The Devils Youth Foundation dropped a historic puck today, announcing a record-shattering $1.5 million in grants and community support allocated to over 38 local organizations for the upcoming 2026–27 season.
This multi-million dollar philanthropic push marks the largest single-season distribution in the foundation’s history. Combined with the simultaneous announcement of their third annual high school scholarship recipients, the organization is poised to directly impact more than 93,000 young people across the state, with a massive concentration of those resources landing right here in the wards of Newark.
“At the Devils Youth Foundation, our mission is rooted in strengthening the communities we serve and expanding access to opportunity for our youth,” said Allison Blitzer, Chair of the Devils Youth Foundation. “Reaching this milestone reflects not only our continued growth, but the power of partnership and shared commitment across New Jersey.”
Fueling Newark’s Grassroots Infrastructure
What makes the 2026-27 grant class distinctly powerful for Brick City residents is the comprehensive roster of Newark-centric non-profits receiving direct funding. Rather than scattering resources broadly, the Foundation has locked into multi-year partnerships with entities tackling the core issues affecting Newark’s neighborhoods: food security, environmental justice, youth sports, and the arts.
Among the prominent Newark organizations receiving a major financial boost this season are:
- The Arts & Culture Sector: Arts Ed Newark, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), Record High, and the Save the Music Foundation.
- Food & Environmental Justice: Al Munir Farms, the Greater Newark Conservancy, and the Urban Agriculture Cooperative.
- Youth Mentorship & Development: The Boys & Girls Club of Newark, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson & Union Counties, and New City Kids.
- Social Services & Safety: La Casa de Don Pedro, the Newark Community Street Team (NCST), United Community Corporation (UCC), and the YMCA of Newark and Vicinity.
By backing pillars like the Newark Public Library and Newark Beth Israel Medical Center alongside grassroots farm cooperatives, the investment creates a holistic safety net for local kids. The funding aims to ensure that Newark youth have safe places to play, fresh food to eat, and cutting-edge educational resources after the school bell rings.
Stanley Cup Legends Backing the Next Generation
In tandem with the corporate grants, the foundation also highlighted the triumphs of its Third Annual Devils Youth Foundation Scholarship Program, run in tight collaboration with New Jersey Devils Alumni.
During an intimate ceremony held on May 8, ten standout New Jersey high school seniors were each awarded a $5,000 academic scholarship to fuel their upcoming college journeys. What made the milestone unforgettable for the students was the advisory committee responsible for reviewing applications and selecting the winners—a literal “Who’s Who” of hockey royalty.
Three-time Stanley Cup Champion Martin Brodeur, alongside Devils icons Ken Daneyko, Bruce Driver, Andy Greene, Bryce Salvador, and Travis Zajac, personally reviewed the submissions and celebrated the young leaders.
Among the elite ten recipients was Newark’s very own Ana M., representing the city’s fierce work ethic and community commitment on the state stage.
“It is incredibly inspiring to recognize this group of students who are already making a meaningful impact in their communities,” said Brodeur, who now serves as the Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations. “Through our partnership with the Devils Youth Foundation, we are proud to invest in young leaders who are committed to service, growth, and creating positive change.”
Powered by the Community, For the Community
The financial engine driving these life-changing student scholarships is inherently local. Funding for the scholarship program has been entirely generated over the last three years by the annual Martin Brodeur “MB30” Golf Invitational, proving that regional corporate philanthropy can translate directly into localized academic equity.
As the 2026-27 athletic season approaches, the Prudential Center will host more than just world-class hockey games; it will stand as the epicenter of a philanthropic network dedicated to pulling Newark’s youth forward.
For parents, educators, and students looking ahead, information regarding eligibility requirements and application windows for next year’s scholarship cycle has already been made available on the foundation’s portal at devilsyouthfoundation.org/scholarship.
