Brendan Donovan exemplifies leadership, humility and tireless dedication, with a special passion for supporting organizations that serve veterans. In just three Major League seasons, Donovan has made a lasting impact through a wide range of charitable efforts.
A committed supporter of Cardinals Care, the St. Louis Cardinals’ community foundation, Brendan takes part in the annual Winter Warm-Up and regularly donates signed memorabilia to support fundraising auctions. He also sponsors a Player Ticket Program, Donovan’s Dugout, hosting groups of children and their families each month for a pregame Q&A and providing tickets to the game.
Brendan is a strong supporter of Big League Impact, an organization led by former teammates Kyle Gibson and Adam Wainwright, joining several fundraising events to help provide essentials like food, clean water, medical care, shelter and education to communities in need.
Together with his wife, Aly, Brendan participates annually in the Wives for Wishes Gala, benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He has also volunteered at the Jupiter Loggerhead Marine Life Center and is a member of the Gordon Gray Circle of 200, supporting JLMC’s conservation and environmental initiatives.
As the son of a U.S. Army Deputy Commander, Brendan has a deep personal connection to the military and is especially committed to causes that serve veterans. He has made multiple donations to the Veterans Community Project, which provides transitional housing and wraparound support services to help veterans regain stability and independence.
He is also a passionate advocate for Team Red, White & Blue, whose mission is to enrich the lives of veterans through health and wellness. In April 2026, Brendan will host a charity clay shoot to raise funds for the organization.
Brendan’s support extends to The Kaufman Fund, a nonprofit that provides direct assistance to veterans and their families, focusing on basic needs like food, shelter and medical care. In addition to donating signed items for their silent auction, Brendan spent an off day filming a promotional video for the Kaufman Fund Golf Tournament to help boost awareness and donations.
It's no wonder that in 2024, Brendan was honored with the Bob Feller Act of Valor Award, which recognizes MLB players who demonstrate extraordinary support for military servicemembers and veterans.
This past May, Brendan joined the Mustache May campaign, wearing themed shirts during batting practice and using his social media platform to raise awareness and funds for mental health organizations, particularly those supporting veterans with PTSD. He also plans to participate in a meet and greet with veterans and their families in September in San Francisco, when the Cardinals face the Giants.
Looking ahead to October, Brendan plans to attend the Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk in Manhattan Beach, Calif. The event raises funds for the Friendship Foundation, which provides peer mentoring and recreational activities for children with special needs. It also supports South Bay education foundations and a national college scholarship program for students with financial need and academic excellence.
Brendan Donovan’s commitment to service, both locally and nationally, reflects the spirit of Roberto Clemente. His actions off the field are a testament to his character and a powerful example of how athletes can use their platform to uplift others.