For Hyatt, philanthropy begins at home - in the communities in which we serve. And through Hyatt Thrive, our global corporate responsibility platform, we know no one better understands a community's most pressing issues - and their solutions - than those who live and work there. That's why we put our associates in the driver's seat when it comes to giving back.

Since beginning the Hyatt Community Grants program in 2008, local Hyatt associates have directed more than $US1.3 million in funding to nonprofit organizations in 103 communities and 34 countries globally. This holiday, we're honored to share the 26 organizations receiving Hyatt Community Grants in 2012, as a direct result of local hotel and Hyatt office nominations. Each organization represents efforts in one or more of the four Hyatt Thrive pillars: education and personal advancement; economic development and investment; health and wellness; or environmental sustainability.

We Need Your Support

We're upping the ante this year and putting the power in the hands of the broader community. Now through December 31, your votes on Facebook will determine which of the 26 grant recipients will receive additional funding from us. The organization with the most votes will receive an additional US$10,000, and the second and third place organizations will each receive an additional US$5,000.

In the video below, Brigitta Witt, VP of Corporate Responsibility, invites you to join in: