Carolina Hurricanes Foundation – Community Grants (2026)
Funding for Children’s Health, Education, and Youth Hockey in North Carolina
The Carolina Hurricanes Foundation provides grant funding to nonprofit organizations serving children across North Carolina, with a focus on health, education, underserved populations, and youth hockey. Grants are awarded annually at multiple levels to support impactful, community-based programs.
Organization: Carolina Hurricanes Foundation
Support Type: Program grants
Geographic Focus: North Carolina
About the Funder
The Carolina Hurricanes Foundation is the charitable arm of the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes. The Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of children in North Carolina by supporting programs that address health and education needs, while also promoting access to youth hockey across the state.
What This Program Supports
The Foundation prioritizes programs that directly benefit children and align with its core focus areas:
- Children’s Health
Programs that improve physical and mental health outcomes for youth - Education
Initiatives that enhance learning, academic success, and youth development - Underserved Communities
Efforts focused on increasing access and opportunity for underserved populations - Youth Hockey Development
Programs that grow participation in hockey and improve accessibility across North Carolina
Grant Programs Available
The Foundation offers multiple grant types:
- Game Changer Grants
Larger awards supporting programs with significant community impact - Grassroots Grants
Funding for local, community-based initiatives - Future Canes Grants
Targeted funding to expand and strengthen youth hockey programs
Organizations may apply for only one grant type per cycle.
Eligible Support Types
- Programmatic funding for youth-serving initiatives
- Community-based health and education programs
- Youth sports (hockey-specific) access and development
Eligibility & Preferences
Applicants must:
- Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in good standing
- Have been operating for at least three years
- Directly serve children in North Carolina
- Align with the Foundation’s mission around youth health, education, or hockey
Applicants must also be able to:
- Participate in site visits
- Provide reporting on use of funds
- Acknowledge the Foundation as a donor
Ineligible Requests
The Foundation does not typically fund:
- Event sponsorships or fundraising events
- General operating expenses or salaries
- Capital campaigns or endowments
- PTA groups, booster clubs, or political organizations
Funding Amounts
- Game Changer & Grassroots Grants: Typically $10,000 – $20,000
- Future Canes Grants: Varies based on program needs
Timeline & Review
📅 Application Opens: March 9, 2026
📅 Application Deadline: April 10, 2026
📅 Awards: Announced following review cycle
Due to high demand, not all qualified applicants will receive funding.
Application / Request Process
Applicants must submit a grant proposal through the Foundation’s online application. Organizations should:
- Clearly demonstrate alignment with funding priorities
- Highlight measurable impact on children
- Show strong program outcomes and community need
Apply / Learn More:
➡️ https://www.nhl.com/hurricanes/community/grants
Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit
This opportunity is a strong fit for organizations that:
- Serve children in North Carolina
- Focus on health, education, or youth sports
- Work with underserved communities
- Are seeking mid-sized program funding
Corporate Grants Guide Notes
Review Type: Annual competitive cycle
Typical Lead Time: 1–2 months
Best Suited For: Established nonprofits serving youth in North Carolina
New to corporate grant fundraising?
Read our Corporate Grants for Nonprofits: Ultimate Guide to learn how corporate funding works.
