Allen Foundation to give $8.5M to NW nonprofits, aid libraries

The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation announced $8.5 million in grants to nonprofits in the Pacific Northwest on Tuesday and a new initiative to strengthen public libraries.

As part of that effort, the foundation has given $426,000 to seven public libraries in Washington, including $150,000 to the Tacoma Public Library and $90,000 to the Seattle Public Library Foundation, and smaller grants to libraries in Port Townsend, Pullman, and Snohomish and Island counties.

The funds are intended to "strengthen the ability of librarians to meet patrons' needs and promote libraries as centers for lifelong learning," said Susan M. Coliton, vice president of the foundation.

"Paul Allen's and Jody Allen's parents instilled a love of reading and a deep curiosity about ideas at an early age," she said. "As part of the fabric of our communities, libraries serve as centers for educational, cultural and civic engagement."

The money will fund a readers' advisory staff at each library to help patrons understand how to use online tools to select books and media; new services such as podcast book talks, virtual book groups and personalized reading lists; and training for 175 librarians and staff.

Grants to 84 nonprofits in five states also included $4.6 million for programs to help people move out of poverty and build assets for long-term economic stability, such as savings; job training and vocational skills; creation of small businesses; and financial literacy.

Seattle-based Building Changes received $300,000 to expand employment programs at low-income housing sites; the Lummi Nation Service Organization in Bellingham received $300,000 to help tribe members develop and manage small businesses; and Washington CASH (Community Alliance for Self-Help) in Seattle received $200,000 for training low-income entrepreneurs.

Kristi Heim: 206-464-2718 or kheim@seattletimes.com