OUR MISSION & HISTORY
WHO WE ARE
The Hamels Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization founded by Chicago Cubs pitcher Cole Hamels and his wife Heidi. The Hamels Foundation has a dual purpose to provide support for quality education in the United States and to establish a school in Malawi, Africa.
OUR MISSION
The Hamels Foundation is dedicated to enriching the lives of children through the power of education by giving them the tools they need to achieve their goals.
WE ARE PURPOSE DRIVEN
OUR STORY
T
he Hamels Foundation was founded in 2009 by co-founders Cole and Heidi Hamels to provide hope and a brighter future for children by providing financial support for educational opportunities. The Hamels Foundation works domestically and internationally to empower children in inner-city schools in the United States and in rural Malawi, Africa. Using a community-based approach to education, The Hamels Foundation provides assistance to schools and educational programs as well as financial support to other education-based nonprofits in the United States.
WHERE WE WORK
PROJECT USA
The Hamels Foundation work in the United States is currently focused on the communities in which Cole and Heidi live (North Texas – DFW/Arlington; Philadelphia, PA; San Diego, CA and Springfield, MO) and their surrounding communities. Through the annual grant process, The Hamels Foundation researches and identifies potential projects to receive funding within these communities.
PROJECT MALAWI
The Hamels Foundation is dedicated to building a primary school (grades 1-8) that will educate boys and girls in the Mulanje District of Malawi, Africa. The first step towards breaking the cycle of AIDS is education, as well as tending to basic needs such as shelter and food. Our goal is to provide this first step in improving the lives of thousands.
OUR HISTORY
September 2018
Chicago’s AUSL & WITS Check Presentation.
Chicago’s AUSL & WITS Check Presentation.
On September 26th, 2018, we celebrated a community-based approach to education by presenting $10,000 to the Academy for Urban School Leadership (AUSL) and Working in the Schools (WITS). Both Chicago organizations parallel our love for education and strive to transform underperforming schools, build critical literacy skills, and much more.
September 2018
The Hamels Foundation’s Second Annual Top of the Hill Event.
The Hamels Foundation’s Second Annual Top of the Hill Event.
On September 20th, 2018, several hundred people came together to celebrate education for children around the world! Over $80,000 was raised in support of Philadelphia-area education, as well as our Namunda Primary School in Malawi, Africa. The Hamels Foundation was proud to gift $48,000 to W.B. Saul Agricultural High School to further improve their Greenhouse Project.
May 2018
Awarded Scholarships to Buffalo, MO & Eldon, MO Students.
Awarded Scholarships to Buffalo, MO & Eldon, MO Students.
The Hamels Foundation awards scholarships to Dominique Wong & Charlie Crane from Buffalo High School, as well as Taylor Kidwell from Eldon High School in Missouri. Ranchero Bernardo High School in San Diego, CA was also awarded AIRBIKE classics to improve their athletic training department.
April 2018
The Hamels Foundation Team Sees Massive Improvements at the Namunda Primary School
The Hamels Foundation Team Sees Massive Improvements at the Namunda Primary School
The Hamels Foundation team sees the massive improvements to the Namunda Primary School campus with fully constructed classroom blocks and teacher housing, as well as a community orchard, beautiful landscaping, and a football field brought to life by hand-placed blades of grass.
November 2017
The Hamels Foundation Receives GAIA’s Global Citizen Award
The Hamels Foundation Receives GAIA’s Global Citizen Award
The Hamels Foundation was presented with the Global Citizen Award from the Global AIDS Interfaith Alliance (GAIA) for our humanitarian work in the Mulanje District of Malawi. The Hamels Foundation is the second institutional recipient of this prestigious award and shares ranks with The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.
September 2017
The Hamels Foundation’s First Annual Top of the Hill Event
The Hamels Foundation’s First Annual Top of the Hill Event
Over 500 people turned out for The Hamels Foundation’s first “Top of the Hill” event in Glen Mills, PA. Individuals and families alike joined in on the fun and raised over $50,000, which will support The Namunda Primary School for one full year. In addition, Cole and Heidi presented a $20,000 grant to AMY Northwest Middle School located in inner-city Philadelphia for their outdoor classroom.
May 2016
Awarded First Partners in Education Grants in Texas
Awarded First-ever Partners in Education School Grants in Texas
The Hamels Foundation awarded more than $35,000 in grants to schools and community projects in the Dallas-Fort Worth area communities. (photo credit to Kelly Gavin)
May 2015
Awarded +$1 Million in Grants to Phillie Schools
Awarded More Than $1 Million in Grants to Phillie Schools
Staff, board members and community leaders joined co-founders Cole and Heidi Hamels to recognize The Hamels Foundation awarding Philadelphia-area schools with more than $1 million in grant awards since 2009.
September 2014
First Day of School at the Namunda Primary School
First Day of School at the Namunda Primary School
Namunda Primary School in Malawi, Africa welcomed students for the very first day of school. Students were welcomed into brand-new classrooms for the very first time in the more than $2.6 million project.
August 2014
Commemorated our 5th Anniversary
Commemorated our 5th Anniversary
The Hamels Foundation commemorated its 5th anniversary at the annual Diamonds & Denim event in Pennsylvania. Grammy award-winning group Lady Antebellum entertained co-founders Cole and Heidi Hamels and more than 550 guests to celebrate The Hamels Foundation 5th anniversary.
August 2013
Opening of the Academy of Exploration
Opening of the Academy of Exploration
As lead funding partners of the Academy of Exploration, The Hamels Foundation makes it possible for two 5th grade classrooms to learn through STEM-based concepts in an award-winning children's science museum.
November 2012
Construction of the Namunda Primary School Begins
Groundbreaking Construction of the Namunda Primary School
The construction of the Namunda Primary School in Malawi, Africa officially began on a 640-seat school campus that includes classrooms, library, kitchen, teacher housing and more.
June 2012
Largest Public School Grant Awarded
Largest Public School Grant Awarded
The Hamels Foundation awarded a total of $358,000 (after project completion) to Bayard Taylor Elementary School. Co-founder Cole Hamels presented a check to build a brand-new school playground and community park.
May 2012
Awarded Largest School Grant to Date in MO
Awarded Largest School Grant to Date in MO
A starter gift of $50,000 was made to Eldon, MO School District to help solidify fundraising for a brand new Eldon sports complex facility.
January 2012
Headquarters Opening in Springfield, MO
Headquarters Opening in Springfield, MO
Community leaders and staff hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate The Hamels Foundation headquarters opening in Springfield, MO.
May 2011
Awarded $50,000 Partners in Education Grant
$50,000 Partners in Education Grant to Swenson Arts & Tech High School
The Hamels Foundation awards a Partners in Education grant to Swenson Arts & Tech High School in the amount of $50,000 to renovate existing gymnasium facilities and to purchase new fitness equipment.
December 2010
Inaugural Diamonds in the Rough Casino Night
Inaugural Diamonds in the Rough Casino Night
Guests joined co-founders Cole and Heidi Hamels for the inaugural Diamond in the Rough Casino Night in Missouri for a night of Vegas-style fun, featuring table games like blackjack, roulette and more.
October 2010
Inaugural Diamonds & Denim Fundraiser
Inaugural Diamonds & Denim Fundraiser
Guests joined co-founders Cole and Heidi Hamels for an evening at Union Trust Steakhouse in Pennsylvania, where they were entertained by Leann Rimes and Tony Orlando.
May 2010
Awarded First Scholarships to Buffalo, MO Students
Awarded First Scholarships to Buffalo, MO Students
Awarded first-ever scholarships in Buffalo, MO - Students from co-founder Heidi Hamels' hometown were awarded scholarships to further their education.
November 2009
Inaugural Cole Hamels Pitching Clinic
Inaugural Cole Hamels Pitching Clinic
Youth campers learned pitching techniques first-hand from co-founder, World Series MVP and MLB All-Star Cole Hamels.
May 2009
Awarded First Partners in Education School Grant
Awarded First Partners in Education School Grant
Awarded first-ever Partners in Education school grant to John B. Stetson Middle School in Philadelphia, PA. Provided a grant in the amount of $65,000 to update existing library, science and music rooms, auditorium and more.
April 2009
Received 501(c)(3) approval ruling from IRS
Received 501(c)(3) approval ruling from IRS
This designation provided The Hamels Foundation with approval to operate as an approved charitable organization.
I’m not usually a very emotional person, but when we walk around these schools and see the joy in the faces, it hits home.
Cole Hamels, Co-Founder
Want to get involved? Help us build a classroom with your donation.
