A foundation recently announced it is giving more than $154 million in grant funds to youth organizations around the world.
The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation is giving the grant money to 287 different organizations. The grants were given based on the foundation’s six main giving categories, which include education, the environment, global development, performing arts, philanthropy and the population.
Through the foundation’s Education Program, 56 organizations received more than $31 million in grant funds. Some of those grant funds will include supporting the efforts of journalism in California.
"Informing the public is critical to making sound education policies, but California, like the rest of the nation, has fewer journalists than ever to do the work," the foundation noted.
In order to fill the need, $1.2 million has been granted to the Center for Investigative Reporting, which will use the funds to build a team of journalists that will cover educational and policy issues in the state.
The foundation’s Global Development Program is focused on reducing poverty across the globe. To that end, the foundation granted $27,775,000 to 37 organizations. Through a partnership with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, a $2.1 million grant has been given to the Aga Khan Foundation USA. The funds will be used to help launch programs for reading and math learning in Uganda and Kenya.
The foundation’s Performing Arts Program granted $200,000 to an Oakland organization that uses music as a way to educate young people. Youth Movement Records teaches young people about creativity, leadership, entrepreneurship and getting involved in their communities through taking part in aspects of the music industry.
The foundation has been giving grant money since 1967, and in 2008 awarded more than $784 million in funds. As of December of 2008, the foundation’s assets amounted to $6.29 billion.