Spokane 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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“Camp made me the resilient, compassionate and optimistic leader that I never expected to develop into.”

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Camp Fire is a national organization devoted to helping youth develop responsibility, realize individual potential and identity, and “find their spark.” Camp Fire Inland Northwest runs 20 year-round clubs and two summer camps, giving youth between ages 3 and 18 the opportunity for fellowship and personal growth. A $10,000 Community Strategies grant from Innovia Foundation

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Scholarship honors late educator by supporting Cheney High School seniors

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Phil Snowdon, a beloved educator who died of cancer in 2007, will continue to shape generations of young lives through the Phil Snowdon Scholarship. The scholarship was established in his honor by his wife, Suzanne, at Northeast Washington Education Council (NEWEC). The fund provides annual distributions to NEWEC to award a Phil Snowdon Scholarship each

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Shelter feeds and houses Spokane’s homeless youth

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Each year, 500 teens turn to Crosswalk for a warm meal, a hot shower and refuge from the streets. For more than 32 years, the emergency youth shelter has provided life-saving and life-changing programs to address youth homelessness in Spokane. “Crosswalk is a place of hope, strength and safety for young people who would otherwise

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Film production workshop opens media-related opportunities for minorities

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In Spokane, the percentage of women and minorities working in film production is low or – in some areas – close to non-existent. Community-Minded Enterprises (CME), which owns local television station CMTV14, is committed to increasing representation for women and minorities in this field. A $25,000 Community Strategies grant from Innovia Foundation helped to fund

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Community funding partners invest in the education of Spokane’s youth

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Along with eight other funders, Innovia Foundation is investing in the education – and thus the future success – of Spokane youth. By supporting at-risk students and helping local non-profits interact with schools, the Community Partners for Middle School Success (CPMSS) fund aims to improve educational attainment for students at Shaw and Garry middle schools.

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SCRAPS Hope Foundation gives a second chance to thousands of abused and abandoned pets

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Each year, Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service (SCRAPS) helps give a second chance to more than 10,000 abandoned, abused and homeless pets. Before they can be placed in new homes, most of the cats, dogs and other animals need vaccinations and essential medical care. With no in-house veterinary care, SCRAPS staff spend several hours

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Global Neighborhood provides job training for former refugees

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For the more than 500 former refugees who come to Spokane each year in search of a better life, the transition isn’t easy. Among many other challenges, language and cultural barriers make it nearly impossible to find employment. Global Neighborhood received a grant from Innovia Foundation to support its mission of helping former refugees earn

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Spokane Symphony continues cherished tradition of free community concerts

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Each Labor Day weekend, families from around Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho gather in two of the area’s beautiful parks to experience a special outdoor performance by the Spokane Symphony. The professional performing arts organization marks the end of summer with free concerts at both Comstock Park in Spokane and Pavilion Park in Liberty Lake. The concerts draw 11,000 attendees each

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College Success Foundation lets low-income high schoolers explore college options

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The road to a college degree can be difficult for low-income, minority and first-generation students. In addition to lacking financial resources, first-generation students may not have anyone in their lives to help them explore their college options, apply for college and financial aid, and understand what they need to do in high school to prepare

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