As part of The Starbucks Foundation’s Neighborhood Grants program, PALS SkyHope was selected to receive a $1,000 grant. This grant award is thanks to a nomination from a local Starbucks partner and Store Manager, Jeffrey Low, who recognized the work of the organization on the East Coast with the goal of alleviating transportation barriers by providing free flights for medical patients. Through this unique program, The Starbucks Foundation invites Starbucks partners to nominate a local organization in their community. Since 2019, more than 8,000 organizations have been awarded grants, amounting to more than $12.5 million. Jeffrey learned about PALS SkyHope while volunteering at its annual gala in 2022 alongside other Starbucks partners.
This generous grant from The Starbucks Foundations will further PALS SkyHope’s mission by helping to remove income and distance as barriers to quality medical care, creating equitable access to healthcare services among the underserved. PALS SkyHope serves seriously ill children, adults, veterans, and active military personnel who require long-distance treatment and adaptive rehabilitation, primarily those living in rural areas without local access to specialized care.
“We’re honored to receive this grant from The Starbucks Foundation. This recognition from Starbucks helps spread the word of PALS SkyHope’s mission and allows us to connect more people in need to life-changing care.” said Donna Collins, Executive Director of PALS SkyHope
The Starbucks Foundation’s Neighborhood Grants program supports grassroots, community-led nonprofit organizations through catalytic investments in the form of grants. Neighborhood Grants also help build sustained local impact and inspire increased partner (employee) engagement with nonprofit organizations that work in their communities.
“Our partners (employees) know their communities best, and have shared great insights about the organizations helping to uplift others in their neighborhoods, from addressing homelessness and fighting hunger to supporting youth and families,” said Alicia Vermaele, executive director of The Starbucks Foundation. “Through our latest round of Neighborhood Grants, we’re proud to support local organizations nominated by Starbucks partners who make our communities stronger.”
Learn more about the Neighborhood Grants program at Starbucks Stories.
PALS SkyHope
PALS SkyHope, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has over 30,000 passenger flights flown since inception in 2010. PALS arranges free air transportation for individuals requiring out-of-town or out-of-state medical treatment who cannot afford or are unable to fly commercially; for compassionate assistance; and for humanitarian purposes. Through its extensive network of aviation assets (including volunteer pilots, commercial airlines, and corporate partners), PALS serves disadvantaged individuals.
If you or someone you know is in need of a flight CLICK HERE
The Starbucks Foundation
The Starbucks Foundation strengthens humanity by transforming lives across the world, with a focus on enabling community resiliency and prosperity and uplifting communities affected by disaster. Established in 1997, The Starbucks Foundation is a Section 501(c)(3) charitable organization under U.S. law. Learn more at Starbucks Stories.
