Minnesota — Wild/Xcel Energy 2026–27 Community Power Play Period 2 New Player Access Grant ($10,000; December 31)

Minnesota Wild and Xcel Energy — 2026–27 Community Power Play Period 2

The Minnesota Wild and Xcel Energy jointly offer the Community Power Play Grant Program for Minnesota-based nonprofit hockey organizations. The current NHL-season program offers three distinct one-time grants of $10,000 each, one per funding period. This record covers Period 2, specifically supporting programs that introduce new and diverse participants to hockey, focusing on first-time skaters and players and widening community access to the sport. It is a competitive charitable grant to applicants, not a vendor contract.

Applicant award, timing and funding track

Applicant eligibility and project scope

Applicants must be Minnesota-based nonprofit organizations drawn from the funder’s listed groups: youth or amateur hockey associations, high school hockey programs, and organizations associated with municipally owned hockey rinks/facilities. The published instructions require nonprofit organization status; operating a municipal rink by itself is not proof that a governmental entity can apply directly, and the eligible nonprofit applicant should confirm its legal status with the portal. The funder’s stated Period 2 emphasis is Programming to introduce first-time skaters and new/diverse groups to hockey through accessible community programs. Projects must benefit people in Minnesota and align with community hockey growth, participation and access.

Restrictions, matching and review

Grant money cannot pay for individual benefits such as salaries, fundraising events or sponsorships, projects outside Minnesota, requests from religious or political organizations, or projects submitted on behalf of another organization. No universal applicant matching percentage or reimbursement-only term is published in the official program summary. Applications will be evaluated on fit with program goals, number of beneficiaries, impact on hockey participation or facilities, and whether the project would be undertaken without the grant.

How to apply

Prepare the nonprofit organization eligibility and first-time participant recruitment plan. The official Period 2 application window is December 1–31, 2026; verify the live portal window and submit before December 31, 2026. Include itemized expenses, participants served and measurable growth of new-player access. Use the official Minnesota Wild Community Power Play grant guidelines and embedded application. The program’s subsequent Overtime fan voting period is separately scheduled for March 8–21, 2027 and does not establish an additional direct applicant open call. Verify portal-specific attachments and final submission confirmation before the listed deadline.

Controlling sources and research date

The official Minnesota Wild/Xcel Energy program page, funding windows, eligibility and exclusions were reviewed October 27, 2026. The program’s $30,000 initial three-period budget is not an award available to a single applicant. The separate possible $20,000 overtime award is contingent on selection and voting.