TORONTO, Dec. 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- MLSE Foundation is proud to introduce its new Community Action Grants program. The Community Action Grants take the place of the MLSE Team Up Fund, giving Ontario charitable organizations the opportunity to receive one of four $50,000 grants each year. These grants will support local sports programming that provide youth access to sport and the opportunity to dream big.

Each MLSE sport will have its own Community Action Grant to be awarded to a charitable organization that provides youth the opportunity to play hockey, basketball or soccer. Each team-specific grant is presented by the MLSE Foundation's new charitable partner, Just Energy through their Just Energy Foundation.

"We are absolutely thrilled to partner with MLSE on this opportunity to support Ontario youth-based sports charities," said Deb Merril, Just Energy's co-Chief Executive Officer. "Through our Just Energy Foundation, we are dedicated to supporting the local communities we serve. The Community Action Grant Programs are a chance for us to provide accessible programs for underprivileged youth who would otherwise not have the opportunity to participate."

The MLSE Foundation will also present its own Community Action Grant, which is not specific to a single sport and will be awarded to a charitable organization running various sports programming in Ontario. The MLSE Foundation Community Action Grant is open for applications from January 12 until April 24, 2015.

"The MLSE Foundation is incredibly proud to introduce its new Community Action Grants program," said Michael Bartlett, Executive Director of the MLSE Foundation. "We are very excited to present our own MLSE Foundation grant and to have Just Energy on board as presenting partner of our sport-specific grants. We had such amazing success with the MLSE Team Up Fund and by changing the selection process of our granting programs, we hope to give more charitable organizations the opportunity to receive funding."

The new granting program kicks off with the Toronto Maple Leafs Community Action Grant presented by Just Energy on December 18. Registered charities that provide youth access to hockey programming will have the opportunity to apply for a grant via online application until January 30, 2015. The recipient will then be determined by a selection committee based on specific grant criteria. The winner of each grant will receive a cheque for $50,000 from the MLSE Foundation at a special ceremony in their community.  Eligible charities are encouraged to visit http://www.mlsefoundation.org to submit an application.

About MLSE Foundation
The MLSE Foundation believes all kids should have access to sport and the opportunity to develop lasting dreams on the playing field. With the support of all four MLSE teams - the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, Toronto FC and Toronto Marlies - the Foundation funds the refurbishment of local athletic facilities and programs that support kids through sports and recreation. Since launching in December 2009, the MLSE Foundation has invested more than $15 million into our community.

For more information visit mlsefoundation.org, or follow @MLSEFoundation

About Just Energy Foundation

The Just Energy Foundation was established in 2013 by Just Energy Group Inc. to help registered Canadian and U.S. charitable organizations secure the resources required to promote the health and well-being of communities in need. Funded entirely by Just Energy, the Foundation invests in local programs that work to enhance the quality of life in Just Energy's operating markets towards building stronger and supportive communities.

About Just Energy Group Inc.:
Established in 1997, Just Energy (NYSE: JE, TSX:JE) is primarily a competitive retailer of natural gas and electricity. With offices located across the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, Just Energy serves close to two million residential and commercial customers through a wide range of energy programs and home comfort services, including fixed-price and price-protected energy programs, smart thermostats, and solar panel installations. Just Energy Group Inc. is the parent company of Amigo Energy, Commerce Energy, Green Star Energy, Hudson Energy, Just Energy, and Tara Energy. Visit www.justenergy.com to learn more. Also, find us Just Energy Group on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @JustEnergyGroup.

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SOURCE Just Energy Group Inc.