Bonner County - Innovia Foundation

Couple creates scholarship fund for high-achieving students with financial need

As the first person in his extended family to earn a college degree, Mark Burkett knows firsthand the difference higher education can make in one’s life. Thanks to a scholarship, Mark was able to attend the University of Pacific, where he earned a degree in electrical engineering. Now retired after a successful 26-year career in […]

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Newport-Priest River Rotary funds benefit education

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Howard W. Wildin II believed education improved lives. So when he asked in his will that the local Newport-Priest River Rotary Club use a portion of his estate to better his community through education, his fellow Rotarians turned to Innovia Foundation to help make it happen. In 2017, with Howard’s gift, the club established an

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Sandpoint conservatory offers after-school music programs to students

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The Music Conservatory of Sandpoint understands how significant music is to community and youth development. “Being successful in learning music can provide a foundation for success in a student’s other endeavors, both personal and academic,” said Karin Wedemeyer, executive director of the conservatory. A $13,500 Equinox Foundation grant from Innovia Foundation aided the conservatory in

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Kaniksu Land Trust plans 160-acre community forest

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A 2017 summer camp held by Kaniksu Land Trust (KLT) allowed disadvantaged children to play in forests and wetlands, climb trees, build shelters and have other adventures in nature. KLT’s outdoor educator Dave reluctantly told the kids that the 75 acres they were playing on would be sold that September. Many of the kids wanted

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Lake Pend Oreille Waterkeeper keeps local waters swimmable, fishable and drinkable

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Thousands of Bonner County residents and visitors visit Lake Pend Oreille and the Pend Oreille river to swim and fish. The lake and river also provide a source of clean water for drinking and irrigation. But the water does not stay clean on its own, especially due to water pollutants such as pesticides, wastewater and

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Panhandle Alliance for Education supports kindergarten learning readiness

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In 2008, nearly half of children entering kindergarten in Sandpoint, Idaho, tested below proficiency for learning readiness. This was due largely to the fact that many families in the rural and underserved area don’t have access to affordable preschool. Recognizing the critical need, the Panhandle Alliance for Education (PAFE) — a nonprofit organization that supports

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Idaho Trails Association maintains the beauty of North Idaho

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With over 19,000 miles of hiking trails, the beautiful state of Idaho is a playground for outdoor adventurers from around the U.S. and the world. The Idaho Trails Association (ITA) is a nonprofit organization that works with volunteers to care for these trails and keep them accessible and enjoyable for hikers of all ages. The

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Community kitchen supports entrepreneurs and feeds the hungry

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They say the kitchen is the heart of the home, but it can also be the heart of a community. A Community Strategies grant from Innovia Foundation will help Bonner County Economic Development Council and Kitchen Spokane in their joint effort to open a nonprofit commercial kitchen in North Idaho. Located at the Bonner Mall

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Philanthropic couple establishes seed fund at Innovia Foundation

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In 2009, Roger and Teresa Woodworth established an endowed donor-advised seed fund at Innovia Foundation to benefit general charitable causes the family supports. Rather than funding these causes all at once, a seed fund allows donors to donate a small amount each year for a set period of time until the fund reaches the desired

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