COMMUNITY ASSIST GRANTS

Sharks Foundation Community Assist Grant
Sharks Foundation Community Assist Program

On a rolling basis, the Sharks Foundation provides Community Assist Grants to Bay Area nonprofit organizations supporting youth wellness, youth education, and/or access to hockey, with an emphasis on the following focal areas: 

Healthy Living 

  • Programs supporting youth ages 0-18 through fitness, exercise, healthy eating, mental health resources, or physical care, including dental, vision, and related wellness services.

TK12 Education

  • STEAM or literacy programs in grades TK-12.

Education Equity 

  • Programs, resources, or opportunities for young adults ages 18-26 seeking economic empowerment through career pathways, job placement, professional development, entrepreneurship, or other post-education opportunities. This focal area is intended to inspire and equip young adults as they transition into the next stage of life.

Access to Hockey

  • In line with the leaguewide principle that Hockey is for Everyone, this focal area drives positive social change and fosters a more inclusive game by advancing hockey participation among communities including female, LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and individuals with physical or intellectual disabilities.

The Sharks Foundation does not fund:

  • Political groups/organizations 
  • General operating deficits 
  • Sponsorships of fundraisers/galas 
  • Endowments or reserve funds 
  • PTAs, booster clubs, donations to individuals 
  • Organizations outside Santa Clara, Alameda, San Mateo, and/or Santa Cruz counties  
  • Note: Faith-based organizations are welcome to apply if the proposed program is secular in nature, inclusive to all participants, and aligned with the Foundation’s focal area(s). Grant funds may not be used for religious instruction or activities.

To qualify for a grant an organization must:

  • Be a public, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization in good standing with the Internal Revenue Service for a minimum of 5 years. 
  • Having a "Current" status with the California Department of Justice Registry of Charitable Trusts. 
  • Provide services to Santa Clara, Alameda, San Mateo, and/or Santa Cruz County residents.  
  • Be available for a site visit if selected as a beneficiary.

To qualify for consideration, the proposed funding request must:

  • A program must be in existence for a minimum of 3 years. 
  • Support youth wellness, youth education, education equity, and/or access to hockey and align with at least one of the Foundation’s focal areas listed above. 
  • Exclusively benefit Santa Clara, Alameda, San Mateo, and/or Santa Cruz County residents (primarily youth). 
  • Be applied to costs associated with a specific programming element or proposed project outlined in the interest form.

If the organization and funding request meet all eligibility requirements, please submit an interest form by clicking on the button below. 

NEXT STEPS: If the Sharks Foundation is interested in exploring a request further, a representative from the Foundation will reach out to the person listed under the contact information section on the interest form. Organizations invited to move forward will be required to complete a more thorough narrative as part of the next stage of review. 

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the high volume of requests received, the Sharks Foundation will only provide status notifications for proposals that move forward to the next stage of review. This is a rolling process. Please do not reach out requesting the status of a submitted interest form.

Submit Interest Form