The latest chapter in the Lerner family’s history began with the purchase of the Washington Nationals Baseball Club in 2006, fulfilling the lifelong dream of Ted Lerner to bring the national pastime back to Washington. The family applies the same commitment to high quality that is the hallmark of their award-winning real estate developments to their stewardship of the franchise. Working closely with the District of Columbia, they played a key role in the construction of Nationals Park, a state-of-the-art ballpark that was the first major professional sports stadium to be certified under LEED® (LEED Silver). Likewise, the Lerners took the long view in rebuilding the franchise – overhauling the minor league system and steadily elevating the team into a perennial contender that is now one of the elite teams in Major League Baseball. Under Lerner family ownership, the team’s farm system went from the worst in baseball in 2007 to being ranked No. 1 by Baseball America by the end of 2011. The Nationals won the NL East Division in 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2017. In 2019 the Nationals would come back from a season starting record of 19-31 to eventually win their first NL pennant, as well as their first ever World Series championship.
Through the team’s community relations and Nationals Philanthropies, the family has also demonstrated its commitment to the people and neighborhoods of the Washington area, most notably by partnering with the District to build the Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy – a unique, world-class facility that provides inner city youth with the opportunity to develop their baseball skills while fostering their academic and social development.
Championships
NATIONALS PHILANTHROPIES
As the official charitable arm of the Washington Nationals, Nationals Philanthropies is a new entity that replaces the Dream Foundation. Building on the success of the foundation’s first decade in Washington, we aspire to an even bolder, more ambitious philanthropic vision that continues to align with the work of the Youth Baseball Academy while building an enhanced and cohesive platform for civic engagement that extends far beyond the Academy walls.
The Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy
In partnership with the District of Columbia Government
In partnership with the District of Columbia Government, The Dream Foundation partnered with the District of Columbia Government to build the Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy in Ward 7’s Fort Dupont Park. The Youth Baseball Academyopened officially in March, 2014, and includes three baseball fields and an education center, and uses the sports of baseball and softball as vehicles to foster positive character development, academic achievement and improved health among at-risk Washington, D.C., youth. The Dream Foundation continues to fundraise in support of the Youth Baseball Academy.
The Washington Nationals Diabetes Care Complex
In Partnership with Children’s National Medical Center
The Dream Foundation provided the lead gift for the Washington Nationals Diabetes Care Complex at Children’s National. The facility opened in June, 2013, and offers a multi-disciplinary approach to supporting children with diabetes and their families. With state-of-the-art treatment rooms and a multi-functional education center, which includes a demonstration kitchen, the facility houses the largest pediatric diabetes program in the Mid-Atlantic region.
The Washington Nationals Miracle Field
In Partnership with the Annette M. and Theodore N. Lerner Family Foundation, the Kiwanis Club of Bethesda and Montgomery County
The Dream Foundation is a major supporter of the Washington Nationals Miracle Field which opened in August 2011, and serves as the home for the Miracle League of Montgomery County, Maryland. The Miracle League provides children with mental and/or physical challenges the opportunity to safely play baseball. The field incorporates a cushioned synthetic turf that allows children using wheelchairs and walkers to “run” the bases without fear of injury.