SPOKANE, WA—Dozens of nonprofit organizations serving north Idaho have been awarded grants from the Innovia Foundation as part of its annual Community Grants program. The money will support education and youth development, health and wellbeing, arts and culture, economic opportunity, and improved quality of life. the foundation says 48 nonprofit organizations were awarded $446,000 in grants.
The Idaho Food Bank in Lewiston received $10,000; the Clearwater Economic Development Association received nearly $12,000; and the Chief Joseph Foundation received $6,000.
The foundation’s program has distributed a total of $1,089,400 in grants to 112 organizations across 20 counties in Eastern Washington and North Idaho this year.
Among the regional 2024 recipients are the Asotin County Food Bank ($10,000); Interlink ($10,000); Blue Mountain Artisan Guild ($7,500); Garfield County Fair ($13,611); Alternatives to Violence of the Palouse ($7,500); Downtown Pullman Association ($10,000); Palouse Discovery Science Center ($5,000); Clearwater County Economic Development Council ($6,445); Clearwater County Senior Citizens ($10,000); Animal Rescue Foundation in Idaho County ($2,000); City of Cottonwood ($10,000); Lewis County Community Endowment Fund ($10,000); Latah County Historical Society ($10,000) and others.
From the Innovia Foundation:
The Community Grants build upon more than $100,000 already distributed this year in recognition of the Foundation’s 50th Anniversary theme of “Celebrating Community.” Those grants are providing free and low-cost, family-friendly events that showcase cultural diversity, parades, local musicians, art fairs, museums, carousels, historic movie theaters, outdoor recreation opportunities and more.
“As Innovia marks 50 years of community impact, we recognize the importance of programs and activities that celebrate the people and places that make our region special. In this year’s Community Grants round, our local review committees aimed to prioritize proposals that align with our 50th Anniversary theme of bringing people together, while funding projects across all our impact areas,” says Innovia CEO Shelly O’Quinn.
Nonprofit organizations are the heart and soul of our communities, addressing the most critical needs and greatest opportunities. From supporting the most vulnerable to improving economic vitality to enriching our cultural landscape, nonprofits bring people and resources together to uplift lives and communities. Through the Community Grants Program, Innovia is committed to advancing the important role nonprofits fulfill in creating stability and hope in every corner of our region.
A $6,000 grant to Chief Joseph Foundation will go towards completing a community classroom that will provide a safe, positive space for students in middle and high school. The classroom will foster academics and a connection with the surrounding community and will help serve youth participating in the foundation’s horse therapy and community service programs. When the classroom is not being used for afterschool programs, it can be transitioned into a community space to further develop inclusive engagement.
A grant of $11,672 to Clearwater Economic Development Association will fund Operation Red File, which provides seniors with folders containing all their critical medical information, so first responders can more easily access information needed in a crisis. The folder attaches to the refrigerator and includes photos, allergies, medication lists and more. The organization will work with senior centers, first responders, healthcare providers and churches for program implementation.
Innovia Foundation awarded grants to the following organizations in Nez Perce County. To see the complete list of grants, please visit goinnovia.org/CommunityGrants2024.
Chief Joseph Foundation | $6,000 – Nez Perce County
Classroom Space for Community Service Programs
Clearwater Economic Development Association | $11,672 – Nez Perce County
Clearwater River Corridor Operation Red File
The Idaho Foodbank | $10,000 – Nez Perce County
Mobile Pantry Program in North Central Idaho
About Innovia Foundation
As the community foundation for Eastern Washington and North Idaho, we partner with people who want to improve their communities and make the world better. We work together to identify and respond to our region’s greatest opportunities, help those in need, and leave a lasting impact. Our mission is to ignite generosity that transforms lives and communities. We envision vibrant and sustainable communities where every person has the opportunity to thrive. Each year, Innovia Foundation invests $10 million into our communities through grants and scholarships.
