Tampa Bay Lightning Grants $400K to Local Nonprofits

The Tampa Bay Lightning just handed out $400,000 in grants to local nonprofits, and the winners came from some unexpected places.

Throughout March, the hockey team honored eight community members who quietly make their neighborhoods better every day. Each hero got to direct a $50,000 grant from the Lightning Foundation to charities they care about most.

Lucy Puentes-Stewart championed Enterprising Latinas, while Noelle Polk Clark supported CASA Pinellas, an organization helping children in foster care. Joe Mangione chose After-School All-Stars, giving kids safe places to learn and play after the final bell rings.

Molly Auld split her grant between Project Prosper and St. Pete Free Clinic, both serving families facing financial hardship. Mary Lifland directed her funds to CAN Community Health, and Gil Singer spread his donation across three youth-focused organizations: Love IV Lawrence, A Kid's Place, and Crossroads for Florida Kids.

Fran Davin recognized MacDonald Training Center's work with people who have disabilities, while Lee Schielka supported Bay Chapel Food Pantry in feeding hungry neighbors.

The Ripple Effect

This March milestone pushed the program past an impressive benchmark. Since the Vinik Family launched the Community Hero Program in 2011 with a $10 million commitment, the Lightning Foundation has now granted $35.97 million to 730 different nonprofits across Greater Tampa Bay.

The program got a boost in 2021 when the Vinik Family pledged another $10 million through the 2025-26 season. When Doug Ostrover and Marc Lipschultz joined the Lightning ownership group in October 2024, their families teamed up with the Viniks to keep the momentum going.

The beauty of this program is its spotlight on everyday heroes. These aren't celebrities or wealthy philanthropists. They're neighbors, volunteers, and advocates who show up consistently for their communities, often without recognition.

By honoring 670 community heroes so far, the Lightning has created a powerful model: celebrate the helpers, fund the helpers, and watch positive change multiply across an entire region.