Minnesota Wild Foundation Hockey Grant

The Minnesota Wild Foundation Hockey Grant, for the 2025–2026 season, is a targeted funding opportunity aimed at expanding access to hockey and growing the game across communities in Minnesota. Rooted in the belief that "Hockey Is For Everyone," the Minnesota Wild Foundation has launched this grant initiative to support organizations aligned with its Skate It Forward campaign. The initiative underscores the foundation’s commitment to inclusivity and community engagement, especially for those who may face financial, geographic, or other barriers to participation in hockey. The Foundation emphasizes that this grant is more than a financial award—it is an opportunity to become a partner in promoting the sport and building community connections. The program seeks proposals that help introduce new players to hockey or remove barriers that prevent participation. Special priority will be given to efforts that provide access to necessary equipment, offer instructional programming, or expand ice time availability. Additional focus is placed on organizations serving underrepresented or underserved youth communities. Programs that strengthen grassroots or community-based hockey initiatives will be favorably reviewed. To qualify, applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations based in Minnesota that demonstrate effective governance and have a stable operational history. Organizations must also show readiness to promote the grant’s impact and submit follow-up reports on outcomes and usage of the funds. Each eligible applicant may submit one proposal per grant cycle. Applications must be submitted online and will be accepted from January 14, 2026, through February 27, 2026. The Foundation has specified that grants will range from $5,000 to $50,000 and will be distributed as one-time awards during the 2025–2026 Minnesota Wild hockey season. The Foundation's Board of Directors and staff will review all submissions, and successful applicants will be notified by May 2026. All awards will be disbursed no later than June 30, 2026. This timeline should be considered when planning project execution or resource allocation. While many hockey-related programs are encouraged to apply, the Foundation explicitly excludes certain types of requests. Ineligible proposals include those that benefit individuals directly, support capital campaigns, fund rink construction or refurbishment, cover operational expenses, or serve entities outside Minnesota. Political organizations, churches, and international nonprofits are also not eligible. This guidance ensures alignment with the Foundation's mission to invest in community programs that use hockey as a tool for inclusion and development within Minnesota. The application process is designed to be straightforward, but applicants must be prepared to submit documentation such as their organizational bylaws and a current list of board members upon request. Additionally, successful applicants are expected to provide a public-facing narrative about the use and impact of the grant, as well as a formal impact report within six months of receiving funds. This accountability ensures that the Foundation can continue to build strong, meaningful partnerships rooted in transparency and shared goals. Ultimately, the Minnesota Wild Foundation Hockey Grant represents a unique opportunity for community-focused nonprofits in Minnesota to receive financial support while participating in a larger movement to make hockey accessible to all. Through collaboration, storytelling, and direct support, the Foundation hopes to foster a more inclusive and robust hockey culture across the state.