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Gear Up Minnesota - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the grant?

Although some may think the grant is about saving associations money, the real purpose of Gear Up Minnesota! is to facilitate growth initiatives throughout Minnesota. The intent is to help associations attract new players by making hockey more accessible by eliminating the initial cost of equipment.

How much money do grant winners receive?

Grants will be delivered in the form of DICK'S Sporting Goods gift cards. Associations may utilize the gift cards in any DICK'S Sporting Goods location, as well as online, to purchase the equipment they need to grow the game in their community.

DICK's Sporting Goods also offers discount shopping weekends to Minnesota Hockey members which can be utilized to maximize the impact of the Gear Up Minnesota grants. 

Do I need to be a professional grant writer to win a grant?

No. There have been over 130 different associations selected to receive grants since 2010. The applications have been submitted by presidents, board members, equipment managers, registrars and recruiting coordinators. In other words, they are volunteers just like you, and most don’t have any formal experience writing grant applications.

Everything I do is as a volunteer. Is applying for this grant really worth my time?

Gear Up Minnesota! doesn’t require a 60 page grant application. In fact, many grants selected in the past have been around 400-600 words. Think of it as a proposal. Use clear and concise language to convince us why your association should receive a grant and what you will do with it. Keep in mind, past grant winners have been awarded thousands of dollars worth of equipment, and the only cost was the time put into the application.

Where can I find the paperwork?

Applications are available online, eliminating the cost and hassle of paperwork.

When do grant winners receive the equipment?

Gear Up Minnesota! applications are reviewed during the spring of each year. Recipients will be notified during the summer and can expect to receive their gift cards in the late summer or early fall. 

Is there anything we need to do after receiving the gift cards?

Minnesota Hockey recommends tracking which families receive the gift cards or equipment (if your association purchases it from DICK'S before distributing) so the equipment can be returned at the end of the season and is available for future families to use.