care First Pitch Fund has made a meaningful and massive difference for our family and helped keep him involved in the sport he loves."
- Parent of First Pitch Fund Recipient
“This program has been life-changing for my two children who are diagnosed with autism. Knowing that funding is available brings me immense relief and joy. It allows them to participate in organized sports, feel included, and be part of something bigger. It truly helps make their world feel less limited and more open.”
- Parent of First Pitch Fund Recipient
