MCLEAN, Va. -- Hilton Worldwide (NYSE: HLT) today announced it is awarding more than $280,000 to 100 Hilton Worldwide properties and community organizations around the world as part of its Travel with Purpose Action Grant program. The grants are intended to support the development of local projects and strengthen the quality of life in the communities in which Hilton Worldwide's hotels and offices serve. Now in its third year, the program has awarded over $500,000 to nearly 200 community projects around the world.

"Our teams in more than 4,000 communities around the world are proud to contribute local ideas and solutions to global challenges"

All of Hilton's more than 4,350 managed, franchised, owned and leased hotels and timeshare properties, as well as offices, were eligible to develop and submit a project for consideration. This year, 420 teams developed applications to support local projects that provide unique engagement opportunities for local teams and creative approaches to address social and environmental challenges. These projects align with the company's four focus areas: creating opportunities for individuals to reach their full potential; strengthening local communities; celebrating cultures and the positive impact of travel; and living sustainably through the measurement, analysis and improvement of the use of natural resources.

"Our teams in more than 4,000 communities around the world are proud to contribute local ideas and solutions to global challenges," said Jennifer Silberman, vice president of corporate responsibility for Hilton Worldwide. "The Travel with Purpose Action Grants program provides a vehicle for our hotels and offices to work with local community organizations and develop approaches that make the best use of hotel and community resources. Our teams are invested in their communities' success and communities need businesses that are committed to making a positive impact. We see it as a win-win opportunity for everyone."

Leveraging a network of more than 1,100 community and sustainability hotel champions around the world, teams worked together to research and develop projects that would benefit the local community and drive business objectives. The scope of winning projects includes reducing food waste to help fight hunger; educating young people on water conservation; building composting and greenhouse facilities to support hotel micros gardens; delivering life skills and entrepreneurial training for underserved women; and creating mentorship programs for young people entering the hospitality industry.

About Hilton Worldwide

Hilton Worldwide (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxury and full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and focused-service hotels. For 95 years, Hilton Worldwide has been dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences. The company's portfolio of twelve world-class global brands is comprised of more than 4,350 managed, franchised, owned and leased hotels and timeshare properties, with more than 720,000 rooms in 94 countries and territories, including Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Canopy by Hilton, Curio - A Collection by Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton by Hilton, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages an award-winning customer loyalty program, Hilton HHonors®. 

About Travel with Purpose

Travel with Purpose is Hilton Worldwide's commitment to provide shared value to its business and communities around the world. As the driving strategy for Hilton Worldwide's corporate responsibility efforts, Travel with Purpose focuses on creating opportunities for individuals to reach their full potential; strengthening local communities where Team Members live, work and travel; celebrating cultures and the power of travel; and living sustainably through the measurement, analysis and improvement of the use of natural resources. Visit www.hiltonworldwide.com/corporate-responsibility and www.hiltonworldwide.com/sustainability for more information.