Nashville Predators Foundation Awards Grant to Discovery Center
Discovery Center has been awarded a $5,071 Helper Grant from the Nashville Predators Foundation, part of a record-breaking $855,642.88 distributed to 199 nonprofit organizations across Middle Tennessee.
The grant will support Discovery Center's mission to provide accessible, hands-on educational experiences that inspire curiosity and lifelong learning for children and families throughout the community.
“This grant from the Nashville Predators Foundation allows us to keep hands-on learning within reach for every family who walks through our doors,” said Tara MacDougall, President and CEO of Discovery Center. “We are so grateful for this support that directly fuels the exhibits, programs, and experiences that spark curiosity in the next generation of thinkers, builders, and dreamers in Middle Tennessee.”
This year's distribution marked the Predators Foundation's 28th grant cycle and is expected to positively impact more than 1 million people across “Smashville.” Since the Helper Grants program began, the Foundation has awarded more than $11.2 million to nonprofits in the region, and it contributes more than $4 million annually in direct cash and in-kind support to community organizations.
“This is our favorite day of the year, as it is the culmination of all the work our organization does throughout the season to reach this record donation amount,” said Rebecca King, Nashville Predators Vice President of Community Relations and Executive Director of the Predators Foundation.
The Helper Grants program is named in honor of former Predators Senior Vice President of Communications and Development Gerry Helper, who retired in 2021 after more than 40 years in the NHL, including 24 years in Nashville.
Discovery Center joins a group of Middle Tennessee nonprofits receiving grants this year, including Adventure Science Center, Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee, Conexion Americas, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Middle Tennessee, Nashville Food Project, Operation Stand Down Tennessee, and Special Olympics Tennessee, among dozens of others.
