NHLPA.com | Giving Back | Goals & Dreams

Launched in 1999 the NHLPA Goals & Dreams fund continues its commitment to aiding in the development of grassroots hockey programs around the world.

Through the donation of equipment, Goals & Dreams affords children the opportunity to play hockey-- a sport that educates players in teamwork, commitment, discipline and physical fitness.

The Goals & Dreams fund is intended to provide equipment grants for grassroots hockey programs, not as a substitute for existing funding or fundraising activities

Since inception, Goals & Dreams has donated more than 13,000 full sets of equipment to underprivileged children in 22 countries. Due to the players’ donations more than 50,000 children have been given opportunity to participate in the sport of hockey around the world. In the first five years of the program, the Goals & Dreams fund provided funding to arenas. During this time, 75 ice re-surfacers and more than 110 sets of boards and glass were provided to community arenas in small towns in Europe and North America. The donated funds are allocated on a pro-rated basis according to the nationalities of the NHLPA’s membership.

To date, the program has donated more than $17-million to grassroots hockey programs around the world, making it the largest program of its kind!

The NHLPA Goals & Dreams fund is now accepting new applications for the 2009-2010 giving cycle.

Please complete the following steps, in order to for your organization to be considered for an equipment grant:

Submit a typed two-page letter that includes the history, objectives, budget &information regarding community support, associated with your program.
Also include contact information, consisting of mailing address, phone number and email address.
Send your two-page letter to:

Attention: Goals & Dreams
National Hockey League Players’ Association
20 Bay Street, Suite 1700
Toronto, ON
M5J 2N8

NHLPA Goals & Dreams gives prompt consideration to all proposal letters. However, the initial review process often takes four to six weeks to complete. All applicants will be notified of the status of their request.

NHLPA Goals & Dreams approval process:

Initial letter submission by applicant.
Letter reviewed by Goals & Dreams staff.
Official application sent to programs that merit consideration.
Goals & Dreams staff reviews application, and may follow-up for additional information about applicant program.
Goals & Dreams Advisory Board recommends approval, revision, deferral, or rejection.