PORTLAND, Ore.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Standard Charitable Foundation, Standard Insurance Company’s charitable foundation announced four grants totaling $60,000.

“At The Standard, we believe it’s important to support nonprofit organizations that increase community health and livability”

“At The Standard, we believe it’s important to support nonprofit organizations that increase community health and livability,” said Greg Ness, president of The Standard Charitable Foundation and chairman, president and CEO of The Standard. “These grants will help establish affordable housing, teach young people about personal finance and help those affected by disasters receive the assistance they need.”

The recipients are:

Albertina Kerr Centers: $25,000 was awarded to Albertina Kerr Centers to support the construction of 120 units of workforce housing on their property in Gresham. Albertina Kerr Centers empowers people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health challenges, and other social barriers to lead self-determined lives and reach their full potential.

Junior Achievement of Oregon and Southwest Washington: $15,000 was awarded to Junior Achievement of Oregon and Southwest Washington in support of JA Finance Park. JA Finance Park helps middle and high school students build a foundation upon which they can make intelligent financial decisions that last a lifetime.

Matthew 25: Ministries: $10,000 was awarded to the national disaster-relief nonprofit Matthew 25: Ministries (M25M) to support a facility expansion project at their headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio. M25M ships more than 15,000,000 pounds of humanitarian aid each year, most recently to residents affected by severe flooding in the Midwest.

Mercy Corps: $10,000 was awarded to Portland, Oregon-based Mercy Corps’ Community Investment Trust (CIT) program. The CIT is an innovative wealth-building program that allows low-income residents to become investors and own equity in a community-owned commercial property. This grant will assist with the “Moving from Owing to Owning” curriculum which is a prerequisite to becoming an investor in the CIT.

The foundation’s giving is separate from the corporate giving of The Standard. Since 2007, The Standard Charitable Foundation, The Standard and its employees and retirees have contributed more than $35 million in grants and social investments. To learn more about The Standard Charitable Foundation, please visit www.standard.com/foundation.

About The Standard Charitable Foundation

The Standard Charitable Foundation is the charitable foundation of The Standard. Founded in 2006, the foundation’s mission is to make a positive difference in communities by supporting community development, education, disability and health organizations. While the foundation has a broad goal of making a positive difference in communities, it places special emphasis on helping individuals and families who have experienced a loss or setback such as a major disability or the loss of a loved one. Since 2007, The Standard, its employees and retirees and The Standard Charitable Foundation have contributed more than $35 million in grants and social investments.

About The Standard

The Standard is a family of companies dedicated to helping you achieve financial well-being and peace of mind. In business since 1906, we are a leading provider of financial protection products and services for employers and individuals. Our products include group and individual disability insurance, group life, dental and vision insurance, voluntary (employee-paid) benefits, absence management services, and retirement plans and annuities for employers and individuals. For more information about The Standard, visit www.standard.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.