Cubs pitcher awarded $10,000 grant in support of his charitable work with Kingdom Home in Uganda 

NEW YORK, April 30 – The Players Trust, the charitable arm of the Major League Baseball Players Association, announced today that Chicago Cubs pitcher Matthew Boyd is the recipient of the first Most Valuable Philanthropist award for the 2026 season. The Players Trust will award a $10,000 grant in Boyd’s honor in recognition of his humanitarian work in Uganda through Kingdom Home, an organization he founded in 2018 along with his wife, Ashley.

Kingdom Home is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to end child slavery by providing safe environments and resources for children in Uganda. Kingdom Home has grown to house 156 children between the ages of 8 and 19, providing them with food, education and shelter.

“Matthew and Ashley’s dedication to the children of Uganda demonstrates the power of baseball and the power players possess to make a difference in the global community,” said Players Trust Executive Director Amy Hever. “We are proud to honor Matthew’s work with Kingdom Home by naming him as our first Most Valuable Philanthropist for 2026.” 

A Washington state native, Boyd broke into the big leagues in 2015 with the Blue Jays and Tigers and has since logged time as a starting pitcher with three other franchises. Last year, he made his first All-Star Game while posting a 14-8 record for the Cubs. After a trip to Uganda in 2018, the Boyds created Kingdom Home with the goal of ensuring that all Ugandan children are protected from exploitation and provided with shelter and proper nutrition, as well as career training, music lessons, and medical care.

“As a father of four, I know how important it is for the development of every child that they feel safe, cared for, and have access to basic necessities,” said Boyd. “The children supported by Kingdom Home are a true blessing and inspiration to Ashley and me. We appreciate the Players Trust for this award and for joining us in the fight to end child exploitation around the world.”

The Players Trust’s Most Valuable Philanthropist award will be given six times this season to players who demonstrate an altruistic spirit and positive social impact beyond the diamond. Each winner receives a $10,000 grant from the Players Trust to his chosen charity. 

Established in 1996 and now in its 30th year, the Players Trust has supported and amplified players’ philanthropic and community engagement interests by providing resources that extend their reach and impact. Through this work, players have inspired and positively affected countless individuals and communities across the U.S. and around the world.

About the Players Trust

Established in 1996, the Major League Baseball Players Trust is the charitable arm of the Major League Baseball Players Association. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Players Trust is driven by players and inspired by the game. The Trust provides programs and resources that champion their individual and collective passions toward making a positive impact on the world and inspiring others to do the same. Through signature initiatives, strategic partnerships, and direct support, the Players Trust empowers current and former players to give back to the communities they care about most. Learn more at www.playerstrust.org.

--30--

Contact:  Silvia Alvarez, MLBPA, salvarez@mlbpa.org, 646-285-1819

               Pablo Ocariz, MLBPA, pocariz@mlbpa.org, 646-581-5778