The Avista Foundation
Accepts applications
The Avista Foundation is a private foundation in Spokane, Washington. In tax year 2025 it gave $2.2 million in 577 grants; the typical grant was $1,000 and the largest $350,000. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$2.2 million
- Number of grants577
- Typical grant$1,000
- Largest grant$350,000
- Assets$10.6 million
- New grantees53%
Giving in 2025 was up from $2.0 million the year before.
53% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a sign it is open to new organizations.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $2.4 million | 633 | $12.6 million |
| 2024 | $2.0 million | 607 | $11.9 million |
| 2025 | $2.2 million | 577 | $10.6 million |
How to apply
| Contact | Kristine Meyer PO Box 3727, Spokane, WA 99220-3727 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (509) 495-8156 |
| What to submit | The required application is online at www.avistafoundation. org or call 509 495-8156. |
| Deadlines | Various |
| Restrictions | The Avista Foundation a community investment program of Avista Corporation provides funding to non-profit organizations addressing the needs of communities and citizens served by Avista Utilities in Eastern Washington Northern Idaho portions of Eastern and Southern Oregon as well as Sanders County Montana and by Alaska Electric Light and Power in Juneau Alaska. |
What The Avista Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 18 states, the most to Washington.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | 377 | $1.9 million |
| Idaho | 119 | $218,259 |
| Alaska | 19 | $87,750 |
| Oregon | 33 | $68,550 |
| Montana | 5 | $6,000 |
| District of Columbia | 3 | $5,200 |
| Florida | 3 | $425 |
| Maryland | 1 | $415 |
| New York | 3 | $326 |
| Minnesota | 2 | $296 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern Washington University Foundation | Catalyst Building | $350,000 |
| Upper Columbia Resource Conservation and Development District | cooling island at Scale House Market | $60,000 |
| Gonzaga University | IIAT Units Energy Meter for Generative AI Usage Project | $55,000 |
| Spokane Symphony | General Operating Support | $55,000 |
| Pullman Regional Hospital Foundation | Behavioral Health Patient Space in the ER | $50,000 |
| Spokane Area Business Foundation | Support the Safe & Healthy Spokane Taskforce | $50,000 |
| Spokane Area Business Foundation | Support the Safe & Healthy Spokane Taskforce | $50,000 |
| Inland Northwest Land Conservancy | Glen Tana | $41,666 |
| Friends of KSPS | Community Impact Pillars Sponsor | $40,000 |
| United Human Services of AK | Teal Street Center | $31,250 |
| Community Cancer Fund | 2025 Boulevard Race | $30,000 |
| Washington State University Foundation | Power Systems Engineering Program & 4H Science Day Kits & Rural Clubs Support | $27,150 |
| Providence INW Foundation | Medical Supplies & Heart Institute Campaign | $25,000 |
| Community Cancer Fund | 2024 Boulevard Race | $25,000 |
| Gonzaga University | General Operating Support | $25,000 |
| University of Idaho Foundation | Avista Scholars | $20,500 |
| Cancer Cant | capital campaign | $20,000 |
| Gonzaga University | Opportunity NE Resident Leadership & Workforce Development Program | $20,000 |
| Mobius | BOGO Membership Support & Wattson Maintenance | $20,000 |
| University of Idaho Foundation | 2025 Jazz Festival | $20,000 |
| University of Washington Foundation | Advancing Rural and Urban Health & Airlift Northwest | $16,250 |
| Second Harvest Inland Northwest | Toms Turkey Drive | $15,490 |
| Hispanic Business Professional Association Dba Nuestras Raices | iSin Miedo al Exito! Success with Confidence | $15,000 |
| Juneau Community Foundation | HOPE Fund & Feeding Juneau Kids Fund | $13,500 |
| Second Harvest Inland Northwest | Bite2Go 25 26 | $12,750 |
| Spokane Parks Foundation | Gabriels Challenge | $12,750 |
| Spokane Prevention of Abuse and Neglect Council Spo Can | HOPE-ful Spokane | $12,500 |
| 501 Commons DBA Washington State Opportunity Scholarship | Career & Technical Scholarships | $12,500 |
| 501 Commons DBA Washington State Opportunity Scholarship | Career & Technical Scholarships | $12,500 |
| Gonzaga University | Avista Scholars | $12,500 |
| Pullman Regional Hospital Foundation | General Operating Support | $12,500 |
| WSU Foundation | Dennis Vermillion Scholarship | $12,000 |
| Washington State University Foundation | Avista Scholars | $10,500 |
| United Way of Spokane County | Annual Support | $10,156 |
| College Success Foundation | General Operating Support | $10,000 |
| Communities in Schools of Spokane County | 2 FTE in 2 Valley Middle School for 1 School Yr | $10,000 |
| Global Neighborhood | Workforce and Sustainability Program | $10,000 |
| HUB Sports Center | field expansion phase 2B | $10,000 |
| Inland Northwest Council Scouting America | General Operating Support | $10,000 |
| Lewiston Clarkston Partners Habitat for Humanity | Roof Repair for L-C Valley Habitat for Humanity | $10,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Latisha Hill
- Tracy Van Orden
- Kristine Meyer
- Alec Mesdag
- David J Meyer
- Steve Vincent
- Kevin Christie
- Chris Schlothauer
- Heather Rosentrater
Questions people ask
Does The Avista Foundation accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications, with this on deadlines: Various.
How much does The Avista Foundation give?
$2.2 million in tax year 2025, across 577 grants, with a typical grant of $1,000.
Who runs The Avista Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Latisha Hill (President), Tracy Van Orden (Treasurer), Kristine Meyer (Executive Director) and Alec Mesdag (Director) among 9 officers and trustees.
What does The Avista Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, health and youth programs.