Photo courtesy of Angelina Villalobos
2023

Strengthening
Arts & Culture

The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation's Year In Review

Courtesy of Rhizome
2023

Empowering
Youth

The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation's Year In Review

2023

Protecting
Species & Ecosystems

The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation's Year In Review

2023 Year in Review

A Letter from Lara Littlefield

As we usher in 2024, the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation is thrilled to highlight the achievements of our 2023 grantees and announce the continued support of several key initiatives, including a renewal of our first-year partnership of the Community Accelerator Grant with ArtsFund. We are also proud to fund the second year of the Slingshot Challenge in collaboration with the National Geographic Society. In addition, the Earthshot Prize enters its third year, reflecting our consistent support for innovative environmental solutions and the Global FinPrint program, a crucial marine life and conservation effort, is extending its valuable work building upon its earlier success. 

These strategic reinvestments in program extensions are designed to unlock new potential and amplify the impact of our grantees. By extending the runway for continued success, we seek to enable these visionaries to delve deeper into their projects, refine their approaches, and build on existing strengths and successes. While we take different approaches in our diverse focus areas, all our grantmaking is about the power of what is possible and ultimately seeks to foster lasting positive change in our communities and beyond.

Communities everywhere are brimming with individuals and groups doing remarkable work. We recognize the transformative power of arts and culture, and support projects that uplift these aspects, enriching lives and fostering unity and understanding. By focusing our support on organizations that serve diverse groups including Black, Indigenous, people of color, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, and people living in rural areas, we are supporting those who are at the forefront of driving change, improving the quality of life for everyone.     

We partnered with artists to share their work and thoughts about the arts sector on social media. Seattle-based muralist Angelina Villalobos said, "Public art is a universal language that brings communities together."
The youth participating in Rhizome are not only the participants, but also the leaders in this student-led grassroots program to expand civic engagement among high schoolers.
 
Photo courtesy Angelina Villalobos
We partnered with artists to share their work and thoughts about the arts sector on social media. Seattle-based muralist Angelina Villalobos said, "Public art is a universal language that brings communities together."
Photo Courtesy Rhizome
The youth participating in Rhizome are not only the participants, but also the leaders in this student-led grassroots program to expand civic engagement among high schoolers.

Upcoming leaders are already dedicated to addressing the environmental and social challenges that define our times. Our role is simple: give them the tools they need and let them take charge. Today’s youth are involved, motivated, and bursting with innovative concepts. They hold the seeds for a promising future, and by supporting them early on in their journey, we get to witness their ideas taking root and blossoming over time.

Lastly, we hold tightly to the possibility of creating a world where we save iconic species and heal damaged ecosystems.  Even though environmental crises can seem insurmountable, there are reasons to hope. By working together, sharing data and information, using better technology and exploring new studies that advance our understanding, we can turn things around by increasing biodiversity and mitigating climate change.
 
This report features several key 2023 standout grantee accomplishments that reflect our commitment to enhancing community, inspiring young people, and conserving wildlife and natural habitats. At the foundation, we are continuously inspired by our grantee partners as they tirelessly channel their energy and innovation, converting potential into tangible change and revealing the true power of possibility. 

  
Lara Littlefield
Executive Director, Programs & Partnerships



Our Year In Review