What happens to philanthropic partners if the A's leave Oakland?
Nonprofits in the Bay Area could lose valuable support and funding if the A's leave Oakland for Las Vegas.
North and South Oakland Little League held A's Night on Friday, April 14. The Oakland Athletics will be playing the New York Mets on Friday, April 14. Kids, coaches, and family can watch, visit, and play with Stomper the A's Mascot, as well as see the Coliseum and the Oakland Athletics.
Community organizations such as the Little League may be wondering what will happen when the A's leave Oakland to move to Las Vegas.
Since 1968, when the A's moved to Oakland from Kansas City, they have donated millions of dollar to Bay Area charities that help some of the most vulnerable people in the community.
ProPublica's data shows that the A's will donate $1.1 million to charity in 2020 via their Community Fund.
The team is involved in many philanthropic initiatives, including donating resources, tickets, and sponsorship to local charities.
The A's have supported many groups over the past year, including the City of Oakland Parks and Recreation Department, Bay Area Crisis Nursery and Oakland Public Education Fund. Other organizations include Oakland Elizabeth House, Family Giving Tree and Covenant House of California.
The A's Community Fund also offers smaller grants to local groups ranging between $2,500 and $10,000. According to the website of the A, the priority is given to East Bay organizations that focus on health and vitality in the community, educational programs and initiatives, and support for youth sports.
Recent grant recipients included Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bay Area and Centro Legal de la Raza.
The A's $1.25m per year lease at the Coliseum expires after the 2024 season. It's unclear if they will extend the lease before their new Las Vegas stadium, which is expected to open around 2027, opens.