SAFE to Play Grant Program

The Musco-Funded SAFE to Play Grant Program is a national safety initiative administered by Little League and made possible through generous support from Musco Lighting. This program forms a critical component of the broader Little League SAFE to Play compliance and recognition framework, designed to advance league-wide safety practices and provide direct financial assistance to local programs. Through a structured process that requires foundational compliance, leagues can unlock access to safety grants that reduce injury risk and improve emergency preparedness at the community level. For the 2026 season, a total of $180,000 in grant funding is available nationwide to support local Little League programs via two targeted grant tracks. The first, the AED Grant Program, provides funding to help leagues purchase Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to improve on-field emergency response capabilities. The second, the Facility Improvement Grant Program, supports safety-related upgrades to fields and infrastructure used in games and practices. These funding opportunities are open to any league that completes two required preparatory steps: submission of a SAFE Summary Builder and an Annual Facility Survey, both available through the Little League Data Center. The SAFE to Play Grant Program prioritizes readiness and demonstrated commitment to safety. Applications are evaluated on several factors, including compliance with core safety documentation requirements, prior participation in Little League training programs, and the expected impact of the proposed project on player and volunteer safety. Leagues with strong safety protocols as well as those facing financial barriers are encouraged to apply. This ensures a diverse range of local programs can benefit from the funding, promoting equity and preparedness across the entire Little League system. Participation in the SAFE to Play initiative is voluntary, but highly encouraged. It provides leagues not only with eligibility for grant support but also a framework for improving safety culture and demonstrating readiness at the start of each season. Applicants that complete both compliance steps receive a direct invitation to submit a grant application. Applications are not openly published and are sent via email after compliance verification. The 2026 grant application window opened on March 16, 2026, and closes on May 15, 2026. Following the close of the application period, all submissions will be reviewed by Little League, with final funding decisions and award notifications expected in Fall 2026. This timeline emphasizes proactive participation and early compliance engagement to secure eligibility and maximize impact. By aligning safety performance with meaningful grant opportunities, the Musco-Funded SAFE to Play Grant Program reinforces the core values of safety, community, and accessibility within youth sports. It offers a practical and financial incentive for leagues nationwide to invest in preparedness, facilities, and life-saving equipment—ultimately making the Little League experience safer and stronger for players, volunteers, and families.

Complete safety compliance steps early to ensure eligibility and improve competitiveness.