J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation
/OVERVIEW: This funder primarily supports education in Idaho. Some local community groups in Idaho receive support as well. It does not accept unsolicited grant requests.
IP TAKE: K-12 education is a priority for this Boise-based funder. Grantmaking shifted a few years ago to focus on learning in all types of settings—not just the classroom.
PROFILE: The J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation is dedicated to “raising awareness and expanding ways to learn; and to enhancing sense of place and community for all Idahoans.” Joseph Albert (J.A.) Albertson grew up and went to school in Idaho, and later moved up the career ranks of the Safeway supermarket chain. He started the Albertson’s grocery chain and is credited with pioneering the “complete one-stop, self-service supermarket concept.”
J.A. and his wife Kathryn established the family foundation in 1966 with a focus on education. Now that they have passed away, the couple’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren are heavily involved.
This foundation has made well over $700 million in grants to Idaho communities. Most of the grantmaking is education-based and goes to areas where the founders lived and worked. K-12 education, high school graduation and college readiness are hot topics, here. Other than education, the foundation has made community investments for veteran transitions, suicide prevention, local parks, youth programs and teen mothers. Out-of-school learning, job training and teacher training are other interests.
Subject area reports that the foundation has assembled with its partners can be viewed here. Unsurprisingly, education is the most common report topic, with discussion of issues like workforce readiness, professional development, and educator benefits.
Unfortunately for grant seekers, the foundation does not accept unsolicited requests. However, submit an inquiry to the staff via online form. Jaime Jo Scott, the great granddaughter of Joe and Kathryn Albertson, serves as the foundation president and leads a staff of 11. Members of the Albertson family also serve on an eight-member board of directors.
Keep up with the foundation's activities and interests at its news section.
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