The Devils Youth Foundation announced Tuesday that it will distribute a record-breaking $1.5 million in grants and community support to more than 38 local organizations for the upcoming 2026–27 season. In tandem with the funding expansion, the organization named 10 New Jersey high school student leaders as recipients of the third annual Devils Youth Foundation Scholarship Program, executed in partnership with the New Jersey Devils Alumni.
The strategic funding allocation targets critical community development sectors, including youth sports, food security, physical and mental wellness, education, and the arts. Through a combination of new and multi-year returning partnerships, the foundation projects its 2026–27 grant distribution will directly impact more than 93,000 young people across the state.
“At the Devils Youth Foundation, our mission is rooted in strengthening the communities we serve and expanding access to opportunity for our youth,” Allison Blitzer, chair of the Devils Youth Foundation said. “Reaching this milestone reflects not only our continued growth, but the power of partnership and shared commitment across New Jersey. By investing in programs that support physical and mental wellness, food security, education, and the arts, we are helping to build healthier, more connected communities where New Jersey’s youth can truly thrive.”
The upcoming grant class comprises a diverse collective of nonprofit organizations, educational initiatives, and community health networks. The 38 designated recipients include:
- Al Munir Farms
- Arts Ed Newark
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson & Union Counties
- Boys & Girls Club of Newark
- Centers for Healing and Justice through Sport
- Challenged Athletes Foundation
- Coalition for Food and Health Equity
- Community Foodbank of New Jersey
- Educational Arts Team
- FOCUS 411
- Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey, Inc.
- Greater Newark Conservancy
- GreenLight Newark
- Hockey in New Jersey
- La Casa de Don Pedro
- MEND
- New City Kids
- New Jersey Performing Arts Center
- Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
- Newark Community Street Team
- Newark Day Center
- Newark Emergency Services
- Newark Public Library
- Oasis – A Haven for Women and Children
- Positive Coaching Alliance
- Record High
- Save the Music Foundation
- Special Olympics of New Jersey
- St. James Social Services Corporation
- Team Wilderness
- Trust for Public Land
- United Community Corporation
- United Parks As One
- Urban Agriculture Cooperative
- We Are All Music
- YMCA of Newark and Vicinity
In addition to institutional organizational grants, the foundation finalized its individual student awards for the 2026–27 academic year. Ten high school students from across New Jersey were each awarded a $5,000 academic scholarship during an official ceremony held on May 8.
The evaluation and final selection process were steered by an advisory committee composed of prominent New Jersey Devils Alumni, including three-time Stanley Cup Champion Martin Brodeur, Ken Daneyko, Bruce Driver, Andy Greene, Bryce Salvador and Travis Zajac.
The 2026–27 scholarship recipients include:
- Kyla D. (Carteret)
- Nolan G. (Florham Park)
- Shawn G. (Middletown)
- Patrick H. (Scotch Plains)
- Ryan M. (Cedar Grove)
- Ana M. (Newark)
- Sofia M. (Parlin)
- Hadyn M. (Summit)
- Kaitlyn R. (Bayonne)
- Sydney S. (Holmdel)
The program is entirely sustained by capital raised through the annual Martin Brodeur “MB30” Golf Invitational, which has funneled 100% of its event proceeds into the scholarship fund over the last three years.
“It is incredibly inspiring to recognize this group of students who are already making a meaningful impact in their communities,” Brodeur, who currently serves as executive vice president of Hockey Operations, said. “Through our partnership with the Devils Youth Foundation, we are proud to invest in young leaders who are committed to service, growth, and creating positive change. These scholarships are not only a recognition of their achievements, but a reflection of our belief in their potential to shape stronger communities across New Jersey for years to come.”
