Spokane, WA. September 20, 2021 — Innovia Foundation announces the launch of the Bonner and Boundary Forever Fund to benefit nonprofit organizations and charitable causes throughout Bonner and Boundary counties in North Idaho.
This new fund came to fruition through the vision of the Bonner and Boundary Counties Leadership Council whose members serve as volunteer ambassadors and advocates for philanthropy within their communities. Galvanized by an anonymous matching gift challenge of $5,000, council members have seeded the endowment with $9,400 in contributions.
“I see it in my work every day. People who live in Bonner and Boundary counties care deeply about our communities,” said Chris Bessler, Innovia Leadership Council member and CEO of Keokee, a media and marketing company in Sandpoint. “The Bonner and Boundary Forever Fund is a way for almost everyone to contribute in a way that will help people and our towns flourish for generations to come.”
Innovia Foundation is grateful to partner with the Bonner and Boundary Counties Leadership Council in launching this fund. “Regional funds allow donors to make a local impact and give back to the towns and cities where they live, work and play,” said Shelly O’Quinn, CEO of Innovia Foundation. “We are eager to support local leaders whose trusted voices help guide and catalyze change in their communities. This newly created regional fund is another perfect example of leadership in action.”
The Bonner and Boundary Counties Leadership Council is one of 10 regional Leadership Councils comprised of local leaders and trusted voices who guide
grantmaking priorities within Innovia’s 20-county service region. The Leadership Councils foster meaningful discussion around the needs of local communities and promote philanthropic and strategic initiatives, like the 5% transfer of wealth campaign.
The combined net worth of Bonner and Boundary counties stands at $16.7 billion, with an estimated $2 billion expected to transfer generations within the next 10 years. If just 5% of this wealth was gifted back to the community, an endowed community fund could reach over $99 million and support $4.5 million in annual grantmaking after just 5 years. Inspired by the transformational impact of leaving just 5%, the Bonner and Boundary Counties Leadership Council invites the community to contribute to the endowment.
Contributions will ensure flexible, sustainable funding is available to meet the evolving needs of local communities for years to come. To learn more about the vision driving the Bonner and Boundary Forever Fund, or to contribute, visit The Bonner Boundary Forever Fund.
Innovia Foundation ignites generosity that transforms lives and communities so that every person has the opportunity to thrive. As the community foundation for Eastern Washington and North Idaho, we partner with people who want to make our world better. We work together to address and solve our region’s problems, help those in need, identify and respond to our greatest opportunities and leave a lasting impact. Last year, Innovia Foundation invested over $10 million into our communities through grants and scholarships to nonprofit organizations and local students.
