THE 2025-26 GRANT CYCLE CLOSES JUNE 22, 2025 AT 5 P.M. PST.

Whether you are seeking program/organization amplification, volunteer support, monetary donations, or any other type of partnership, non-profits must apply for a Community Assist Grant as the first step to establish a relationship with the Sharks Foundation. To keep the process unbiased, the Sharks Foundation will not host meetings with non-profits while the grant cycle is open to discuss a non-profit's program or project idea - you may reach out to us via email for specific application questions.

Please note: Due to the large number of grant applications we receive, each non-profit should understand that there is only so much funding the Sharks Foundation has available to allocate and that we cannot fund every request. We appreciate and respect all the important work being done to better our community. All non-profits that submit an application will be kept on our preferred partner list for the year and will be notified of other opportunities as they arise.

During the Sharks regular hockey season, Community Assist Grants will be provided to Bay Area non-profits supporting youth wellness, education, and/or the advancement of hockey. To diversify and streamline our giving efforts, each month one grant will be dedicated to a specific focal area. Grant applicants must fit and apply under one of the following focal areas:

November: Hockey Fights Cancer

• Cancer-related patient care for youth (ages 0-18), including support services or survivor programs.

December: Holiday Assist 

• Food insecurity, clothing, shelter, and/or holiday programs that serve youth (ages 0-18). 

January: Hockey Equality

• In line with the leaguewide principle that Hockey is for Everyone, this focal area will drive positive social change and foster a more inclusive game through the advancement of hockey in areas such as female, LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and physical or intellectual disability community participation.  

February: TK-12 Education

• STEAM or literacy programs for grades TK-12 (only).

March: Healthy Living

• Fitness, wellness, or mental health programs for youth (ages 0-18).
• For sport-related programs, priority will be given to organizations advancing hockey/ice sports.

April: Environmental Education

• Support of youth environmental education programs teaching sustainability, recycling, Earth science, and/or world health to grades TK-12 (only).

Funding Priorities:

The Sharks Foundation will not support:

• Political groups/organizations
• General operating deficits
• Sponsorships of fundraisers/galas
• Endowments or reserve funds
• PTAs, booster clubs, donations to individuals
• Organizations outside the Bay Area
• 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.

Organization Eligibility - 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 including:
  • Having a "Current" status with the California Department of Justice Registry of Charitable Trusts
  • Be in good standing with the Franchise Tax Board
• A program must be in existence for a minimum of 3 years
• Provide services exclusively to Bay Area residents (primarily youth)
• Be available for a site visit if selected as a beneficiary
• Adhere to all deadlines and application requirements

Application Eligibility - to qualify for a grant an application must:

• 100% of grant funding received is used for the exclusive benefit of youth education, youth wellness, and/or the advancement of hockey
• 100% of the funding received must directly benefit Bay Area residents (Santa Clara, Alameda, San Mateo, San Francisco, and/or Santa Cruz counties)
• Fall under one of the Sharks Foundation grant focal areas
• Funding must be applied to the costs associated with a specific programming element or the proposed project outlined in the grant application narrative
• Funding must be used before July 1, 2026

Partnership & Activation:

• The Sharks Foundation continually seeks deep and impactful relationships with the non-profits we support; as such, there should be an activation component within the grant focal area month under which you are applying between your organization and the Sharks Foundation.
• An activation component should be well thought out, creative/unique and multifaceted (ie: more than a check presentation) - how can we collaborate to show the community what we have accomplished together? How can we amplify the partnership? How can volunteers from our organization support the work you do?
• Non-profits are asked to thoroughly explain their idea(s) in the application narrative.

Before Applying:

• Each organization can submit one grant application per cycle.
• Do not wait! The Sharks Foundation will not extend the application deadline under any circumstance.
• Allow ample time in the event you experience technical or other difficulties with the application process.
• An application will be deemed ineligible if it is incomplete, incorrectly formatted, not submitted by the deadline, submitted by an organization that does not qualify per the outlined funding priorities.
• You must hit the "submit" button on the online application before the deadline.

Timeline:

• June 22, 2025, 5:00 p.m. PST: Deadline to apply
• July 2025: Grant Review Committee reads applications and submits recommendations to the Sharks Foundation
• August-September 2025: Sharks Foundation vetting and selection process
• October 2025: Applicants will be notified of status
• November 2025-April 2026: Funds dispersed and site visits/activations take place

How To Apply:
Do not skip any steps!

STEP 1: Download and read the 2025-26 Grant Application Packet – use the Checklist to gather the required appendices to upload to the application
STEP 2: Fill out the 2025-26 Grant Worksheet to prepare your answers for the online application
STEP 3: Download and use the 2025-26 Narrative Template to craft your application narrative
STEP 4: Once you have gathered all the required appendices documents, filled out the Grant Worksheet, and crafted your narrative, fill out the online application!