Avista Corp. and the Avista Foundation on December 22, 2020 announced 2020 giving totaling more than $4.1 million to non-profit organizations in the company’s service territories. The funds from both corporate and foundation sources helped support community organizations in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana and Alaska.
“We recognize people have been challenged by multiple layers of impacts from the pandemic,” said Dennis Vermillion, Avista president and CEO. “Avista has invested in our non-profit partners to provide various basic needs and help close the gaps throughout this difficult year.”
In 2020, corporate giving was $1.5 million, while the Avista Foundation increased total giving from the 2019 level of $1.3 million to $2.6 million. All of Avista’s philanthropy is paid for by its shareholders, none of it is funded by customers through rates.
“As the need increased, we wanted to respond and help as many people as possible,” said Avista Foundation executive director Kristine Meyer. “We provided grants to hundreds of different organizations throughout the region, and increased our employee matching gifts program from a $1 for $1 match to a $2 for $1 match, doubling our collective support for non-profit agencies.”
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, non-profit organization established by Avista Corp., and does not receive funding from Avista Utilities or AEL&P customers through rates.