PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The EQT Foundation awarded a record high of $6.2 million in grants, scholarships, and charitable contributions to more than 100 non-profit organizations and programs located throughout southwestern Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Kentucky during 2016. Last year’s amount surpassed the Foundation’s 2015 total of nearly $5.2 million in giving to community organizations and initiatives.
The funding supports groups and programs focused on arts and culture, community and economic development, education, and the environment within EQT Corporation’s operating areas. Additionally, EQT Foundation matches charitable contributions made by the Company’s employees and Board of Directors on a dollar-for-dollar basis from $100 up to $50,000 per employee/director, per year. In 2016, $1.7 million of the total amount of Foundation giving was designated as matching program grants, up from nearly $1.4 million in 2015.
Since its inception in 2003, EQT Foundation has donated more than $44 million.
“From our perspective, it’s about so much more than writing a check. It’s about being a partner with our neighbors and communities,” said Charlene Petrelli, President of EQT Foundation. “By strategically providing financial, in-kind and human capital, we want to share the benefits we've received by looking for opportunities that will be beneficial to others. It's just the right thing to do.”
As the charitable arm of EQT Corporation, a Pittsburgh-based integrated energy company, the EQT Foundation helps communities prosper by supporting education for our children – especially in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) disciplines; encouraging the development of diverse neighborhoods; supporting the environment and preservation of local natural resources; and sponsoring local programs that promote greater understanding and appreciation of arts and culture.
In addition to supporting numerous local organizations, EQT Foundation funds signature initiatives, such as:
ASPIRE – EQT’s student scholarship and mentor program
Students of Excellence – Provides scholarships to students throughout every county in West Virginia
Have a Heart…Save a Life – Provides CPR training to students and kits to take home to teach their families
EQT Pittsburgh 10-Miler – Pittsburgh’s favorite Fall road race
PBS Young Writers Contest – Encourages children to submit original stories for local and national recognition
EQT Scholars – Provides full scholarships to socio-economically disadvantaged students in the Pittsburgh area to attend Winchester Thurston School or Shady Side Academy
About EQT Foundation:
Since the EQT Foundation was established in 2003, it has donated more than $44 million throughout EQT’s operating areas. EQT Corporation and the EQT Foundation are committed to the social and economic vitality of our operating regions. Together with a variety of non-profit organizations, the EQT Foundation develops strong partnerships that enrich the diversity and viability of our communities, sustain the principles of continuous learning, and focus on environmental protection efforts. Visit https://www.eqt.com/our-communities/eqt-foundation.