Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

---

Organization Name: Upper Chesapeake Baseball Festival
Legal Name (if Different): Hickory Fountain Green Rec Council
Also Known As: UCBF
Mailing Address: 2310 Commerce Road
City: Forest Hill
State: MD
Postal Code: 21050
Main Phone: 4433713803
Main Fax:
Organization Website: ucbftournaments.org
Employer ID Number: 52-1219472
Organization Tax Status: 509(a)(1)

Proposal Information

---

Today’s Date: 10/7/2024
Requested Amount: $5,000

Project Title: 2025 Spring and Summer Classic
Project Description:

The Upper Chesapeake Baseball Festival (UCBF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the growth of youth baseball in Harford County, MD. Our two annual tournaments serve youth baseball programs for kids 8-18, including teams from Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic region. Our tournaments annually attract about 300 teams from 10 states, with over 3,000 participants and over 7,000 spectators.
UCBF’s mission is threefold:

(1) Raise money to directly support local recreation councils, funding Harford County baseball programs’ essential operations (purchasing field maintenance and supplies, equipment, insurance, etc.) while keeping registration fees for participants as low as possible. Youth development of work ethic, teamwork, sportsmanship, and a love of the game should be for all – without a financial barrier to entry.

(2) Provide Harford County baseball teams with a high-quality baseball tournament “in their backyard,” reducing the cost and administrative burden. We meet our participants “where they are,” offering A Divisions for elite teams seeking top competition. Perhaps more importantly, our B and C Divisions ensure that all our young athletes and their families have access to the same high quality tournament experience.

(3) Positively impact the local economy of Harford County, MD. We seek to be an economic driver in terms of impact on the local hospitality sector, local restaurants, gas stations, and shops. We source exclusively Harford County vendors, including our umpiring association partners, equipment, trophies, promotional materials, etc.

Specific focus for 2025 is the availability of officiating. There is a national shortage of umpires in youth baseball. While there are many factors at play, it is undeniable that UCBF – like all other baseball organizations – faces a dwindling, aging population of umpires. The funds we raise will help us increase the number of umpires available, and ensure that our pay structure is in keeping with the officials’ competing opportunities.

Total Project Budget: $210,000.00

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Maryland Sports Commission Grant (potential)

Project Duration: April 2025 – June 2025
Geographical Area Served: Harford County, MD
Age Group To Be Served: 8-18

Contact Information

---

Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mr.
Contact First Name: Jake
Contact Last Name: English
Contact Title: Tournament Director
Contact Phone: 4433713803
Contact Email: contact@ucbftournaments.org