Avista Foundation announces grants

The Avista Foundation has announced the awarding of its second quarter grants totaling $276,700 to 25 nonprofit organizations in Washington, Idaho and Oregon. The grants are intended to directly benefit youth development and education programming.

“Supporting organizations that provide services to youth and families is an important part of our commitment to invest in our communities,” said Dennis Vermillion, Avista president and CEO. “We also want to help broaden educational opportunities — such as support for after-school programs, expanding STEM curriculum, culturally relevant learning experiences, or funding scholarships for post-secondary education and technical training.”

The United Way of North Idaho received $5,000. The Girl Scouts of Eastern Washington & North Idaho received $2,500. The Sandpoint Youth Center received $1,500.

Additional grants supporting higher education were awarded to Community Colleges of Spokane, the University of Idaho, Eastern Washington University and Washington State University.

Since its establishment in 2002, the Avista Foundation has made grants totaling over $10 million. The foundation focuses its giving in the areas of vulnerable and limited income populations, education, and economic and cultural vitality. It is a separate, nonprofit organization established by Avista Corp., and does not receive funding from Avista Utilities or AEL&P customers through rates.