What Devils Youth Foundation does

Devils Youth Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded on January 6, 2021 and headquartered at 25 Lafayette St, Newark, NJ. It was established by the New Jersey Devils and its parent company, Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE), to unify the team's prior charitable fundraising, signature events, and grassroots campaigns under a single vehicle. The foundation is governed by an HBSE-aligned board (chaired by Managing Partner Allison Blitzer) and operates with a small staff of 1-10 led by Executive Director Kate Whitman Annis. Its mission is supporting youth across New Jersey through four pillars: active living, safe spaces, food security, and arts education.

The foundation's core offerings are programs and grants rather than products. Its program portfolio includes the Devils Youth Foundation Scholarship Program (10 annual $5,000 scholarships for NJ high school seniors in partnership with NJ Devils Alumni such as Martin Brodeur and Andy Greene), the Youth Ambassadors Program for high school students, signature events (most notably the Devils Sweep the Deck Gala, which raised a record $2 million in 2025), and a Community Grants Program that distributed a record $1.3 million to 35 local organizations for the 2025-26 season. Cumulative grantmaking has exceeded $4 million since inception, supporting more than 12,000 youth annually in the Greater Newark Area through nonprofit partners addressing food insecurity, hockey access, mentoring, adaptive sports, and music education.

The foundation's business model is donation-based 501(c)(3) philanthropy. Revenue is raised through individual and corporate tax-deductible donations, signature galas, online and in-arena auctions (autographed memorabilia, player experiences), home game 50/50 raffles at Prudential Center, and branded merchandise. Distribution of funds is via grants to ~35 local nonprofits, scholarships to high school seniors, direct programming (Youth Ambassadors), and in-kind experiences through Devils players and alumni. Its go-to-market is event-driven and platform-anchored, leveraging the NJ Devils brand, Prudential Center venue traffic, and athlete participation as its primary donor-engagement and beneficiary-reach channels. There is no proprietary technology component; the foundation does not sell products or services.

Name

Devils Youth Foundation

Legal name

Devils Youth Foundation, Inc.

Website

https://devilsyouthfoundation.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2021

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Devils Youth Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2021 by the New Jersey Devils and HBSE that raises funds through galas, auctions, and raffles to deliver grants, scholarships, and youth programs across New Jersey in food security, arts, sports, and mentoring.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth Philanthropy and Nonprofit Foundation Services

NAICS

Child and Youth Services (62411), Grantmaking Foundations (813211), Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Youth Mentoring & Positive Youth Development Nonprofits (BPAGADAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Arts, Sports & Recreation-Based Youth Development Nonprofits (BPAGADAJ), Community Foundations (BPAGAKAB), Scholarship & Fellowship Foundations and Trusts (EDADAHAC), Youth Justice, At-Risk Youth & Violence Prevention Nonprofits (BPAGADAM)

Keywords

• Youth philanthropy
• Community grants
• Scholarship programs
• Fundraising events
• Nonprofit foundation

Headquarters

HQ city

Newark

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Fundraising: The foundation raises funds through tax-deductible donations from individuals and corporations, signature gala events (Devils Sweep the Deck Gala, Champions Gala), online and in-arena auctions featuring autographed memorabilia and unique experiences with players and alumni, home game 50/50 raffles, and branded merchandise/apparel sales. The foundation has donated over $4 million in funds to nonprofit partners.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Devils Youth Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation that raises charitable funds through donations, signature gala events, auctions, and 50/50 raffles, then redistributes those funds via grants to nonprofit partners, scholarships to high school students, and direct youth programming across four pillars: active living, safe spaces, food security, and arts education. It operates the Youth Ambassadors Program for high schoolers, the Devils Youth Foundation Scholarship Program with NJ Devils Alumni, and annual signature events such as the Devils Sweep the Deck Gala.

Product overview

Devils Youth Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that operates as a unified charitable foundation rather than a technology product company. Its core offerings consist of youth development programs including a scholarship program partnering with NJ Devils Alumni, the Youth Ambassadors Program for high school students, and annual signature fundraising events such as the Devils Sweep the Deck Gala. The foundation also provides community grants to nonprofit organizations and operates various youth-focused initiatives in partnership with community organizations across four pillars: active living, safe spaces, food insecurity, and arts education.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Devils Youth Foundation Scholarship Program Annual scholarship program partnering with New Jersey Devils Alumni to award $5,000 scholarships to 10 New Jersey high school seniors with hockey and community service experience.
• DYF Youth Ambassadors Program High school student program with three pathways (Fundraising, Volunteering, or Double-Up) that develops changemakers through community service and leadership, with engagement opportunities during the NJ Devils season.
• Devils Sweep the Deck Gala Annual signature fundraising gala featuring curling on the Devils' home ice and casino lounge entertainment, with Devils players and alumni participation.
• Community Grants Program Grant program providing funding to local nonprofit organizations supporting youth in New Jersey across four pillars: active living, safe spaces, food insecurity, and arts education.
• Donate a Plate Virtual fundraiser launched in partnership with Newark Working Kitchens to address food insecurity in Newark communities by funding meal programs.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over $4 million in funds donated to nonprofit partners addressing youth issues
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• New Jersey Devils AlumniflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 June 2025Partnership with Devils alumni including Martin Brodeur, Andy Greene, Bryce Salvador, Ken Daneyko, Bruce Driver, and Travis Zajac for the annual Devils Youth Foundation Scholarship Program. Alumni mentor and award scholarships to 10 New Jersey high school seniors annually.
• GreenLight FundcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 January 2022GreenLight Fund selected Newark as its 11th site with a $6 million fund. DYF is one of over 50 local philanthropic investors supporting the initiative to bring proven social innovations to address child and family poverty.
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson and Union CountiescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 July 2021Received $25,000 donation. Creates one-to-one mentoring relationships for youth. DYF supports their summer programming and back to school initiatives including BBBS Back to School and summer recreational activities.
• New Jersey DevilsflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerParent organization and primary platform for the foundation. Devils provide player participation in events, in-game activations, auction items, and overall brand association.
• Prudential CenterflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerHome arena providing venue for events, in-arena activations, 50/50 raffles, and access to entertainment stars and performers.
• Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerParent company owning the New Jersey Devils and Prudential Center. HBSE provides operational support, executive leadership (including Board Chair Allison Blitzer), and strategic direction for the foundation.
• Hockey in New JerseycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded in 2003, HNJ inspires youth to develop life skills through hockey. Provides free ice hockey programming at locations in Belleville, Englewood, Hackensack, Jersey City, Montclair, and Newark with over 1,000 participants.
• Record HighcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrudential Center program that awards annual scholarships to 12 high school seniors demonstrating talent in music and leadership. Partnership with DYF to support youth in pursuit of arts.
• United Community CorporationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded in 1964, UCC assists low-income, disadvantaged individuals and families. DYF partnered to provide $100K grant to fight hunger in Newark and supports community safe spaces.
• RWJBarnabas HealthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare partner represented on DYF Board of Directors. Supports foundation initiatives through the RWJBarnabas Health Hockey House facility and health/wellness programming.
• Prudential FinancialcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate partner represented on DYF Board of Directors (Sarah Keh, VP of Inclusion Solutions). Supports foundation through corporate giving and community initiatives.
• Boys & Girls Clubs of NewarkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerReceived $25,000 donation from DYF. Provides affordable after school, weekend and summer programs to approximately 1,150 children in Newark.
• Newark Day CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerReceived $25,000 donation for technology and education equity. Oldest social services agency in NJ (200+ years), providing early childhood education for over 200 children ages 3 months to 5 years.
• La Casa de Don PedrocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit partner for community safe space initiatives. DYF partnered to unveil new community safe space for youth in Newark.
• Jazz House KidscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerArts education partner supporting music programs for Newark youth. Part of DYF's four pillars focusing on increasing student participation and access to music and arts.
• Special Olympics New JerseycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSports partner for year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
• Newark Working KitchenscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFood security partner working to provide access to nutritious meals and address food insecurity in Newark communities.
• Challenged Athletes FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSports partner providing athletic opportunities for children with disabilities, including sled hockey programs.
• Urban League of Essex CountycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCivil rights and economic empowerment organization. Supported through DYF's community outreach and programming.
• The American Red CrossminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHumanitarian organization supported through DYF's philanthropic giving.
• Garden State EqualityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLGBTQ+ advocacy organization supported through DYF's diversity and inclusion initiatives.
• The Salvation ArmyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSocial services organization supported through DYF's community outreach.
• Clara Maass Medical CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare partner supporting the Cancer Infusion Center through DYF philanthropy.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Regional players

• Hockey in New Jersey: New Jersey-based youth hockey nonprofit providing free ice hockey programming across six NJ cities including Newark. Operates as a DYF grant partner but is independently comparable as a regional youth hockey access organization.
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Newark: Newark-based youth services nonprofit providing after-school, summer, and wellness programming to ~1,150 local children. Comparable as a Newark-anchored youth development nonprofit serving overlapping populations to DYF's grantees.

Direct peers

• Philadelphia Flyers Charities: Charitable arm of the Philadelphia Flyers (NHL), a division rival of the Devils. Directly comparable model — NHL franchise-affiliated foundation funding youth hockey access, education, and community grants in the Mid-Atlantic region.
• New York Rangers Youth Foundation: The charitable arm of the New York Rangers (NHL), operating in the same NY/NJ metro market as DYF. Directly comparable as a hockey franchise-affiliated youth foundation running scholarships, grants, and community programs.
• Ed Snider Youth Hockey & Education Foundation: Philadelphia-based youth hockey and education nonprofit originally tied to the Ed Snider ownership era of the Flyers. Comparable as a hockey-affiliated youth foundation with similar access-to-hockey and education pillars.
• Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation: Charitable arm of the Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL) running youth hockey programs, scholarships, and community grants. Directly comparable peer with similar gala-driven fundraising and franchise brand leverage.
• Boston Bruins Foundation: Charitable arm of the Boston Bruins (NHL) focused on youth hockey, education, and health. Closely comparable in mission, funding model (gala + grants), and reliance on NHL brand equity.

Broad incumbents

• NHL Foundation: League-level charitable arm of the National Hockey League supporting youth hockey, education, and community programs across all markets. Comparable as a broader umbrella for franchise-affiliated foundations including DYF.

Others

• GreenLight Fund: Philanthropy intermediary that selected Newark as its 11th site with a $6M fund and counts DYF among 50+ local philanthropic investors. Comparable as a youth/family-poverty-focused funder operating in the same Newark philanthropic ecosystem.
• Special Olympics New Jersey: State affiliate of Special Olympics providing year-round sports training for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Comparable mission overlap (youth sports access) and is a current DYF grant partner.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/devilsyouthfoundation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Devils Youth Foundation