Blue Jackets Foundation announces another $1 million invested into the community

The Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation announced tonight that it has awarded more than $1 million in grants to central Ohio nonprofit and youth hockey organizations for the 2026–27 season. To celebrate the grantees, the Foundation hosted a special reception, presented by Jet’s Pizza, prior to the Blue Jackets hosting the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The grant partners and projects funded this season showcase the Foundation’s continued commitment to improving the health and wellness of children and families through programs that expand access to education, promote active lifestyles, advance pediatric cancer care and grow the game of hockey for all.

Through the generosity of fans, corporate partners and players, the Blue Jackets Foundation has become one of central Ohio’s leading community champions through funding projects that remove barriers, promote inclusion and empower young people to thrive both on and off the ice. Since its inception in 2000, the Foundation has contributed more than $18.5 million to nonprofit organizations and youth programs across the region.

“Every grant awarded represents an opportunity to create meaningful experiences and greater access for children and families across central Ohio,” said Tara Battiato, executive director of the Blue Jackets Foundation and senior director of community development of the Columbus Blue Jackets. “Whether it’s building a playground where kids can be active and healthy, empowering academic support through literacy programs or growing the sport we love, these organizations are truly having a positive impact on our communities.”

Funding has been granted to organizations across the Foundation’s four key pillars: health and safety, pediatric cancer, education and the growth and development of youth hockey.

HIGHLIGHTED COMMUNITY INVESTMENTS

This season’s investments include several major community projects that will create lasting impact across the region.

Among the Foundation’s largest grants this season is a $250,000 investment to the City of Reynoldsburg Parks and Recreation Department. Funded through the Foundation’s Growth and Development of Youth Hockey pillar, the grant will help develop an outdoor street hockey rink that will also serve as a multi-sport court, creating a new space for the community to get out and get active. With the project under development, the Foundation expects to have the rink completed in August 2027.

Through its Health and Safety pillar, the Foundation also awarded $150,000 to the YMCA of Central Ohio to support the construction of a new playground at the Cherry Creek YMCA. The project will provide a safe and engaging environment for children and families in the community. Construction of the new playground will begin this Friday.  

Continuing its support of Nationwide Children’s Hospital and pediatric cancer initiatives, the Foundation has provided a $100,000 grant to renovate the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation Family Resource Center. The project will create an enhanced, welcoming space that serves thousands of children and caregivers navigating treatments and care each year.

HEALTH & SAFETY

Beyond the new playground at the Cherry Creek YMCA, additional projects in the health and safety pillar received more than $95,000 in grant funding combined, including:

• Girls on the Run Central Ohio – providing access to programming, shoes, curriculum materials and coach resources that help girls build confidence through physical activity.

• Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio – supporting programs and facility improvements that provide comfort and care for families with hospitalized children.  

• Habitat for Humanity-MidOHio – supporting the PlayHouse Project which builds playhouses for children ages one to 10.

• The Greater Columbus Sports Foundation – giving children access to experience a variety of sports and skills including confidence, teamwork, and self-esteem.

PEDIATRIC CANCER

This season, nearly $160,000 was granted to organizations providing care, comfort, and community to children and families affected by cancer. With $100,000 provided to the Nationwide Children’s Hospital, the remaining funding was provided to the following recipients:

• A Kid Again – funding adventures, kindness kits and welcome programs that provide hope and joy to families raising children with life-threatening conditions.

• Flying Horse Farms – helping provide medically safe camp experiences that allow children with serious illnesses to enjoy the experiences of childhood.

EDUCATION

Under the education pillar, the Foundation awarded $200,000 in grant funding to support the following projects:

• Ruling Our eXperiences (ROX) – supporting the development and dissemination of The Girls’ Index and Sports Report, helping advance understanding of the experiences and needs of girls in sports.

• Columbus Metropolitan Library Foundation – supporting HelpNow, an online academic support resource serving K-12 students throughout central Ohio.

• Junior Achievement of Central Ohio – continuing support of the CBJ shop at JA BizTown, providing students with hands-on learning opportunities that connect classroom lessons to real-world experiences.

Additional education partners include Franklinton Cycle Works, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Ohio, LSS CHOICES for Victims of Domestic Violence and YWCA Columbus.

YOUTH HOCKEY

More than $170,000 was awarded to 12 organizations supporting youth, girls’, sled, and adaptive hockey programs in addition to the $250,000 investment provided to the City of Reynoldsburg. Highlighted grants include:

• Ohio Blue Jackets – providing player scholarships to help make hockey more accessible for families throughout central Ohio.

• Ohio Sled Hockey – supporting adaptive hockey opportunities, equipment purchases and participation in competitive events.

Additional youth hockey partners include 614 Ice Refs, Athens Youth Hockey Association, Capital Amateur Hockey Association, Central Ohio Girls Hockey, Columbus Cannons Hockey Association, Columbus Chill Youth Hockey Association, Columbus Chill Youth Hockey Association Special Hockey, Columbus Recreation and Parks Foundation, Newark Ice Hockey Association, Simon Kenton Council Scouting America and the YMCA of Central Ohio.

Beyond its annual grant funding, the Blue Jackets Foundation will continue to invest in the community throughout the season through in-kind donations and proceeds from the 50/50 Raffle, presented by Kemba Financial Credit Union. These year-round contributions further the Foundation’s mission to support the health, wellness, and development of children and families across central Ohio.

About the Blue Jackets Foundation

As the charitable arm of the National Hockey League club, the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation leverages the team’s players, coaches, staff and fans to partner with and invest in local charities supporting the health and wellness of children in central Ohio. Since its founding in 2000, the Foundation has contributed more than $18.5 million to local nonprofits through grants and community programs focused on pediatric cancer, education, health and safety and youth hockey. For more information, visit BlueJackets.com/foundation.