NORTH IDAHO
Benewah and Shoshone
Since 1974, Innovia Foundation has addressed the greatest needs and opportunities in Benewah and Shoshone Counties. As your community foundation, we increase opportunities for all people to give of their time, talent and resources to make our part of the world better.
Community Funds
Making a difference where it matters.
We are invested with one another to create a better future. Thoughtful donors, volunteers and nonprofits across our region are building community endowments, committing 5% to the causes that matter in their communities. Will you join us?
Benewah County Community Fund
Shoshone County Forever Fund
DONOR SPOTLIGHT
George Soetje Charitable Fund
Individuals and families across our region are reimagining their potential to make a difference, now and for years to come. Nearly everyone has something to share, especially when they think beyond cash on hand. Generous donors like George Soetje have transformed non-cash assets like real estate into meaningful charitable impact.
Investing in the future of your community.
What if your investment could provide for community needs, not just in your lifetime, but for the long-term? Endowed funds can do just that! Endowments are funds where the principal is invested, while a portion of the fund is distributed annually to your favorite charitable causes–forever continuing your tradition of charitable giving. Most endowments are permanent, but donors may establish a fund that distributes its balance over a set time or terminate in a certain year.
The power of an endowment is in its continuity. Your gift is preserved in perpetuity, with the funds pooled for maximum benefit and invested to achieve long-term capital growth. Endowed gifts become a part of the Community Foundation’s permanent endowment, meaning they will benefit our community forever.
LEADING LOCALLY
Leadership Councils
The Benewah and Shoshone Leadership Council is comprised of local community members who serve as trusted voices and engaged representatives from the communities where they live and work. Council members serve as ambassadors and advisors to Innovia, and advocate for philanthropy in general. Our council volunteers bring on-the-ground experience from a variety of sectors including education, health care, business, nonprofit management, elected offices, tribal governments and more. The Councils meet regularly to keep the Foundation educated about the needs and opportunities in their communities and help leverage the power of philanthropy for local impact.
Serving the nonprofit community.
We serve as a catalyst for change, bringing together donors, nonprofits, social organizations and community leaders — passionate people from all sectors and backgrounds. As the community foundation for Eastern Washington and North Idaho, we convene partners to help communities improve education, preserve the environment, promote the arts and increase the quality of life for everyone. Awards from Innovia Foundation’s competitive grant programs are determined in partnership with local volunteers from the foundation’s service area. This locally based advisory process ensures that grant opportunities address the changing needs of our communities.
GRANT SPOTLIGHT
Lighting Up Idaho with Broadband
In communities across Idaho, more than half a million residents live without internet connectivity. Access to crucial services like telemedicine, mental telehealth, learning from home and economic opportunities are disproportionately limited for individuals in rural areas. To meet this urgent need, Imagine Idaho was launched to “light up” rural Idaho by empowering local leaders to secure internet access and spur community and economic prosperity.
Kristi Rietze
North Idaho Regional Engagement Manager