Aaron Nola Gives $25K Grant To Philly's Largest Food Bank

PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher and former All-Star Aaron Nola was named the 2025 Philanthropist of the Year award by the Major League Baseball Players Association.

As a result, he is the recipient of a $25,000 grant, provided by the Players' Trust.

And, the Phillie ace has selected Philabundance, the largest food bank in the Greater Philadelphia region, as the recipient of the grant.

Nola has been a partner of Philabundance since 2019, and has taken part in initiatives to strike out hunger in the City of Brotherly Love. These efforts will continue in 2026 with his upcoming Charity Poker Tournament on April 16 at Citizens Bank Park, with Philabundance being one of the beneficiaries.

"Aaron Nola has been helping Philabundance strike out hunger for five years," Loree D. Jones Brown, CEO of Philabundance, said. "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."

“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," Nola said. "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.”

The 11-year veteran originally received the honor in October 2025, and the official announcement of the grant recipient was made Wednesday night at the Playmakers Classic, the Players Trust’s annual fundraising and awareness event, held in Phoenix, Arizona.

Nola was one of six finalists for the award, and was selected as 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.

"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," Amy Hever, Executive Director of the Players Trust, said. "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."