Entergy Corporation and the Entergy Charitable Foundation have announced grants this year totaling more than $7.9 million to 565 nonprofit organizations across Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.

More than half the grants were awarded to organizations that provide bill payment assistance to residential customers, education, and social programs in diverse and underrepresented communities, while the remaining funding was awarded in support of education, workforce development, the arts, and community improvement initiatives in regions served by Entergy. Since the beginning of the year, Entergy and the foundation have awarded more than $3 million to organizations that provide social services, more than $2 million in support of education and literacy, and approximately $1 million to organizations that support diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Recipients include the United Negro College Fund, which works to ensure every young person has access to resources and opportunities needed to achieve their full potential; the American Indian College Fund to provide scholarships to Native American and Alaska Native students; and Tougaloo College for student scholarships. In addition to the grants, Entergy employees and retirees engaged in more than 35,200 hours of volunteer service this year.

“Everyone deserves an opportunity to be successful,” said Patty Riddlebarger, Entergy’s vice president of corporate social responsibility. “That is why we are committed to contributing funds and volunteering with community partners who are touching the lives of minority students and people who often times need help accessing the tools and resources needed to be successful.”

(Photo credit: Getty Images/FG Trade)