The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation today announced funding for nonprofits that provide basic needs assistance throughout Western Washington, an acknowledgement that even as the economy improves, there is still much work to be done to help the community’s most vulnerable residents. This current round of funding also includes support for theater, literary and other arts groups in five northwestern states, including Miracle Theatre Group.

The Foundation’s latest round of grants also supports a wide variety of arts and cultural organizations across five states, with a strong emphasis on theater grants. Stage projects in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington will receive funding. These theater projects are expected to reach a collective 260,000 audience members with thought-provoking productions of contemporary work.

“The Foundation has a long history of supporting the arts in both rural and urban areas,” Coliton said. “Artistic expression helps communities assess and make sense of the world, and we’re proud to support that work throughout the region.”

For more information about the grants, visit http://bit.ly/PGAFF-grants

Launched by Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Paul G. Allen and Jo Lynn Allen in 1988, the Allen family’s philanthropy is dedicated to transforming lives and strengthening communities by fostering innovation, creating knowledge and promoting social progress. Since inception, the Foundation has awarded over $446 million to more than 1,400 nonprofit groups to support and advance their critical charitable endeavors in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. The Foundation’s funding programs nurture the arts, engage children in learning, address the needs of vulnerable populations, advance scientific and technological discoveries, and provide economic relief amid the downturn. For more information, go to www.pgafamilyfoundation.org.