YMCA/YWCA Awarded Safeco Insurance Foundation Grant Totaling $100,000
SEATTLE — Feb. 11, 2008 — The Safeco Insurance Foundation today announced the recipients of its community grants in Spokane. A joint project of the YMCA of Inland Northwest and the YWCA of Spokane was honored today by Foundation representatives, community dignitaries and VIPs at a special event at the YMCA of Inland Northwest.
A joint grant totaling $100,000 is part of an overall $1.7 million contribution the Foundation is awarding to 35 non-profit organizations in five regions around the country in February.
Local area beneficiary is:
· YMCA of the Inland Northwest and the YWCA of Spokane: $100,000 – YMCA of the Inland Northwest and the YWCA of Spokane have served Spokane for a combined 225 years. Together they reach out with comprehensive and innovative programs and services that fill unmet needs in the community. That innovative approach is demonstrated in their unified capital campaign.
The Safeco Foundation grant will be used to support the $40.5 million campaign to construct a new 80,000 sq. ft. shared facility in Downtown Spokane (930 N. Monroe). This will be in addition to a new 50,000 sq. ft. North Spokane YMCA facility located on 16 acres on Newport Highway that will house YWCA office space. The facility is scheduled to open in 2009.
This joint capital project, branded the Your Y (you’re why) campaign, will enable the YMCA and the YWCA to work together to find new solutions to persistent problems that result from poverty in our country.
A member driven organization, these organizations are recognized leaders in serving people of all ages with child care, youth development, teen leadership and senior wellness offerings. With the Alternative to Domestic Violence Program, the YWCA is the sole provider of services for victimized families in Spokane County.
Based on the belief that inclusiveness strengthens the fabric of our community, the YMCA and YWCA offer activities, programs and services to everyone coming through their doors, regardless of background or socio-economic level. These organizations together provide sustainable positive results for Spokane.
“This most generous contribution from the Safeco Foundation to the YOUR Y Campaign will help us to reach nearly 1 in 6 residents of Spokane County” said Monica Walters, executive director, YMCA Spokane. “This donation supports the vision of creating a safe place, fitness and aquatics activities, domestic violence victims’ services, affordable child care, as well as economic and educational advancement programs. There will be programs and services for people of all ages and backgrounds, from infants to elders. The Safeco Foundation has made a significant investment in helping us to achieve our dream of healthy opportunities for everyone.”
Founded by Safeco Corporation in 2006, Safeco Insurance Foundation’s initial $30 million contribution was tripled by the Safeco Corporation the following year, bringing the Foundation’s total to $90 million. Today’s announcement marks the second major set of grants to be awarded by the Foundation following its inaugural grants in Nov. 2007 of $1.5 million to three Seattle-area organizations.
"The Safeco Insurance Foundation was established in order to continue the civic and community leadership the company has demonstrated throughout its 85-year history," said Virginia Anderson, president of the Safeco Insurance Foundation. “We applaud the work of these organizations for the ongoing and outstanding community contributions. Their work picks up where corporations leave off. It is our honor and privilege to support them in building stronger, more viable communities."
About Safeco Insurance Foundation
The Safeco Insurance Foundation, which was established in 2006 by Safeco Corporation (NYSE: SAF), is a separate 501(c)3 endowment fund totaling $90 million. The Foundation’s mission is to support and enrich inclusive communities through joyful engagement guided by the knowledge that forging strong partnerships with community organizations leverages our greatest assets for the greatest effectiveness.
Safeco, in business since 1923, is a Fortune 500 property and casualty insurance company based in Seattle. The company sells insurance to drivers, home owners, and owners of small- and mid-sized businesses principally through a national network of independent distribution partners. Safeco is also one of the nation’s leaders in the sale and service of surety bonds.