The Minnesota Wild Foundation announced today that nine Minnesota based charity organizations, including four affiliates of Minnesota Hockey, have been awarded one-time grants through the Wild Idea Grant Program. Sled hockey and Warrior programs in Minnesota will receive $75,000 of the $180,000 donated to local non-profit programs based on their ability to support the game of hockey and improve the lives of hockey families in the State of Hockey.

"The Minnesota Wild Foundation is thrilled to be able to grant these funds today to nine very deserving local charities through the Wild Idea Grant program," said Pamela Wheelock, board chair of the Minnesota Wild Foundation. "Each of these organizations is working to help children and families in our community and grow the game of hockey, which aligns with the mission and purpose of the Wild Foundation. It's a privilege to be able to share their stories and their good work."

The Wild Idea Grant Program was announced last fall by the Wild Foundation and over 30 organizations submitted applications. Below is a recap of the four Minnesota Hockey recipients as announced in the Wild Foundation’s official release:

Hope Inc. - The mission of Hope Inc. is to provide family-friendly sporting and recreational opportunities critical to the health and development of children and adults with mobility challenges. Hope Inc. receives a grant for $30,000 to support their sled hockey program.  Grant funds will be used to purchase new sleds, helmets, sticks and gear to meet the growing demands of their sled program. For more information about Hope Inc. visit www.hopeinc.org.

Minnesota Warriors Ice Hockey - The mission of Minnesota Warriors Ice Hockey is to organize and administer an ice hockey program in Minnesota that provides a recreational, therapeutic experience for United States military personnel wounded, injured or disabled in defense of the United States. The Minnesota Warriors receives a grant for $30,000 to be used to expand their program into three Minnesota communities: St. Cloud, Duluth and Fergus Falls, by providing the necessary equipment to outfit teams in these areas. For more information about Minnesota Warriors Ice Hockey visit www.mnwarriors.com.

Minnesota Sled Hockey Association - The mission of the Minnesota Sled Hockey Association is to provide opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in hockey and promotes the development of excellence in hockey in Minnesota. The Minnesota Sled Hockey program is open to players age 5 and above with physical and/or cognitive disabilities. The Minnesota Sled Hockey Association receives a grant for $10,000 to purchase new sleds, sticks and gear to meet the needs of their growing teams. For more information about the Minnesota Sled Hockey Association visit www.mnsledhockey.org.

Rochester Sled Hockey of the Minnesota Sled Hockey Association - The mission of Rochester Sled Hockey is to provide opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in hockey and promote the continued development of excellence in hockey in Minnesota.  The Rochester Sled Hockey program promotes total wellness of disabled athletes including physical health, mental health and quality of life. The program is open to players age 5 and above with physical disabilities throughout southeast Minnesota, southwest Wisconsin and northern Iowa. The Rochester Sled Hockey program receives a grant for $5,000 to support their "Grow the Game" initiative by providing the equipment they need to host awareness events, clinics and free skates across southern Minnesota. For more information about Rochester Sled Hockey visit www.rochestersledhockey.org.

Other recipients of the 2015-16 Wild Idea Grants include Crescent Cove, Pinky Swear Foundation, Wishes & More, United Heroes League (formerly Defending The Blue Line) and Herb Brooks Foundation.

The Wild Foundation also announced they will be accepting applications for the 2016-17 Wild Idea Grant Program starting September 1st. For more details on the application process, visit wild.com/grants.