Empowering Diversity in Hockey: Capital Impact Fund Supports Local Nonprofits
The Washington Capitals and Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation (MSE Foundation) have announced seven nonprofits that will receive funding from the Capital Impact Fund. These organizations, including Black Girl Hockey Club, DC Stars Hockey, Potomac Valley Amateur Hockey Association, Seek 1st Foundation, Tender Bridge (Baltimore Banners), Titans Youth Hockey, and Tucker Road Parent Hockey Organization, will collectively receive $55,000 to support their missions and impact toward diversity in hockey in the Washington, D.C., area. The Capitals selected these nonprofits based on their commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the sport and their plans to utilize the funding for this purpose.
In 2020, the Capitals and MSE Foundation established the Capital Impact Fund to provide grants to organizations that help eliminate cost barriers faced by individuals of color in the hockey community. The fund has also supported the Capitals Rising Stars Academy since 2023, offering individuals the opportunity to participate in the program at no cost. By distributing grants and backing the Rising Stars Academy, the Capital Impact Fund aims to empower minority youth players to achieve their full potential and create a more equitable playing field for all participants.
The Capital Impact Fund grants are intended to offer financial assistance to local nonprofit organizations dedicated to furthering diversity, equity, and inclusion in hockey. These grants focus on providing access to the sport through various means, such as equipment, ice time, school programs, program fees, and game access. The Capitals Rising Stars Academy provides elite skill development and mentorship for local hockey players of color and their families, emphasizing physical and mental strength, as well as engaging in social discussions about the culture of hockey. Since its inception, the Capitals and MSE Foundation have raised nearly $440,000 for the Capital Impact Fund.
The recent beneficiaries of the Capital Impact Fund include Black Girl Hockey Club, which aims to inspire and sustain passion for hockey within Black communities, DC Stars Hockey, the only co-op high school hockey team in Washington, D.C., Potomac Valley Amateur Hockey Association, Seek 1st Foundation, Tender Bridge, Titans Youth Hockey, and Tucker Road Parent Hockey Organization. Each organization will utilize the grant to further their efforts in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in hockey and expanding access to the sport for individuals from diverse backgrounds.
In conclusion, the Capital Impact Fund continues to support nonprofits dedicated to advancing diversity in hockey in the Washington, D.C., area. Through grants and initiatives like the Rising Stars Academy, the fund aims to create a more inclusive and accessible environment for all participants, particularly minority youth players, in the sport of hockey.