National Hockey League Grants

The National Hockey League (NHL) has two major grant programs: The NHL ASSIST and the National Hockey League Players Association (NHLPA) Goals and Dreams fund. The programs provide differing monetary support to bring hockey to young people and youth organizations. The grants support purchase of equipment, use of hockey rinks on which to practice and travel costs. Other organizations also provide grants to young aspiring hockey players.

  1. NHL ASSIST Grants

    • The National Hockey League, together with the International Ice Hockey Federation, provides funding for youth and youth organizations all over the world. Grants total up to $100,000 a year and can be used for equipment, rink costs and travel expenses. American and Canadian applicants can email the NHL at ASSIST@nhl.com or call the toll free hot-line at 1-888-NHL-AWARD.

    NHLPA Goals and Dreams

    • The Goals and Dreams grants are also given to organizations supporting underprivileged children wishing to play hockey. Grants are given to grassroots organizations, usually those located in rural areas where facilities and funding are harder to find. The grants can be used not only for equipment and rink costs but also for lessons, mentoring and team building programs. Applications should be sent to:

      Attention: Goals & Dreams

      National Hockey League Players' Association

      20 Bay Street, Suite 1700

      Toronto, ON

      M5J 2N8

    USA Hockey Foundation

    • The USA Hockey Foundation promotes educational and athletic hockey programs in the United States to advance love for the game among children and young people. The foundation provides grants to hockey and in-line skating groups. Exact grant amounts vary; however, the foundation has pledged 5 percent of net assets to support grant applications. Brief letters of request can be sent to info@usahockeyfoundation.org

    Individual Team Grants

    • Organizations looking for funding can always contact their local or regional NHL teams for available grants. Each team has a unique charitable program. Grant information can often be found on the team website. Grants are not necessarily for hockey-related activities--they often focus on underprivileged or special-needs children.