March 16, 2023 3:40 a.m.

The Pacific Power Foundation is donating more than $164,000 in new grant funding across the three states it serves.

A release from the utility said arts and cultural organizations play an essential role in maintaining healthy and resilient communities. The grants will help fund projects ranging from Shakespeare performances with American Sign Language interpretation to free music events, and from programming that engages diverse youth in public arts projects to museums that share regional cultural history.

Regional Business Manager Sam Carter said, “These groups foster creative expression, inspire young minds, nurture well-being and help us look at the world in new ways”. Carter said they are honored to support the work they are doing.

In the Umpqua Valley, the Pacific Power Foundation provided a $5,000 grant to Wildlife Safari to help provide free ZooSchool field trips for 300 children from families experiencing low incomes.

More information about the foundation and its grant program is linked: https://www.pacificpower.net/community/foundation.html