ORIX Foundation has announced more than $1.3 million in grants to 82 North Texas nonprofit organizations that focus on the region’s vulnerable populations, including children at risk, impoverished families and veterans.

The Foundation was created in 2009 by ORIX America employees to encourage employee philanthropy and support nonprofits that meet the needs of families and children. The work of the organization continues to be predominantly managed by ORIX Americas employees who volunteer countless hours of their time to fundraise, conduct site visits, review grant requests and otherwise operate the foundation. ORIX Foundation also has a match program that doubles the charitable contributions and fundraising of each ORIX Americas employee up to $10,000 annually.

“Providing capital for worthwhile opportunities is a common thread in all our work at ORIX Americas. Our employees apply this expertise to ORIX Foundation’s community grants as well, investing in ventures that strengthen families and the region,” said Carol Greene, Director of ORIX Foundation.

Donations made by ORIX Americas employees are matched by the corporation, and more than 99 cents of every dollar donated to ORIX Foundation is invested in community grants. Since the Foundation was launched in 2009, philanthropic giving has reached $5.8 million. This most recent round of grants totaling more than $1.3 million includes:

• Children at Risk. $690,750 to 46 organizations that advocate for and protect North Texas children and teens. This includes $60,000 to Dallas CASA to fund expanded recruitment and training of volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocates that serve abused and neglected children in Dallas County.
• Basic Needs. $323,000 to 18 organizations that provide basic needs like food, clothing and shelter to families and individuals. This includes $50,000 to the New Beginning Center to fund basic needs, education, counseling and more for adults and children affected by domestic violence.
• Health. $165,500 to nine organizations to fund programs that boost public health or assist individuals with disabilities. This includes $50,000 to the Retina Foundation to fund vision testing and research for kids with degenerative eye disorders.
• Veterans. $78,000 to five organizations that address the specific issues and needs of U.S. veterans and their families. This includes $50,000 to the United Services Organization to fund programs for troops and family members including "United thru Reading" DVD and book recording program for deployed soldiers.
• Empowerment. $83,000 to four organizations that provide intervention programs to build self-sufficiency for individuals and families. This includes $45,000 to Family Gateway to fund the Family Services Program, part of the Transitional Housing Program at the Annette Strauss Family Gateway Center.

ORIX Americas is a diversified financial company with assets in sectors spanning commercial finance, venture finance, commercial real estate and public finance. Its operating subsidiaries include Houlihan Lokey, RED Capital Group and Mariner Investment Group. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, ORIX Americas and its subsidiaries have more than 1,400 employees and offices in major cities including New York, Los Angeles, London and Tokyo. For more information on ORIX Americas, visit www.orix.com.