The Sharks Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the lives of youth and families in our community with an emphasis in the areas of Education, Health and Safety, and Character Development. The Sharks Foundation supplies emergency aid when appropriate, executes unique and relevant programming, supports the advancement of youth hockey and provides financial support and resources to organizations that enrich the lives of those in need.

BACKGROUND

The San Jose Sharks are as deeply involved with the neighborhood we live in as we are with the game that we play. As role models, we feel responsible to give back to the community that so strongly supports us.

To this end, the Sharks Foundation was created in 1994 in an effort to increase our organizational impact on Santa Clara County. With the help of Sharks players, coaches and staff, the Sharks Foundation invests in the community with the hope of enhancing the lives of our youth. It quickly evolved and expanded beyond its original charter and has since donated over $5.2 million to more than 109 local beneficiaries. During the 2010-11 season, the Sharks Foundation donated nearly $400,000 to non-profit organizations supporting youth. Of this amount, $272,121 was donated through our annual grant process and an additional $100,000+ was distributed through our collection drives and special fundraisers.In addition to the original grant program, the Sharks Foundation manages educational programs, hosts major fundraisers, executes pledge programs and implements community outreach events.