Nashville, Tenn. (April 8, 2009) – The Nashville Predators Foundation distributed 109 grants totaling $260,000 to Nashville and Middle Tennessee-based community service and charitable organizations during an April 8 ceremony at Sommet Center.

This announcement marks the 11th grant distribution by the Predators Foundation. Since its 1998 inception, the Foundation has awarded more than $2 million in financial grants to Nashville and Middle Tennessee community service and charitable organizations. Between the grants and other charitable donations, such as player ticket programs and fund-raising efforts, the Foundation put more than $­­­600,000 back into the community during the 2008-09 season.

“The Predators Foundation has always been committed to providing help to those in need,” Predators Foundation President Gerry Helper said. “But this year, it was even more imperative to give as much as possible, with charity organizations dealing with the economic challenges as much as any organization. We’d especially like to thank our fans and partners for continuing to support our fund-raising efforts such as the Gala Ball, Golf Tournament, Wine Festival and Tasting and game-night silent auction; their support has allowed us to continue to give back to the charities and organizations that are the backbone of Nashville.”

Each year, the Predators choose four organizations to serve as featured charities for the season. In addition to financial grants, the Predators Foundation also provides these featured charities with organizational visits by players and Preds personalities as well as added exposure, awareness and visibility for the charity. The featured charities for the 2009-2010 season are: Against the Grain, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee, the Martha O’Bryan Center and Ronald McDonald House.

Upon reviewing hundreds of grant applications, and in keeping consistent with the Foundation’s mission, the grant committee selected programs that will primarily benefit children. Of 104 total charities, 64 were Nashville-based and 40 were first-time recipients of Predators Foundation grants. The grant money will benefit local youth in many ways, such as:


Established in September 1998, the Predators Foundation strives to meet the educational, social, health and cultural needs of the community by offering unique resources and financial support to local youth-oriented organizations. All 501(c)3 organizations in Middle Tennessee are eligible to receive grants, which are distributed once a year. Annual grant applications were received by mid-February for consideration.

Click here for a complete list of organizations that received the 2009 grants from the Predators Foundation.