The Puget Sound Energy Foundation recently announced that it will distribute more than $640,000 to 161 local charitable organizations throughout Washington state in 2010, directing $202,500 in December alone to 84 organizations as part of the foundation’s second round of grants.
The Auburn Symphony Orchestra and GriefWorks, a bereavement resource for education and support, are among the grant recipients.
“During these tough economic times, the Puget Sound Energy Foundation is honored to support nonprofit organizations that make a significant difference in our local communities,” said Andy Wappler, chairman and president of the Puget Sound Energy Foundation. “We are grateful to be able to help these vital organizations create meaningful and long-lasting results.”
The December round of funding, the ninth since the foundation’s inception in 2006, supports community programs in environmental stewardship, education, the arts and culture, with a particular emphasis on human services. Half of the grants in this round were allocated to organizations that respond to the needs of vulnerable populations.
Ranging in size from $1,000 to $25,000, the grants are awarded based on a two-tiered competitive review process to qualifying 501(c)(3) charitable organizations in Puget Sound Energy’s 16-county service and broader operations area.
The foundation’s first round of 2010 funding, announced in June, distributed $155,000 in charitable grants to 61 local organizations in Washington. This year, the foundation also provided $282,500 in funding to support PSE’s United Way and ArtsFund campaigns and employee matching program.
