Through the Grand Kids Foundation's Scoring for Schools, people can pledge to donate money for every run Granderson scores during the 2009 regular season and playoffs. Fans can donate as little as a cent per run, which will be tabulated and collected after the season.

Granderson, who is tapped to represent the U.S. on the World Baseball Classic team, scored 112 and 122 runs in the past two seasons. He'll guarantee payment for a minimum of 90 runs, should he get hurt, foundation President John Fuller said.

Credit Grand Rapids Board of Education President Catherine Mueller with a save.

She was impressed with Granderson after hearing him speak to Riverside Middle School students last April, checked his Web site and noticed he was working with schools in Detroit and Flint, which divided $40,000 last year.

"His message that day was so good, about the importance of an education and having a back-up plan," she said. "I was curious if there could be some opportunities for our students, too."

After talking to Mueller -- an avid Tigers fan -- Fuller said he and Granderson looked for ways to expand the program.

People can give to a specific district and stipulate whether they want money to go to scholarships or programs and equipment, Fuller said.

The foundation then will work with districts to determine the best use of the money.

Granderson's foundation will set requirements for the scholarships, Fuller said.

Granderson is one of about 30 players in the major leagues with a college degree. He studied in business and marketing at University of Illinois-Chicago, and his parents and sister are educators.

"He understands the importance of getting a good education," Fuller said.

Program registration information can be found online at GrandKidsFoundation.org.