Charlie Batch, founder of the Best of the Batch Foundation, was interviewed by Roy Kessel of the Sports Philanthropy Network at Radio Row. During the conversation, Batch discussed his foundation’s 25-year journey in supporting youth education and development, inspired by the loss of his sister. He emphasized the importance of building relationships, leveraging his platform as an NFL player, and expanding programs to serve thousands of children annually.
Charlie Batch
Mr. Charlie Batch is a former NFL quarterback turned entrepreneur, media personality/color analyst, community advocate, and professional speaker.
His NFL career spanned 15 years and two Super Bowl victories. In retirement, Mr. Batch continues to be a respected strategist in the NFL, providing game-day commentary for Steelers broadcasts and several national media outlets. Mr. Batch is the Chapter President of the NFLPA Pittsburgh. He also served for 9 years as Senior Captain for The Trust Powered by the NFLPA, an initiative that Mr. Batch helped negotiate in 2011 with NFL team owners. Additionally, he helps former players achieve their dreams after football as a Transition Consultant for the NFLPA.
Best of the Batch Foundation
Best of the Batch Foundation was founded in 1999 by former Steelers Quarterback to give back to his hometown of Homestead, PA. It offers over 12 programs to school-aged children, annually serving over 3,800 children and their families over 8 Western Pennsylvania counties. Our showcase is the “Clubhouse”, where the majority of the day-to-day programming takes place. When one imagines a clubhouse, it brings to mind a place where you can hang out with your friends; a place where you feel safe and a place where you can have fun. The Clubhouse is all of those things for neighborhood children from K-12, but it adds the critical element of education. The children learn while they are having fun!
We provide a variety of different programs to serve every child who walks through our doors during their out of school time. Our STEAM program allows children the opportunity to engage in creative thinking in ways that utilize their strengths- whether that be through coding, 3D printing, robotics, or music production. Girl Talk engages both middle school and high school girls in a mentoring program where young girls receive accurate information and advice to navigate the challenges of growing up. Homework help and individualized tutoring are offered to every child who attends, which has resulted in an increase in school attendance and homework submission in participants. Grub Time is our out-of-school time meal program, where all children receive a hot meal including a protein, vegetable, fruit, starch, and a healthy snack every day. Functioning as the only completely free clubhouse within a two-bus transfer of our community, the out of school time programming Best of the Batch offers reflects the wants and needs of the surrounding community.
Our Foundation also provides outreach services through multiple programs, including our back to school readiness program BatchPacks, our holiday toy drive Batch A Toys, emergency response programming like our Comfort in a Basket initiative, and EITC, OSTC, Pre-K, and college scholarship
Watch The Interview Here
- [00:00] Introduction – Host Roy Kessel introduces Charlie Batch, highlighting his NFL career and philanthropic work.
- [00:27] Inspiration for Giving Back – Batch shares how the tragic loss of his sister to gun violence motivated him to start the Best of the Batch Foundation.
- [00:52] Founding the Foundation – Discusses launching the foundation in 1999 after being drafted by the Detroit Lions and later expanding it upon returning to Pittsburgh.
- [01:51] Balancing Football and Philanthropy – Explains the challenges of starting a foundation while still playing in the NFL and the importance of long-term planning.
5. [02:38] Early Growth and Educational Focus – Describes how the foundation began with a basketball league requiring participants to attend study halls and read books.
- [03:08] Expansion and Impact – Talks about growing from 5,300 to 33,000 square feet, serving nearly 3,800 kids annually, and focusing on STEAM and after-school programs.
- [04:02] Advice for Athletes Starting Foundations – Encourages players to build relationships, tell their stories, and engage with their communities early in their careers.
- [04:49] Leveraging Platform and Networking – Shares how he used his Super Bowl appearances to connect with influential decision-makers and gain support for his foundation.
- [06:01] Future Goals – Outlines plans for continued growth, including summer camps, back-to-school programs, and holiday drives.
- [06:45] Closing Thoughts – Highlights the importance of investing in youth, providing opportunities, and inspiring the next generation through education and mentorship.
