Avista was named the 2026 recipient of the Valley Chamber Business Awards’ Community Stewardship Award in the large‑business category for its Named Communities Investment Fund (NCIF) program.
The award recognizes organizations that demonstrate a strong commitment to social responsibility, meaningful community engagement, and initiatives that make a lasting, positive impact.
“Our team is deeply enthusiastic about this program. I’m continually inspired by the dedication our team shows every day. Their empathy, ingenuity, and readiness to jump in wherever they’re needed are what truly sets the program apart. We’re also deeply grateful for the trust and collaboration of our community partners - this recognition belongs to them as much as it does to us,” said Ana Matthews, Avista NCIF program manager.
The Named Communities Investment Fund (NCIF) is a competitive grant program established by Avista to help meet the equity requirements of Washington’s Clean Energy Transformation Act (CETA). It dedicates up to $5 million each year in funding support to projects that strengthen energy security, increase renewable energy access, and more, for Washington electric customers in Named Communities, such as Tribal nations, low-income communities, communities of color, rural communities, and frontline areas, which often experience greater impacts from environmental and economic challenges.
In the program’s first four years, it supported approximately 50+ partners, in 20+ Eastern Washington towns. Energy savings total more than 645,260 kilowatt-hour (kWh), which is enough energy to power 63 homes for a year.
The Valley Chamber’s annual awards program honors outstanding organizations and educators across the region. The event highlights the contributions of local businesses and nonprofits that help strengthen the community and support its long‑term success.