Curtis Granderson

Major League Baseball star Curtis Granderson, whose Grand Kids Foundation has spearheaded nearly 15 years of community service benefiting thousands of kids and families, was named the recipient of the 2021 Heisman Humanitarian Award.

The honor was presented at the 87th Annual Heisman Memorial Trophy Dinner Gala in 2021, where along with his award Granderson received $75,000 to support his Grand Kids Foundation.

“Curtis Granderson represents the best of the Heisman Trophy Trust – commitment to youth development and empowerment through sports,” said Mike Comerford, President of the Heisman Trophy Trust. “Granderson’s work with the Grand Kids Foundation is transforming the lives of young people across America through education, fitness and nutrition.”

Granderson played 16 seasons in Major League Baseball for the Detroit Tigers, New York Yankees, New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays, Milwaukee Brewers, and Miami Marlins. He is a three-time MLB All-Star and won a Silver Slugger Award in 2011.

In 2007, Granderson founded the Grand Kids Foundation to aid positive youth development through education, physical fitness, and nutrition initiatives. Thousands of children benefit each year from programming hosted by Granderson and his foundation. Grand Giving, a month-long food insecurity initiative, has raised more than 35 Million meals for families in need. Granderson also hosts Grand Kids Camps, baseball clinics for youths, and Grand Kids Summer Series, a program that provides inner-city kids access to Major League Baseball games and experiences. Granderson also serves as the President of the Players Alliance, a non-profit supported by MLB and MLBPA that seeks to drive equity and access to the game of baseball.

“I’d like to thank the Heisman Trust, not only for the great honor of being named the 2021 Heisman Humanitarian Award winner, but for the important work the Trust does to serve and support youth sports,” stated Granderson. “I do what I do because I want to help people however I can, not for the awards or accolades. But this one is special – I’m both honored and humbled.”