Posted on November 2, 2009

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Gates Foundation Awards $4 Million to Help Residents of Washington State Hit Hardest by Recession

The Seattle-based Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has announced grants totaling more than $4 million to organizations in Washington State that are providing services to vulnerable families feeling the impact of the recession.

A total of $3 million over three years will be distributed to the Legal Aid for Washington Fund to provide legal services through its statewide network of nonprofit law centers to low-income families facing economic hardship or unsafe living conditions. In addition, the Washington State Library will receive a one-year, $400,000 grant to help jobseekers and others impacted by the economic downturn, while ten community foundations, including the Inland Northwest Community Foundation and the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington, will receive a total of $672,000 to help connect families to existing public benefits and support programs that prevent and reduce domestic violence and alleviate hunger.

Washington has been hit hard by the recession, with more than 117,000 residents having lost their jobs over the past year and a current unemployment rate of more than 9 percent. The number of bankruptcies in the state is up nearly 50 percent year-over-year and at a four-year high, and foreclosure rates are above the national average.

"The recession has affected thousands of families in our state, and many need a hand as they work toward economic recovery and stability," said Gates Foundation co-chair William H. Gates, Sr. "At the same time, many of Washington's community support organizations are stretched thin by meeting a growing demand for services at a time when it's difficult to raise funds. We are pleased to help our partners increase and enhance their invaluable work during these challenging times."

“New Grants Will Support Washingtonians Hit Hardest by the Recession.” Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Press Release 10/29/09.

Primary Subject: Human Services
Secondary Subject(s): Economic Crisis
Location(s): Seattle, Washington

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