Community Assist Grants

The Sharks Foundation, established in 1994, aims to empower Bay Area youth by providing Community Assist Grants that support wellness, education, and hockey initiatives. Each month focuses on a different area, including cancer care, holiday assistance, and environmental education. The foundation envisions equitable access to quality education and essential resources for every young person, promoting inclusivity through hockey. With its nonprofit status, the Sharks Foundation is committed to fostering community engagement and positive social change.

Sharks Foundation
In 1994, the San Jose Sharks established the official charity arm of the team the Sharks Foundation, a public 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
The Sharks Foundation empowers youth through education and wellness programs while advancing equitable access to hockey for all. The Sharks Foundation envisions a future where every young person in the Bay Area has access to quality education, essential wellness resources, and opportunities to engage with and grow through the game of hockey.
Focal Areas
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).