Phillies Ace Aaron Nola Gives $25K Grant to Philly's Largest Food Bank

Nola was named 2025 Philanthropist of the Year by the MLB Players Association.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Aaron Nola has been named the 2025 Philanthropist of the Year by the Major League Baseball Players Association. As a result, he is receiving a $25,000 grant, which he has chosen to donate to Philabundance, the largest food bank in the Greater Philadelphia region. Nola has been a partner of Philabundance since 2019 and has participated in initiatives to help fight hunger in the city.

Why it matters

Nola's donation and philanthropic work highlight the important role that professional athletes can play in supporting their local communities. The grant to Philabundance will help the food bank reach more people and families experiencing food insecurity in the Philadelphia area.

The details

Nola was selected as the Philanthropist of the Year by a panel of current players, as well as voted as the recipient of the award by active MLB Player membership. He joins former Phillies and Brewers first baseman Rhys Hoskins, as well as Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor, as winners of the award. Nola plans to continue his partnership with Philabundance in 2026, including hosting a Charity Poker Tournament at Citizens Bank Park.

  • Nola was named the 2025 Philanthropist of the Year in October 2025.
  • The official announcement of the grant recipient was made on Wednesday night at the Playmakers Classic, the Players Trust's annual fundraising and awareness event, held in Phoenix, Arizona.

The players

Aaron Nola

A starting pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies and the 2025 Philanthropist of the Year award recipient from the Major League Baseball Players Association.

Loree D. Jones Brown

The CEO of Philabundance, the largest food bank in the Greater Philadelphia region.

Amy Hever

The Executive Director of the Players Trust, the charitable foundation of the Major League Baseball Players Association.

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What they’re saying

“Aaron Nola has been helping Philabundance strike out hunger for five years. We are deeply grateful for his generosity and partnership. Delivering food, hope, and stability to those of our neighbors who need it most is a collective effort, and we could not fulfill our mission without the crucial, consistent support of donors—and friends—like Aaron.”

— Loree D. Jones Brown, CEO of Philabundance (patch.com)

“This award means a lot to me, because giving back has always been a core part of who I am and what I believe in. Baseball has given me so many opportunities, mentors, and teammates who feel like family, and I've always felt a responsibility to use that platform to make a positive impact. This is truly an honor, and it motivates me to keep doing more, both on and off the field.”

— Aaron Nola (patch.com)

“Aaron embodies the Players Trust's goal of making a positive impact in the world and has demonstrated an extraordinary personal commitment to philanthropic endeavors. Our goal is to amplify the good the Players do in their community, and we hope this grant will help Philabundance reach even more people and families experiencing food insecurity.”

— Amy Hever, Executive Director of the Players Trust (patch.com)

What’s next

Nola plans to continue his partnership with Philabundance in 2026, including hosting a Charity Poker Tournament on April 16 at Citizens Bank Park, with Philabundance being one of the beneficiaries.

The takeaway

Nola's donation and philanthropic work demonstrate the positive impact that professional athletes can have on their local communities. By supporting organizations like Philabundance, Nola is helping to address food insecurity and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need.