The Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation has published its 2024-25 Community Impact Report, according to Executive Director Yvonne Maher. The report outlines the foundation’s charitable contributions and community programs for the past year.
The foundation invested more than $6.1 million in over 200 local organizations and awarded over $520,000 in grants to students, bringing total scholarships given since inception to more than 250. Fundraising efforts generated over $7.5 million through several channels: in-arena 50/50 raffles raised more than $650,000; charity and merchandise auctions brought in over $5 million; events contributed more than $1.3 million; and donations from foundations, corporations, and individuals totaled over $700,000.
A central focus of the foundation is supporting youth hockey development in the Pittsburgh region and beyond. Its initiatives included partnerships with 29 rinks for the Little Penguins Learn to Play Hockey program. More than 1,450 girls participated in regional hockey programs such as Pittsburgh Pennies Girl’s Hockey. The PensFIT Ball Hockey program provided free equipment and curriculum to 22 public school districts. Other supported programs included Try Hockey For Free presented by U.S. Steel and the Willie O’Ree Academy presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods. Over 37,000 people attended events or programming at Highmark Hunt Armory.
This year also saw support for broader educational and wellness initiatives. The nation’s first Carnegie Library, Carnegie One in Braddock, reopened with a renovated gymnasium funded by the foundation. A grant of $100,000 helped open Sports360 at Kamin Science Center—a permanent exhibition focused on sports science related to hockey player performance.
Educational programs led by the foundation included a free Mental Wellness Conference for student athletes; Reading Champions with U.S. Steel; PPS All-Stars; Penguins MVPs; Science Champions; Science of Hockey; STEAM Lending Library; and Pens Pals.
Penguins players also participated in various charitable activities: Sidney Crosby hosted a charity suite event, Kevin Hayes led Hayes’ Heroes, Evgeni Malkin ran I’m Score for Kids, Bryan Rust organized Seats for Strength, and Philip Tomasino created Tommer’s Team.
Since its establishment in 2010, the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation has raised and invested more than $79 million into southwestern Pennsylvania through grants and programs.
The Pittsburgh Penguins, founded in 1967 as an NHL franchise based in Pittsburgh, are recognized for multiple Stanley Cup championships and have made significant contributions to youth development through their community efforts. The team is an integral part of Pittsburgh’s sports culture with strong community ties.
