BOSTON – The Red Sox Foundation today announced the recipients of the 2026 Special Recognition Award, granting a combined $350,000 to Boys & Girls Club of Greater Nashua and College Visions in support of high-impact initiatives expanding educational and recreational opportunities for young people across New England.

This year, the Red Sox Foundation will award $200,000 to Boys & Girls Club of Greater Nashua to support new and enhanced spaces for youth recreation and learning, and $150,000 to College Visions to strengthen college access, college success, and career-readiness programming for more than 550 first-generation students across Rhode Island.

Both organizations were recognized with on-field check presentations during pregame ceremonies at Fenway Park Friday.

“The Special Recognition Award gives us an opportunity to invest more deeply in organizations that are meeting important needs in their communities and creating meaningful pathways for young people,” said Bekah Salwasser, EVP, Social Impact & Executive Director, Red Sox Foundation. “Boys & Girls Club of Greater Nashua and College Visions each have a strong track record of helping young people realize their potential, whether through a safe place to learn and play or through the guidance and resources needed to navigate college and career. We are thrilled to welcome them as our second class of Special Recognition honorees and celebrate their work at Fenway Park.”

“This recognition from the Red Sox Foundation sends a powerful message to our kids: you matter, your dreams matter, and an entire community is behind you. That belief will stay with them far beyond their time at the Club, helping them see what is possible for their futures,” said Craig Fitzgerald, Executive Director and Club Alumni of Boys & Girls Club of Greater Nashua. “On behalf of all of our Club staff, kids, and volunteers, thank you so much to the Red Sox Foundation.”

Boys & Girls Club of Greater Nashua will receive $200,000 in support of its “The Power of Youth” capital campaign, which is nearing its $12 million fundraising goal. The organization works to enable all young people, especially those who need it most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens.

The Red Sox Foundation’s investment will support the creation of a new youth wiffle ball program and dedicated paved field featuring a Green Monster mural, building on a longstanding Club tradition. Wiffle ball has deep roots in the organization, where Executive Director Craig Fitzgerald grew up as a Club member.

Funding will also support renovations to the Club’s Project Learn Zone, an interactive learning and recreation space designed to give young people additional opportunities to learn, connect, and grow.