Spotlight On

Mission: Harlem RBI, a 501(c)3 organization, is a unique, year-round sports, educational, and enrichment program located in East Harlem, New York. Harlem RBI uses baseball and softball and the power of teams to provide inner city youth with opportunities to play, to learn and to grow, inspiring them to recognize their potential and realize their dreams.

Background: Founded in 1991, Harlem RBI began when volunteers transformed an abandoned, garbage-strewn lot in the heart of East Harlem into two baseball diamonds for the young people of the neighborhood. Over the course of its organizational development, Harlem RBI has evolved from a grass roots baseball program into a vital community agency that uses baseball and teamwork as youth development tools.

Today, with the implementation of a three-year strategic plan under way, Harlem RBI is expanding and improving its programs to further capitalize on the positive experiences youth gain from participating as a member of a team, or peer group. While the organization once delivered primarily seasonal programming, Harlem RBI now offers youth a variety of programs not only year-round, but also from year-to-year. Retaining youth in the Harlem RBI program throughout their childhood and adolescent development ensures that the organization can best connect its own services with participating youths’ families, schools, and other community-based agencies. This approach offers the greatest level of support over time for the children and families who rely on Harlem RBI.

Current Programs: Harlem RBI's programs include year-round baseball and softball, an after-school program, internship opportunities, a counseling and referral service, The REAL (Reading and Enrichment Academy of Learning) Kids summer program and Team Enrichment, group-based activities program for junior high school participants.

Harlem RBI engages over 350 inner city youth, ages seven to eighteen, in a comprehensive range of activities. Utilizing a youth development approach, the program helps young people develop the skills and competencies they need to become healthy, contributing members of their communities.

Having built an infrastructure that provides a safe, structured environment to the children of East Harlem, the organization delivers year-round programs utilizing a model of youth development through baseball and the power of youth teams.

Funding Needs: Harlem RBI's annual budget in 2003 is $1.25M. The majority of funding support comes from traditional philanthropic foundations, corporate supporters, and individuals.

Financial support is currently being sought to maintain, expand and improve all programs, either through direct contributions or gifts for general operating support. Additionally, Harlem RBI is soliciting capital support to rebuild its "Field of Dreams" in 2003/2004.

All inquiries regarding contributions should be made to Kara Logan at 212-722-1608.

Every month, the "Spotlight On" highlights the activities of a different 501(c)3 nonprofit organization located in the tri-state region (NY, NJ, or CT). The selection of organizations for the "Spotlight On" is based on criteria such as programmatic interests, geographic focus, and size, to ensure the broadest possible representation of the region's nonprofit sector.

If you'd like to see your NPO in the "Spotlight," please use this submission form to send us a profile of your organization. Or e-mail a description of your organization, following the above format, to nyweb@foundationcenter.org, with "Spotlight Submission" in the subject line.