The following article originally appeared on the Hilton Corporate Newsroom.
MCLEAN, Va. - Hilton Worldwide today announced the recipients of the Travel with Purpose Action Grants, which have been awarded to 26 community partners around the world. The Travel with Purpose Action Grants are part of a global effort to recognize and encourage the development of local solutions and support organizations in the communities Hilton Worldwide and its portfolio of hotels serve. Hilton Worldwide launched the grant competition this year to award a total of $130,000 to 26 deserving Hilton Worldwide offices and properties and their community partners.
Every office and property within the Hilton Worldwide portfolio had the opportunity to help award a $5,000 grant to a local organization in their community. Grants are being awarded to projects that are aligned with Hilton Worldwide's four areas of focus:
Creating Opportunities: includes programs focusing on youth development, career mentoring and workforce development in hospitality training with a focus on disadvantaged populations; promotion of diversity in our workforce, owners, and suppliers;
Strengthening Communities: includes projects that support sustainable economic growth by increasing opportunities for emerging local businesses to succeed in the global value chain; disaster preparation and resiliency; critical services including housing and hunger/food insecurity; prevention of child trafficking and support services for survivors;
Celebrating Cultures: includes education programs that foster cultural heritage, preservation and restoration of historic or cultural monuments; projects that bridge diverse cultures and foster inclusiveness and diplomacy; support for local sourcing and goods;
Living Sustainability: includes projects that assist in the protection, conservation and restoration of natural resources and habitats; projects that educate and inform the public about sustainability; support for sustainable sourcing and purchasing.
The winning projects are highly creative and hands-on, leveraging Team Member engagement and reflecting the diverse interests and needs of Hilton Worldwide's operating communities. These programs help improve the economic conditions of small farmers sourcing to Hilton Worldwide hotels, support services for child trafficking survivors, provide hands-on sustainability education and create mentorship opportunities for young people entering the hospitality industry.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Tulsa South selected the Surayya Anne Foundation - Tulsa as the 2013 Travel with Purpose Action Grant recipient for the region.