The Pacific Life Foundation announced today that it expects to award $100,000 to nonprofits throughout the greater Lynchburg, Virginia area in 2017 and has already awarded $65,000 to seven nonprofits since the beginning of the year. Supporting communities where Pacific Life employees work and live, the Pacific Life Foundation expects to contribute a total of $6.25 million in grants nationwide in 2017.

The grants will be awarded in the areas of arts and culture; civic, community and environment; education; and health and human services. The 2017 recipients include:

Academy Center of the Arts

Dedicated to serving the Lynchburg community through arts and culture, the Pacific Life Foundation grant will support the restoration and re-opening of the historic Academy Theatre which is set to open in 2018 and host more than 150 performances, events and activities annually.

Alzheimer’s Association, Central and Western Virginia Chapter

Core programs include education, counseling and a 24-hour helpline offered at no charge to individuals and families living with dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Amazement Square

An award-winning hands-on children’s museum in downtown Lynchburg, its Accessible Learning for Underserved Youth program allows free outreach programs and free admission for children to the interactive museum.

American Red Cross of Blue Ridge

The Disaster Services, Preparedness, Response and Recovery Program ensures life-saving services are immediately available to all people in the Blue Ridge, Virginia service area.

Iron Lives Inc.

I am Responsible for Overcoming Negativity (IRON) provides free programing for secondary schools and is designed to help develop youth in areas of academics, professionalism, leadership, and respect and community service.

Miriam’s House

The Magnolia Street Supportive Housing program provides chronically homeless women in Lynchburg with housing and supportive services in order to address their needs and lower homelessness among the most vulnerable.

United Way of Central Virginia

The Pacific Life Foundation will support the Education Readiness Initiative’s bold goal of having 90 percent of third graders pass their reading proficiency tests by 2025.

Pacific Life and the Pacific Life Foundation are committed to being an employer of choice and community partner in Lynchburg. Since launching operations in summer 2016, more than 100 employees have been hired at Pacific Life’s new business center in Lynchburg. Additionally, the Pacific Life employee volunteer team, known as the ‘Good Guys,’ comprised of passionate individuals who are dedicated to making a difference in the community, was formed and will provide volunteer support to local nonprofits.

For additional details about the Pacific Life Foundation’s programs, visit www.PacificLifeFoundation.com.

About Pacific Life and the Pacific Life Foundation

The Pacific Life Foundation was established in 1984. Together with Pacific Life, the Foundation has contributed more than $100 million to community and national nonprofit organizations. Grants are made to organizations that address a broad spectrum of social needs.

Offering insurance since 1868, Pacific Life provides a wide range of insurance products, annuities, and mutual funds, and offers a variety of investment products and services to individuals, businesses, and pension plans. Pacific Life counts more than half of the 100 largest U.S. companies as its clients. For additional company information, including current financial strength ratings, visit www.PacificLife.com.

Pacific Life refers to Pacific Life Insurance Company and its affiliates, including Pacific Life & Annuity Company. Client count as of June 2016 is compiled by Pacific Life using the 2016 FORTUNE 500® list.