The Bellingham Business Journal
The Puget Sound Energy Foundation recently announced that it distributed more than $600,000 to local charitable organizations throughout Washington state in 2009, directing $244,500 in December alone to 62 organizations as part of the foundation’s second round of grants. None of the foundation’s funds will ever come from PSE’s utility customers.
In Whatcom County, PSE donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Washington, Western Washington University and the WWU Foundation (for Huxley College of the Environment at Western Washington University.)
“The Puget Sound Energy Foundation is honored to be able to support so many vital community organizations and programs in 2009, particularly during these times of economic hardship,” said Bert Valdman, interim acting chair and vice president of the Puget Sound Energy Foundation. “These deserving organizations make a positive difference in our communities and region and we’re proud to be able to help them further their important work.”
The December round of funding, the seventh 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 competitive review process to qualifying 501(c)(3) charitable organizations in Puget Sound Energy’s 16-county service and broader operations area.
