Grant Application

Application Deadline: March 1

Who We Are
The late Mr. John H. McConnell, team founder and one of Central Ohio’s leading philanthropists, recognized the commitment and dedication NHL players historically have shown both on and off the ice. In March, 2000, he created the Foundation not only to provide monetary grants, but to also provide non profit organizations access to the team’s unique resources and brand identity to elevate awareness in support of their missions. The Blue Jackets Foundation acts as an advocate to support timely community programs and initiatives.

What We Do
Mission: The Foundation is dedicated to utilizing the unique resources of its professional athletes and coaches to improve the quality of life throughout the community. The Foundation dedicates time, resources, and financial support to organizations committed to meeting the educational, cultural, health and wellness needs of its citizens.

A primary focus is placed on its four pillars of giving including:
• Pediatric Cancer
• Education
• Children’s Health & Safety
• Youth & Amateur Hockey Development

Since its inception in March 2000, the Foundation has awarded $3 million in monetary grants and donated more than $50,000 in autographed merchandise to local non-profit organizations in support of their fundraising efforts. In April 2008, the Foundation in partnership with the Blue Jackets players, established the John H. McConnell Fund, in honor of the team’s founder who passed away on April 25, 2008. One $10,000 scholarship is awarded annually to one local high school senior who personifies the very character, leadership and hard work of the late John H. McConnell.

Grants
Last year, more than $411,000 was donated back to the Central Ohio community by the Blue Jackets Foundation through a variety of programs. The Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation monetary grants are evaluated annually and awarded at the end of each Blue Jackets hockey season. Any non-profit organization may apply for a grant, however the Board of Directors will give priority to those organizations serving the Central Ohio community focused on pediatric cancer, education, the health and safety of today’s youth, and the development of youth and amateur hockey.

The Foundation’s allocation of funds is 75% to organizations focused on pediatric cancer, education, and children’s health & safety and 25% to support the development of youth & amateur hockey. Investing in the future of the sport and breaking the barriers of entry are two integral focuses the Foundation has maintained since its inception.

The basic criteria for the grants are as follows:

• Foundation grants range in value at the discretion of the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation Board of Directors
• The Blue Jackets Foundation Board of Directors meets yearly (in March) to review grant applications for funding and distributes all grants at the end of the Blue Jackets season
• Any organization applying for a grant must be a 501 (c)(3) serving the Central Ohio and/or Ohio area
• Non-profit organizations requesting funding for a specific project are more likely to be awarded funding
• Non-profit organizations requesting funding for a project that is not a duplication of service OR has considered pooling resources with another organization so as to collaborated efforts are more likely to be awarded funding
• The organization may submit no more than one request for funding per project
• The application must be submitted online by March 1 (faxed, hard copy or e-mailed applications will not be accepted)
• Due to excess volume, all grant applicants will be notified by letter of their status. No calls please
• Applicants must re-apply annually as grant applications are not automatically renewed

The Foundation is not able to consider the following grant requests for approval:

• Individual/personal support or requests made by individuals
• One time events/Fundraising events/Event sponroship (e.g. golf outings, school events) 
• Political events and campaigns
• Religiously affiliated events, campaigns, or organizations
• Ethnic organizations
• Labor groups
• Staffing
• Endowments and capital campaigns
• Any request seeking financial support for the purpose of debt retirement
• Programs outside the geographic markets we serve
• Organizations that discriminate on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, age or religion
• Funding in support of hockey tournaments

The Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation monetary grants are awarded annually at the end of each Blue Jackets hockey season. Any non-profit organization may apply for a grant, however, the Board of Directors will give those organizations with a focus of pediatric cancer, education, the health and safety of today’s youth and the development of youth and amateur hockey priority.

Grant Applications Deadline: March 1

VIEW the online 2011 Blue Jackets Foundation Grant Application

View the Blue Jackets Foundation Grant Summary Report