In 1994, the San Jose Sharks established the official charity arm of the team the Sharks Foundation, a public 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The Sharks Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the lives of underserved youth and families in the community with an emphasis in the areas of education, health and safety, and character development. The Foundation supplies emergency aid when appropriate, executes unique and relevant programming, supports the advancement of youth hockey, and provides financial support and resources to organizations that enrich the lives of those in need. Since its inception, the Sharks Foundation has given more than $20.2 million back to Bay Area organizations through its annual Community Assist Grant Cycle program and season-long Giving Campaign.