For the 13th year in a row, the Nashville Predators Foundation will distribute grants to Nashville and Middle Tennessee-based community service and charitable organizations. This year’s 117 grants total more than $325,000 – making it the largest allocation in Predators Foundation history. Click here to learn more about Predators Foundation Grants

“Once again this season’s grant distribution marks the biggest one-time donation in Foundation history,” Predators Foundation President Sean Henry said. “In keeping with our Foundation’s mission, the grants will help fund and support numerous youth-oriented programs, initiatives and projects throughout our community. The funds raised for our grant program would not be possible without the support of our fantastic fans, corporate partners and unbelievable player involvement. Their incredible support of our foundation’s events and efforts such as GNASHVEGAS, 13th Annual First Tennessee Dr. Mac Memorial Golf Tournament, Wine Festival & Tasting, and game-night auctions, we have been able to give back to hundreds of charities and organizations that are the backbone of Nashville and Middle Tennessee.”

Since its 1998 inception, the Foundation has awarded close to $3 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 $¬¬¬800,000 back into the community during the 2010-11 season.

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 added exposure, awareness and visibility for the charity. The featured charities for the 2011-12 season will be: Backfield in Motion, Cottage Cove, Hands on Nashville and National Wheelcats Youth Sled Hockey.

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. The grant money will benefit local youth in many ways, such as:

Backfield in Motion
Funding will provide classroom supplies and materials as well as sporting equipment.

Cottage Cove
Funding will provide items for the enhancement and upgrade of their playground and sports program, specifically soccer goals and increased field lighting for our playground/sports field.

Hands on Nashville
Funding will purchase gardening supplies for "Fit 2 Serve," a multi-year, service-learning initiative that engages youth ages 11 to 18 in combating obesity.

National Wheelcats Youth Sled Hockey
Funding will purchase sleds, equipment and ice time.