Allen Foundation Hands Out More Grants

During tough economic times, many nonprofit organizations suffer from a lack of donations. Fortunately, philanthropies such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation exist in Washington to keep grant money coming to struggling organizations.

This week, the Allen Foundation announced the recipients of its latest round of grants. The foundation awarded $4.6 million to 66 nonprofit organizations in the Northwest, 38 of which, accounting for 60 percent of the total disbursements, were in Washington state. Recipients included several arts programs such as the Seattle Chamber Music Festival ($25,000), Seattle Opera Association ($45,000) and the Seattle International Film Festival ($60,000). Economic relief programs such as Puyallup-based Helping Hand House also received funds ($70,000 in this case) to support housing counseling and homelessness prevention.

Education programs and youth activities were also on the list. The Washington state STEM Education Foundation received $400,000 to support curriculum development at Delta High School in Kennewick, a school that specializes in science, technology, engineering and mathematics education.

Other recipients included the Vera Project ($25,000), the Bellevue Art Museum ($15,000), Casa Latina ($200,000) and the Woodland Park Zoological Society ($100,000). For a complete list, visit www.pgafamilyfoundation.org.