Avista Foundation grants support education, youth development

The Avista Foundation is awarding $201,750 in grants to 40 nonprofit organizations in Washington, Idaho, and Oregon to support education and youth development.

“Together with our partners, we are making a difference in the lives of young people. Avista is proud to support the vital programs and organizations that nurture, educate, and uplift our youth,” said Dennis Vermillion, Avista CEO.  

The second-quarter grants support a diverse range of organizations and programs, including providing scholarships for childcare programs and summer camps at the Northeast Youth Center in Spokane; supplying shoes for children in Lewiston through LC Crew’s shoe drive; and helping the Boys and Girls Club of the Rogue Valley in Southern Oregon expand its science, technology, engineering, the arts and math program.  

Among groups selected for a grant award in Idaho are: Arts Alliance Inc., $2,500; Idaho STEM Action Center Foundation, $1,500; Kaniksu Land Trust Inc., $3,000; LC Crew, Inc., $500; Lewiston Independent Foundation for Education, $10,000; Northwest Youth Corps dba Idaho Conservation Corps, $2,000; Panhandle Alliance for Education, $500; Sandpoint Youth Center Inc., $1,000; Spirit Lake Senior Citizens Inc., $1,750; University of Idaho IWRRI, $3,000; and YMCA of the Inland Northwest, which includes Litehouse YMCA in Sandpoint, $3,000.

The Avista Foundation offers four grant cycles each year. Economic and community vitality proposals are due by Aug. 1. Organizations can see if they are eligible and apply for funding by visiting avistafoundation.com.  

Since 2002, the Avista Foundation has made grants totaling over $16 million, focusing its giving in the areas of vulnerable and limited-income populations, education, and economic and cultural vitality.