Alaska Airlines Foundation awards nearly $165,000 to nonprofits in Alaska, Hawaii and Washington

Over $300,000 donated by the Alaska Airlines Foundation in 2016

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Nov 23, 2016, 12:00 ET

SEATTLE, Nov. 23, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Alaska Airlines Foundation is donating $162,500 to 15 nonprofit organizations in the states of Alaska, Hawaii and Washington, as part of a second donation cycle for the year. In 2016, donations total $307,500 to 27 organizations; the largest amount given in the history of the organization.

In the second round of grants this year, funds will support 15 nonprofits, including:

Alaska Development Corporation – The Alaska Development Corporation supports STEM educational and teacher training efforts throughout Alaska, including FIRST Robotics and STEM summer camps and workshops.
Malama Learning Center – MLC's Islander Scholars Program works to cultivate the next generation of leaders in Hawaii through an intensive education program rooted in culture and community.
Seattle Jobs Initiative – SJI provides workforce development and college-readiness programs for low-income individuals, which allows them to support themselves and their families through living-wage careers.

Earlier this year, the Alaska Airlines Foundation awarded grants to 12 nonprofits in Alaska, Hawaii and Washington.

"This year marks the largest number of donations provided in the nearly 20-year history of the Alaska Airlines Foundation," said board chair Joe Sprague. "Our goal is to make a meaningful impact in these communities and to invest in their futures."

The Alaska Airlines Foundation was established in 1998 as an independent 501c (3) nonprofit organization as a way to supplement Alaska Airlines' overall corporate giving program which last year donated $12 million in cash and in-kind support to charities throughout the airline's system.

Each year, the Alaska Airlines Foundation distributes cash grants to nonprofit organizations in Alaska, Hawaii and Washington that support education and workforce development efforts. Applications are reviewed twice a year. Applications for 2017 are due April 15 and Sept. 15.

SOURCE Alaska Airlines