Future Canes Grants

The Carolina Hurricanes Foundation operates as the charitable arm of the Carolina Hurricanes hockey team, focused on improving the lives of children across North Carolina. Rooted in a mission of health and education, the Foundation prioritizes initiatives that impact underserved populations and programs aimed at strengthening youth hockey. As a private funder, the Foundation supports nonprofits through an annual grant cycle, offering multiple grant types including the Future Canes Grants. These grants are specifically geared toward the advancement and accessibility of youth hockey throughout the state of North Carolina, reflecting the organization's commitment to community and sport development. The Future Canes Grants are awarded on an annual basis, with funding amounts varying depending on both the organization’s needs and the Foundation’s available resources. Applications for the 2025-26 grant cycle closed at 5:00 p.m. on April 30, 2025. The program supports hockey associations and programs that aim to develop youth participation in the sport, promote inclusion, and ensure hockey is accessible to all communities, particularly those that might face barriers to entry. The Future Canes Grants do not follow a fixed funding tier, allowing for flexibility based on specific proposals. To be eligible, applicants must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organizations in good standing with the Internal Revenue Service. The organization must be at least three years old and must directly serve children within North Carolina with programming focused on health or education. Programs that directly enhance youth hockey opportunities in the state are of particular interest for the Future Canes Grants. All applicants must be prepared to participate in site visits, submit post-award reporting on the use of funds, and publicly acknowledge the Carolina Hurricanes Foundation as a donor. The Foundation explicitly excludes several types of requests from consideration. These include funding for general operating expenses, staff salaries, endowments, capital campaigns, political or religious organizations (such as churches and PTAs), and event sponsorships like galas or golf tournaments. This ensures that funds are channeled directly into mission-aligned programming that has a tangible impact on youth. The grant process for Future Canes Grants follows an annual cycle, with no rolling applications. Once the cycle closes, selected recipients are notified after a review process. Applications are competitive, and the Foundation emphasizes that declined proposals are not necessarily indicative of an organization’s merit. Rather, they reflect the high volume of applications and limited funding capacity. Organizations that are not selected are encouraged to apply again in future cycles. The Foundation lists its most recent Future Canes Grant recipients on its official website, offering transparency and recognition. Some of the 2025 recipients include Triangle Special Hockey, Carolina Junior Hurricanes Hockey Association, and the Wilmington Junior Seahawks, showcasing a diverse set of programs across the state. Questions about the grant process can be directed to the Foundation’s community relations email at [email protected]. The next expected application cycle will reopen in Spring 2026, based on the annual schedule.