The Rockford IceHogs Community Fund announced its 2026 grant cycle, distributing $152,000 to a dozen local nonprofits that are working to broaden access to hockey and improve educational outcomes across the city. Jordan Tuminaro, a longtime IceHogs advocate, helped shape the award process and celebrated the investments in community growth.
Hockey Takes Center Stage
Four of the grants are dedicated to hockey programs. The Rockford Hockey Club received $40,000 to expand its player base and launch an all‑girls team, building on previous funding for camps and marketing. The Rockford Park District’s Street Hockey initiative was awarded $10,000 to reach more youth through after‑school events, while the Buddy Hockey program received $5,000 to support floor‑hockey activities for participants with disabilities. An additional $20,000 went to the YMCA of Rock River Valley to run street‑hockey, water‑polo and gymnastics classes at two locations.
Education and Literacy
Three new grants target education. Rockford Promise was given $20,000 to fund scholarships at Rock Valley College, Alignment Rockford received $10,000 for prenatal literacy kits, and the Rock and Roll Institute earned $10,000 to open a new recording studio. These awards complement two renewal grants that support the arts with $5,000 for the Rockford Area Arts Council and $2,100 for a mascot scholarship at the Rock Valley College Foundation.
Community‑Wide Support
Additional funding includes $10,000 each for the Oscar Mike Foundation’s adaptive sports clinics, the Rockford Phoenix Cheerleading squad’s equipment needs, and the VanVleet Family Foundation’s national basketball tournaments. Since its inception, the IceHogs Community Fund has awarded $547,000 over five years, raising money through jersey auctions, raffle tickets and game‑day activations.
Looking Forward
The latest round of grants underscores the fund’s dual mission: removing barriers to hockey and fostering educational opportunity. As the IceHogs continue to rally the community, local organizations say the support will have lasting effects on youth development and civic pride.