Who Are We
The Avista Foundation, a community investment program of Avista Utilities, provides funding to non-profit organizations addressing the needs of communities and citizens served by Avista Utilities in eastern Washington, northern Idaho, portions of sourthern Oregon, as well as Sanders County, Montana.

The Avista Foundation also includes a matching gifts program for employees of Avista Utilities.

Focus Areas
The Avista Foundation focuses its giving on grants that strengthen communities and enhance the quality of lives of the people served by Avista Utilities. Emphasis is in the areas of:

• education – supporting K-12 education particularly in the fields of science, math and technology; and higher education including scholarships
  • provide college scholarships for engineering, IS and the crafts to address utility's future workforce gap
  • increase pipeline of kids seeking engineering and technical careers by increasing interest in math, science and technology
  • provide opportunities for underserved kids (limited income and minority) to seek a college education
  • seed long-term energy conservation behaviors in kids that complement educational goals in reading, math and science

• vulnerable and limited income populations – providing assistance to those on limited incomes and support for initiatives to reduce poverty
  • ease the burden of energy prices to customers most in need
  • provide enhanced level of support to senior and more vulnerable customers
  • provide energy conservation education to senior, vulnerable and limited income customers
  • support community-wide safety net services for basic needs costs

• economic and cultural vitality – supporting projects that help our communities and citizens to grow and prosper.
  • support capital projects that provide vital civic and social infrastructure and economic growth
  • support signature community events and programs that provide significant community identity and quality of life

Grants are awarded only to organizations in the geographic areas served by Avista Utilities. These areas are eastern Washington, northern Idaho, southern Oregon, as well as Sanders County, Montana.