The Sharks Foundation is dedicated to meeting the educational, social and cultural needs of our community. It offers unique resources and financial support to those organizations that enhance the lives of local youth. Although the San Jose Sharks and the Sharks Foundation support a variety of community programs on various levels, we feel that the key to the long-term well-being of our community is our youth.

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 $3.6 million to more than 85 local beneficiaries. During the 2007-08 season, its contribution to local youth programs and organizations totaled $273,402 through monetary grants. In addition to the original grant program, the Sharks Foundation manages educational programs, hosts major fundraisers, executes pledge programs and implements community outreach events.