Given the current economic climate, it should come as no surprise that non-profit organizations around the world are experiencing greater difficulty securing fundraising dollars. For many local youth organizations, fundraising, which is never an easy task, may now seem impossible. To help your organizations adapt to this new financial environment, BTF recently spoke with fundraising expert Marian Stern to get her perspective and advice. Read on for her strategies to help maximize your fundraising potential in these tough times.

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In December, the San Diego Padres dedicated three Little Padre Parks, bringing the total refurbished fields to 39 since the programs inception in September of 1996.On December 3, the club dedicated a PONY field in Ramona, CA, an area hard-hit by the Witch Creek Fire in October 2007. On December 6, the Padres dedicated two Little League fields in the Allied Gardens neighborhood of San Diego. Many were on hand for the dedication, including Padres CEO Sandy Alderson, manager Bud Black, third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff and County Supervisor Dianne Jacob. This year, the Padres will refurbish/build the 40th Little Padres Park in celebration of the club's 40th anniversary.

The Baseball Tomorrow Fund (BTF) is a joint initiative between MLB and the MLB Players Association that was established in 1999 through a $10 million commitment. The mission is to promote and enhance the growth of youth participation in baseball and softball around the world by funding programs, fields, coaches' training, and the purchase of uniforms and equipment. More »

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