65th Annual Buddy Fund Golf Classic Starts in . . .
The (JJK) Jackie Joyner Kersee Foundation believes that the limitations of a city shrouded in stereotypes don’t have to limit the course of a child’s future. Their first steps to greatness start here with academic, after-school, athletic and summer camp programs.
The Buddy Fund Helps to Change the Lives of At-risk Youth Throughout the St. Louis Region.
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Hear How We Change Lives
“Thank you for your recent generous donation of 166 new sports equipment items from Markwort to Lift for Life Gym. Your gift will ensure other kids, like Jerome, have access to a place they can feel safe, receive a fresh meal, participate in activities every child should be able to enjoy, and most importantly, somewhere they can create a future.” - Joseph Miller, Executive Director
Lift For Life Gym
“We appreciate your support from the bottoms of our tennis shoes to the helmets on our heads. Please keep up the outstanding work your organization is doing. Lift For LIfe Academy needs you and is grateful to your Board and your donors for helping our kids to thrive in the athletic arena.” -Marshall Cohen, Executive Director & Founder -Susan Kelter, Community Relations & Volunteer Manager
Lift for Life Academy
“This year alone, The Buddy Fund has helped us to make a difference in the lives of over 200 children in our after school, day camp, and home school physical education programs. Of most importance for the kids are lessons learned in sports discipline and recreation that help us to fulfill our youth character-building mission.” - Connie Reker
Salvation Army
“The Buddy Fund’s grant allows children, youth, and families throughout Youth In Need to have access to various activities that would otherwise not happen, as well as creative counseling interventions with clients and their families. Several skills are increased by the use of things like sporting balls, jump ropes, and other equipment, including motor skills, relaxation techniques, self-awareness, goal setting, conflict resolution, and relationships.“
Youth In Need: Youth and Family Counseling
“Thanks to The Buddy Fund our Early Head Start and Head Start program (ages birth through 5) has been able to enhance the developmental skills of all children enrolled in the program.”
Youth In Need: Early Head Start and Head Start Programs
“The support we receive from The Buddy Fund allows us to free up money that would be used to provide the necessary sporting equipment for our members. It allows the Boys & Girls Club to scholarship children whose parents are not in the position to fund the expenses incurred with their child in the sports programs.” -Crag Leavell, Executive Director -Jeanette Koechner, Resource Development Director
Boys & Girls Club of St. Charles County
“Many of these children have never owned a basketball or soccer ball, so giving them an opportunity to own their very own, have pride in athletic play, exercise and take a break from their personal challenges, is a real gift.” - Dave Martin
Great Circle
“The Buddy Fund has helped our organization by allowing our residents to play sports and learn new activities…Through these Recreation activities, the residents learn sportsmanship, teamwork, and have an opportunity to cope with their emotions.” - Debbie Taylor
Epworth Children & Family Services
“The Buddy Fund supports us by donating all the baseballs we use every year. If not for the donated baseballs it could mean possibly adding $10 to the sign up fees. The added $10 could mean some kids may not get to play baseball in our program.” - Donn H. Schmidt
Ferguson Youth Baseball Club
“By The Buddy Fund providing the sports equipment for our membership for all these years you are helping our club's staff keep these kids engaged in positive programs and activities while staying away from drugs, going to jail or worse." -Tom Wild, Executive Director
Gene Slay’s Boys’ Club of St.Louis
ST. LOUIS CHARITY • COMMUNITY GIVING • ESTABLISHED 1962
Give Local. Change Lives. Build a Stronger St. Louis.
Looking for a meaningful St. Louis charity to donate to? The Buddy Fund is a local nonprofit organization dedicated to changing the lives of underserved and at-risk children through sports, recreation, teamwork and opportunity.
Whether you are an individual donor, business owner, corporate philanthropist, charitable foundation or community leader, your generosity can help provide new sporting goods and recreational equipment to youth-serving organizations throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area.
A Lasting Impact on St. Louis Children
1962
Year The Buddy Fund Was Founded
450,000+
Young People Helped Since 1962
150+
Youth Organizations Supported Annually
$3.8M+
Sports Equipment Provided Since 1962
Historical impact figures published by The Buddy Fund. Explore our community impact.
OUR HISTORY • OUR INSPIRATION
Honoring the Legacy of Buddy Blattner: A St. Louis Sports Legend
The Buddy Fund was founded in 1962 by Buddy Blattner (1920–2009), a beloved St. Louis native, professional baseball player and sports broadcaster whose love for athletics inspired a remarkable tradition of charitable giving.
Buddy Blattner’s sports career included playing professional baseball for the St. Louis Cardinals, New York Giants and Philadelphia Phillies, followed by broadcasting roles connected to several major professional sports teams. While working with the St. Louis Hawks, Buddy began auctioning his personal sports memorabilia to raise money for sporting equipment for local children.
That simple act of generosity grew into The Buddy Fund, a St. Louis nonprofit whose mission continues to honor its founder’s legacy. Today, individuals, families, corporations and philanthropic supporters can help carry forward Buddy Blattner’s vision by giving underserved children the opportunity to participate in organized sports and recreation.
When you make a donation to The Buddy Fund, you become part of a St. Louis charitable tradition built on compassion, community involvement and the belief that sports can help shape a child’s future.
LOCAL GENEROSITY. REAL OPPORTUNITY.
Why Donate to a St. Louis Youth Charity?
For philanthropists searching for meaningful charitable causes in St. Louis, supporting youth sports offers an opportunity to invest in the next generation. The Buddy Fund helps schools, recreation programs and nonprofit youth organizations obtain the equipment they need to encourage healthy activity, confidence, character, leadership and teamwork.
Support Underserved Youth
Help remove financial barriers that prevent children in low-income St. Louis communities from participating in sports and recreation.
Strengthen Local Communities
Support local schools, youth programs and community organizations that use athletics to promote positive development and personal responsibility.
Create Lasting Opportunities
Help provide the sporting goods and recreation equipment that allow children to play, learn teamwork and develop confidence.
FOR PHILANTHROPISTS AND BUSINESS LEADERS
Corporate Giving and Philanthropy Opportunities in St. Louis
Are you a St. Louis business owner, corporate executive, charitable foundation representative or philanthropist looking for a local nonprofit to support? The Buddy Fund welcomes individuals and organizations who want to invest in the future of St. Louis children through meaningful charitable contributions, sponsorships and community partnerships.
Whether your charitable giving goals involve corporate social responsibility, employee engagement, community investment, memorial donations, year-end philanthropy or supporting children’s health and recreation, The Buddy Fund offers opportunities to make a difference close to home.
Ways Businesses and Philanthropists Can Help
- Corporate charitable donations: Support a St. Louis nonprofit focused on underserved youth.
- Golf tournament sponsorships: Participate in The Buddy Fund’s annual Golf Classic & Auction.
- Individual philanthropy: Make a meaningful personal contribution to youth sports and recreation.
- Memorial and tribute giving: Honor a loved one through charitable support for local children.
- Workplace giving and matching gifts: Explore employer-supported charitable giving opportunities.
- Community fundraising partnerships: Bring people together to support children through sports.
Make Your Charitable Donation Go Further
The Buddy Fund purchases new sporting goods and recreational equipment at wholesale prices, helping stretch charitable contributions into more equipment for children. This purchasing approach allows The Buddy Fund to maximize the value of donations and support youth organizations throughout the St. Louis region.
From basketballs, baseballs and soccer equipment to supplies for organized youth recreation programs, your financial support helps community organizations provide positive experiences for children who might otherwise lack access to the equipment they need.
QUESTIONS ABOUT GIVING
Frequently Asked Questions About Donating in St. Louis
Learn more about supporting The Buddy Fund, charitable giving in Missouri and helping underserved children through youth sports.
What is a good St. Louis charity to donate to that helps children?
The Buddy Fund is a St. Louis-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping underserved and at-risk children participate in sports and recreation. The organization supports local youth-serving schools and nonprofits by providing new sports equipment and supplies.
Who founded The Buddy Fund?
The Buddy Fund was founded in 1962 by St. Louis sports personality and former professional baseball player Buddy Blattner. His charitable fundraising efforts helped provide sporting goods to local children and established the foundation for the organization’s ongoing mission. Read the history of Buddy Blattner and The Buddy Fund.
How can I donate to help underserved children in St. Louis?
You can make a financial contribution through The Buddy Fund’s donation page. Contributions support the purchase of sports and recreation equipment for organizations serving children in the St. Louis area.
Can St. Louis businesses sponsor The Buddy Fund?
Yes. Businesses and community partners can support The Buddy Fund through charitable contributions, fundraising activities and sponsorship opportunities such as the Buddy Fund Golf Classic & Auction.
What does The Buddy Fund do with charitable donations?
The Buddy Fund uses charitable support to provide new sporting goods and recreational equipment to schools and youth-serving organizations. The equipment helps children access opportunities for physical activity, teamwork, confidence-building and positive development.
Is The Buddy Fund a tax-exempt nonprofit organization?
Yes. The Buddy Fund identifies itself as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Donations may qualify for charitable tax deductions depending on applicable laws and the donor’s circumstances. Consult your tax professional for advice about deductibility.
Can I make a memorial or tribute donation?
If you would like to make a charitable contribution in memory or honor of someone special, contact The Buddy Fund to discuss your intended gift and any available recognition arrangements. A donation supporting youth sports can be a meaningful way to honor someone’s life and love of community.
Does The Buddy Fund accept corporate matching gifts or stock donations?
The Buddy Fund’s donation information identifies matching gifts and stock as accepted forms of giving. Donors interested in these options can contact the organization to coordinate their contributions.
Which St. Louis youth organizations benefit from The Buddy Fund?
The Buddy Fund works with schools, community recreation programs and nonprofit youth organizations serving underserved children throughout the St. Louis region. Visit Who We Help for more information about recipient organizations.
How can philanthropists make a lasting impact in St. Louis?
Philanthropists can support local youth development through financial contributions, corporate sponsorships, fundraising partnerships and charitable giving programs. By supporting The Buddy Fund, donors help provide access to sports equipment and recreational opportunities for children throughout the St. Louis community.
CHANGING LIVES THROUGH SPORTS
Your Generosity Today Can Help Change a Child’s Tomorrow.
Be part of a St. Louis philanthropic tradition inspired by Buddy Blattner. Your charitable contribution can help put sports equipment into the hands of local children, support stronger communities and create opportunities for the next generation.
The Buddy Fund • St. Louis, Missouri • Changing Lives Through Sports Since 1962
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