« Previous | Next » | All Messages |  ALL Message Board Home | recommend post |  Ignore Poster

ALL News The Allstate Foundation Awards More Than 50 Grants to Local Non-Profit Groups through Allstate Agents in Georgia

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Citing its strong base of agent volunteers in local community organizations, The Allstate Foundation in the Southeast Region today announced the philanthropic organization has awarded 52 grants that total $26,000 to non-profit organizations – 501 (c)(3) groups – throughout the state of Georgia in 2006. As part of Allstate’s Agency Hands in the Community (AHIC) award program and with the support of The Allstate Foundation, grant money is given to non-profit organizations where Allstate agency owners volunteer their time. Through the AHIC grant program, The Allstate Foundation adds monetary support to the volunteer effort already given to deserving non-profit organizations by Allstate agents.

“Allstate believes in taking an active role in helping to make the communities in which we serve better places to live and work,” said Allstate Field Vice President Cliff Butler. “The Agency Hands in the Community initiative only allows agents and financial specialists who are an active volunteer for a non-profit organization to apply for the grant. In-kind volunteer time combined with a grant creates strong partnerships and is one aspect of Allstate’s commitment to community.”

Each AHIC grant is a $500 award that is given to a non-profit on behalf of an Allstate agent volunteer. Agents can only apply for one AHIC grant per year. However, if multiple Allstate agents or financial specialists volunteer for the same organization, they each can apply for an AHIC grant to give to that organization. For example, The Allstate Foundation awarded two AHIC grants totaling $1,000 to House of Heroes in Columbus, Ga. because two Allstate agents (Jeffrey Upshaw and Jody Reese) volunteer with the organization and applied for the grant. Kids Gym in College Park, Ga. also received $1,000 in AHIC grants this year from two local agents (Betty Campbell and Michael Manley). Other Georgia non-profit organizations benefiting from AHIC grants range from Boys & Girls Clubs and YMCAs to local domestic violence shelters, performing arts organizations and school foundations.

“Our agents and financial professionals are very involved and enthusiastic, giving their time to local non-profit organizations,” said Joanna McNally, chairperson of The Allstate Foundation in the Southeast Region. “It’s their dedication that enables Allstate in the Southeast Region to lend a helping hand, providing much-needed assistance for the invaluable work of these various non-profit organizations.”

The Allstate Foundation awarded a total of $338,000 in grants to Georgia non-profits in 2006. In addition to its $26,000 in AHIC grants, the Foundation also awarded grants totaling $312,000 to 14 other non-profits in the state that match the Foundation’s focus areas: safe and vital communities; economic empowerment; and tolerance, inclusion and diversity.

The Allstate Foundation is an independent corporation funded by contributions from the Allstate Insurance Company. Grants are awarded to non-profit organizations that seek to improve the quality of life in communities across the country.

Allstate Insurance Company’s Southeast Region supports a network of agencies that serve households in the states of Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. These agencies provide a large variety of insurance and financial products. Agency owners and employees of the Southeast Region have a long, proud history of supporting the communities where they live and do business through volunteerism and charitable contributions.

The Allstate Foundation is an independent, charitable organization made possible by the Allstate Corporation. Allstate and The Allstate Foundation sponsor community initiatives to promote "safe and vital communities”; "tolerance, inclusion, and diversity"; and "economic empowerment.” The Allstate Foundation believes in the financial potential of every individual and in helping America's families achieve their American dream.