Spokane, WA, October 29, 2024 – Innovia Foundation recently announced the first round of Eastern Washington and North Idaho communities selected for the Community Heart & Soul® initiative. The seven communities will be embarking on a two-year long journey to engage residents in identifying what they love the most about their community, what future they want for it and how to achieve it.

The first round of grants from Innovia will support the following communities:

• Cheney, WA
• Oakesdale, WA
• Pullman, WA
• Elk City, ID
• Harrington, WA
• Garfield, WA
• Pomeroy, WA

Community Heart & Soul is open to communities with a population of 30,000 or less in Innovia’s 20-county service area. The program follows three guiding principles to engage and improve communities: involve everyone, focus on what matters most and play the long game. Selected communities will each receive a $30,000 grant from Innovia to support community-based project coordinators and activities for up to two years. During that time, communities build a network of volunteers and partners, find common ground and shared goals, and create an action plan to be incorporated into future decisions.

“As rural cities and towns seek new ways to enrich their communities, it is crucial for residents to unite in prioritizing what they value,” says Shelly O’Quinn, CEO of Innovia Foundation. “We look forward to collaborating with each of the seven communities as we work to build vibrant and sustainable communities through the Community Heart & Soul process.”

Outcomes, such as increased participation in community decision-making, increased volunteerism, greater investment in community-supported programs and increased economic development, have been achieved in towns involved in the Community Heart & Soul program across the United States.

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.

About Community Heart & Soul

Community Heart & Soul, a nonprofit organization, builds stronger, healthier and more economically vibrant small cities and towns across the United States. In addition to promoting the Community Heart & Soul model, the organization trains and supports a nationwide network of Certified Community Heart & Soul Coaches who provide training and guidance to over 120 local communities. The organization is currently offering $10,000 Seed Grants to qualifying small cities and towns to start the Community Heart & Soul process.