When parents first step into Spokane HOPE’s classrooms, the scene is familiar: bright rugs, toy shelves, and children playing. But listen closely, and you’ll hear something remarkable: children who are deaf and hard of hearing are learning to use their voices for the very first time.
Executive Director and Speech Language Pathologist Angela Fidler knows the difference early help can make. “My daughter was diagnosed late and struggled to catch up. My son got help right away, and everything has been easier for him because of that early support.”
Thanks to a recent Avista Foundation grant, HOPE was able to purchase new play equipment—like wooden kitchens and a trampoline—that helps young children learn through play. “Play is how these kids learn language and social skills,” Angela says. “Without that grant, we wouldn’t have those items we needed.”
Stories like Spokane HOPE remind us why community partnerships matter. In 2025, the Avista Foundation awarded more than $630,000 in grants to more than 145 community partners across Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana and Alaska.
Grant applications are accepted every three months for different focus areas, including:
Organizations interested in applying for a grant can take an eligibility quiz and see application deadlines by visiting avistafoundation.com.
For over 20 years, the Foundation has made a real difference by working closely with the communities it serves. Since it was founded, the Avista Foundation has given more than $17 million to various organizations.
It’s important to note that the Avista Foundation does not receive funding from Avista Utilities customers through rates. It is a separate, non-profit organization established by Avista Corp.