Early on during the pandemic, the Lincoln County Economic Development Council noticed a gap in many small business grant programs under Washington’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy order. Businesses that had been in operation for less than 12 months were ineligible to apply for many of the federal and statewide small business grant opportunities. Innovia moved […]
Tri County Community Fund: Putting Local Dollars to Work “If you love your community, you need to invest in your community.” Inspired by this vision, an anonymous local donor established the Northeast Washington Community Fund to meet the greatest needs of Stevens, Ferry and Pend Oreille counties for generations to come. By expanding services that
“If you love your community, you need to invest in your community.” Read More »
During a summer when the pandemic significantly reduced vitally needed enrichment activities for children, a $1,000 grant from Innovia enabled the Blue Mountain Artisan Guild (BMAG) to offer a curbside pick-up art program for youth who live in the rural wheat farming communities of southeastern Washington. The program provided children ages 2 to 17 with
Sparking Kids’ Creativity Read More »
During a pandemic, much of the focus shifts to cities with denser populations, but smaller communities also suffer in ways that are unique from their larger counterparts. During a national food shortage, food access can be especially tenuous in remote locations. With a population of just 94, White Bird, Idaho is one of dozens of
Idaho Foodbank: Feeding North Idaho Read More »
The stress and uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic has left many in need of mental health support. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Far North seeks to raise awareness about mental health needs and to support those in Bonner and Boundary counties who find their lives disrupted by mental health challenges. A $5,000 grant
NAMI Far North: Addressing the Mental Health Crisis Read More »
In a city where university students are critical to the economy and rental properties constitute 65% of total housing, the pandemic quickly created an affordable housing crisis for many Pullman residents. Thanks to a $10,000 COVID-19 Response and Recovery grant from Innovia, the Community Action Center was able to support a Housing Solutions Program that
Community Action Center: Shelter in the Storm Read More »
The Carl Maxey Center in Spokane bridges a vital gap in connecting Spokane’s African American community to critically needed resources. A $20,000 grant to The Carl Maxey Center in Spokane supported their efforts to create a safety net to keep our businesses from losing ground and to develop a bridge to get us through the
Carl Maxey Center: Bridging Divides Read More »
Quality service is service with a smile. This foundational principle of the restaurant and hospitality industry has become increasingly difficult to uphold for the thousands of workers facing COVID-fueled job cuts and health worries. As a former chef in the restaurant industry and the current Spokane director for Big Table, Chris Dietz knows the pressure workers face all too well: “If that smile goes away, so does the money. It’s
Big Table Responds to Pandemic Needs Read More »
Diane J. Kiepe, Principal Douglas Eden For Diane Kiepe, generosity has always been a deep commitment. Raised in a working class family as the daughter of a career naval officer, Diane witnessed firsthand her families’ commitment to generosity. “Sharing was always an expectation—a joyful expectation- not something we did begrudgingly.” Diane has lived out that
Professional Advisor Spotlight: Diane J. Kiepe, Douglas Eden Read More »
The Ray & Joan Kroc Center in Coeur d’Alene adheres to the mission of founder Joan Kroc. She entrusted The Salvation Army with $90 million to build the first Kroc Center in San Diego in 2002, and there are now 26 centers across the country built on her eventual $1.5 billion investment. Joan envisioned that
