Sharks Alumni Foundation offers both individual and team sports participation grants for children residing and playing in the Bay Area. Some of the grants we provide include ice hockey, baseball, softball, basketball, football, roller hockey, martial arts, dance, lacrosse, boxing, track & field, cheerleading, volleyball and many more.

Please note:

  • The Alumni awards grants based primarily upon economic need. Applicants are presumed to have economic need if their income is at or below $146,100 with a household of four people. Income for this purpose will be the “Total Income”, Line 9, as shown on the first page of the applicant’s latest signed-filed tax return. Request a grant application for more information. The Sharks Alumni Foundation uses the U.S. department of Housing and Development Area Median Income (AMI) as a benchmark for evaluating grant needs. Each County in California has a chart issued periodically. For 2025, the Sharks Alumni Foundation uses Santa Clara County “2024 low Income for a household of 4 people” as a guideline. This amount for 2025 will be $146,100. We request page 1 of your prior year federal income tax return to review income and family size.
  • All applications must be completed, signed, and submitted by the parent or legal guardian of the child requesting a grant, or the Coach of a team for team requests.
  • Please complete one application per child if there is more than one child in a family requesting a grant. A 500 character description of each case of need is required for each child. Additional information may be requested.
  • Uniforms and team participation dues/fees will be considered.
  • We do not collect information or make any grant determination on basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, or any other characteristic.
  • Applications will be considered for children school ages K-12 and must be enrolled during the grant cycle in which they are applying.
  • Grants are for individuals only, no team or organization grants
  • The organization and/or coaches of the applicant will be contacted during the review process.
  • Grant award checks will be made payable to the organization listed on your application if approved.
  • You will receive an email confirmation of your successful application submission. Parents will be notified by phone and email if/when an award is granted. You will receive an email if we are not able to fulfill your grant request.
  • Sharks Alumni Foundation reserves the right to close the grant application cycle early should an unusually high volume of requests come through.
  • I understand that if this grant application is approved, I will have 30 days to accept the grant.

We do not cover:

  • Any travel expenses related to team travel including tickets, lodging, transportation, food or gas
  • Parents salary/reimbursement for missed work
  • Team banquets or parties
  • Equipment requests

To ensure a fair and timely review process, all grant applications must be complete and include all required supporting documentation at the time of submission.

Application Requirements:

  • Incomplete applications, unsigned applications, or applications missing required documentation will not be processed or considered for funding.
  • It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure all requested information is submitted before the application deadline.
  • The Sharks Alumni Foundation may request additional information or documentation during the review process if needed.
  • Submission of a completed application does not guarantee that a grant will be awarded.
  • Applications are reviewed based on eligibility, demonstrated financial need, available funding, and the Foundation’s grant guidelines.
CLICK TO BEGIN YOUR APPLICATION

The Sharks Alumni Foundation reserves the right to deny any application that does not meet the eligibility requirements or submission guidelines.