Nashville Predators Foundation – Helper Grants (2026–2027)

Grants of $500–$10,000 Supporting Youth and Families in Nashville and Middle Tennessee

The Nashville Predators Foundation Helper Grants program provides funding to nonprofit organizations and government agencies serving youth and families throughout Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Through its annual grant cycle, the Foundation supports specific projects, durable goods, and one-time programs that create meaningful benefits for local young people and their families.

Applications for the upcoming cycle open October 1, 2026, with a deadline of January 8, 2027.

Organization: Nashville Predators Foundation
Support Type: Community grants
Geographic Focus: Nashville and Middle Tennessee
Grant Amount: $500–$10,000
Deadline: January 8, 2027, at midnight

New to corporate grant fundraising?

Read our Corporate Grants for Nonprofits: Ultimate Guide to learn how corporate funding works.

About the Funder

The Nashville Predators Foundation uses the platform and resources of the Nashville Predators organization to address educational, social, health, and cultural needs throughout Nashville and Middle Tennessee.

The Foundation focuses particularly on improving the lives of youth and their families and provides financial grants, in-kind donations, scholarships, community programs, and other forms of support to local organizations.

Since its founding in 1998, the Foundation has awarded more than $11 million in financial grants. In 2026 alone, the Helper Grants program distributed a record $855,642 to 199 charitable organizations across Nashville and Middle Tennessee.

What This Program Supports

Helper Grants are intended for specific projects and programs that benefit youth and their families.

Eligible requests may include:

Specific Youth & Family Projects
Programs or projects providing direct benefits to children, young people, and their families.

Durable Goods
Equipment, supplies, furnishings, or other tangible items that support an eligible youth- or family-focused project.

One-Time Programs
Defined programs, activities, or initiatives with a specific purpose and funding need.

Applicants should clearly explain how the requested funding will be used. The Foundation notes that applications containing a detailed, itemized list of grant expenses are more likely to receive funding.

Eligibility & Preferences

Applicants must be:

• A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, or
• A government agency

Organizations must serve the Nashville or Middle Tennessee area, and proposed projects or programs must benefit youth and their families.

Each organization may submit only one application during the grant cycle.

The Foundation also identifies several factors that may strengthen an application:

• Organizations with operating budgets under $2 million receive priority consideration.
• Organizations interested in partnering with the Nashville Predators and Nashville Predators Foundation beyond financial support may receive stronger consideration.
• Organizations that have not received Helper Grant funding in consecutive years may receive priority over organizations that have been funded for three consecutive years.
• Applications that provide a detailed, itemized grant budget are more likely to be funded.

Ineligible Requests

Helper Grants do not fund:

• General operating expenses
• Building or facility repairs and updates
• Staff salaries and benefits
• Program per diems
• Sponsorships
• Fundraising activities
• Capital campaigns
• Endowments
• Reserve funds
• Grants to individuals
• PTAs
• PTOs
• Booster clubs

PTAs, PTOs, and booster clubs may be eligible for donated items for auctions or raffles through the Nashville Predators’ separate donation request program.

Funding Amounts

Helper Grants range from:

Minimum Grant: $500
Maximum Grant: $10,000

The average 2026 Helper Grant was approximately $4,300.

For context, the Nashville Predators Foundation distributed more than $855,000 through the program in 2026, supporting 199 organizations.

Timeline & Review

📅 Applications Open: October 1, 2026
📅 Application Deadline: January 8, 2027, at midnight
📅 Applicant Notification: Late April 2027
📅 Grant Distribution: May 2027

Applications are reviewed and approved by the Nashville Predators Foundation Board of Directors, which includes Nashville community members and team representatives.

Organizations should also pay attention to project timing. Because applicants are not notified until late April and funding is distributed in May, the Foundation does not accept requests for projects requiring funding in April or May of the same grant year.

Grant Check Presentation

Grant recipients are expected to participate in the Foundation’s grant check presentation in May.

A representative of the funded organization must attend the presentation to accept the grant check. Checks are not mailed.

Recipients are also required to complete midyear and final grant reports according to deadlines established by the Foundation.

Application / Request Process

Organizations should prepare a clear request describing:

• The specific project or program
• The youth and families who will benefit
• The community need being addressed
• How Helper Grant funding will be used
• A detailed, itemized list of expenses
• The organization’s overall operating budget
• Opportunities for a broader relationship with the Nashville Predators Foundation, where applicable

Each organization may submit only one application.

Applications for the 2026–2027 cycle open October 1, 2026.

Apply / Learn More

➡️ https://www.nhl.com/predators/community/foundation/helper-grants

Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit

The Nashville Predators Foundation Helper Grants program is particularly attractive for small and midsized nonprofits serving children and families in Middle Tennessee.

Organizations may be especially competitive if they:

• Have an annual operating budget below $2 million
• Serve youth and families directly
• Need funding for a clearly defined project or purchase
• Can provide a detailed and specific grant budget
• Are requesting less than $10,000
• Have not received Helper Grant funding for several consecutive years
• See opportunities to build a broader relationship with the Nashville Predators organization

Unlike grants focused on general operations, this program is best approached with a specific, tangible funding request. Applicants should make it easy for reviewers to understand exactly what the grant will purchase or make possible.

Corporate Grants Guide Notes

Review Type: Annual competitive grant cycle
Applications Open: October 1, 2026
Deadline: January 8, 2027
Funding Range: $500–$10,000
Average Recent Grant: Approximately $4,300
Geographic Focus: Nashville and Middle Tennessee
Best Suited For: Smaller nonprofits and government agencies with specific projects benefiting youth and families
Priority Consideration: Organizations with operating budgets below $2 million