A microenterprise program that mentors Latina women to become successful food vendors in local farmers markets was among the 66 non-profits awarded a total of $4.6 million in grants by the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation today.

The Hacienda Community Development Corporation in Portland received $200,000 to expand its Micro Mercantes program. In Seattle, the White Center Community Development Association also received a $200,000 grant to develop a green jobs initiative. That program aims to use federal stimulus funding to train young adults in home weatherization and related skills. It even has its own hip hop video Got Green?

The latest grants reflect a focus on strengthening the social safety net for people living on the financial edge and supporting longer-term programs for people with low incomes to build economic stability, the foundation said.

"During one of the most dramatic economic downturns in history, we remain committed to helping our nonprofit partners and the communities they support respond and adapt to these growing challenges," said Susan M. Coliton, the foundation's vice president.

Other grants included $400,000 to the Washington State STEM Education Foundation in Kennewick. That grant helps fund professional development for teachers at Delta High School, a new high school focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics in the Tri-Cities region.

Local arts grants included $25,000 to the Seattle Chamber Music Festival for marketing initiatives to increase ticket sales and expand its 2010 Summer Festival audience, and $50,000 to the Northwest African American Museum to develop a marketing and outreach program to promote the museum.

Food from vendors in the Micro Mercantes program is getting good reviews in Portland. Maybe it will be expanded to Seattle's numerous farmers markets if it's not already in the works.