The Washington District One Little League UmpFun(d) generates charitable contributions and other donations in order to help volunteer baseball and softball umpires attend Little League training clinics, camps, and week-long academies here in the Pacific Northwest as well as across the country.
As Little League’s approach to identifying and developing umpires has evolved, the cost for any individual umpire to participate in training opportunities has significantly increased. For example, the average cost for a Washington District One umpire to attend Little League’s week-long West Region Umpire Academy—an important step in a high-performing umpire’s journey to earn selection to a Region or World Series opportunity—can approach $3000. The Washington District One Little League UmpFun(d) seeks to make a dent in that financial barrier to participation.
Funding advanced training and ongoing education means more than just enabling a single umpire’s postseason opportunity at the very highest levels of Little League. Over the years these experiences have created a generation of District One umpires who share what they’ve learned and subsequently excel as leaders and role models for the rising umpires back in their local leagues. Sustaining umpire development and creating rich opportunities for all volunteer umpires to learn and improve is paramount for Little League’s future success.
Hear from D1 volunteer umpires about their past Little League postseason opportunities
District One volunteer umpires are passionate about the craft of umpiring and many have invested in years of training and development to enhance their knowledge, skills, and performance. The public service we provide makes a huge positive difference in the Little League experience for the players, coaches and families that we serve. We don’t merely enable the game to be played—with our professionalism and dedication we enhance it for the more than 7,000 kids who play Little League Baseball and Softball in our District each season.
See D1 volunteer umpires in action
District One Little League thanks you for helping our volunteer umpires make the Little League experience the best it can be!
Is my business or personal contribution to the UmpFun(d) tax-deductible?
Yes! As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, District One Little League is a tax-exempt organization; any donation given to support District One Little League is tax deductible. Washington District One Little League’s non-profit ID number is 27-1562398.
Can my employer’s volunteer hours matching funds be directed to the UmpFun(d)?
Yes, and this is a hugely impactful method of “stepping up to the plate” to enhance and sustain District One umpires’ training opportunities! Contact umpfund@d1umpires.org for more information on setting up your employer’s matching funds.
How are UmpFun(d) grant recipients chosen?
Recommendations are proposed by the District One Umpire in Chief (UIC) to an advisory panel of three District One staff, who must unanimously approve the request:
- District Administrator
- District Assistant Administrator
- District Treasurer
Any District One volunteer umpire in good standing is eligible to receive one UmpFun(d) grant per year, as recommended by the D1 UIC and advisory panel.
What do UmpFun(d) grants pay for?
UmpFun(d) grants cover a percentage of a grant recipient’s expense to attend a Little League training:
- Local Clinic (Washington, Oregon, or British Columbia)
- Registration (100%)
- Hotel (100%, up to two nights, up to $200/night)
- Regional Clinic, Camp or Academy (California or other Regional Little League Center)
- Registration (100%)
- Hotel (80%, up to $200/night)
- Airfare (80%, standard/economy class)
- Rental Car (80%, up to $50/day)
How can I make a contribution to the UmpFun(d)?
Send your personal or business check payable to District One Little League to the address below. A tax receipt will be mailed to you.
District One Little League
Attn: UmpFun(d)
803 Bell St
Edmonds WA 98020
Use the form below to use your credit card or debit card to make a contribution. Our chosen donation platform ensures that we receive 100% of your contribution.