In 2008, the founders of Spokane nonprofit Terrain noticed a saddening trend: young, talented artists fleeing Spokane for cities that seemingly offered more vibrant creative communities and greater chances for success. Spokane provided little interchange between emerging artists and industry veterans. Terrain is a response to that artistic stagnation. The organization began in 2008 as […]
Terrain vitalizes Spokane’s creative economy Read More »
On the Nez Perce Reservation and in surrounding areas, young people often lack a safe, drug-free place to spend time during after-school hours. Many also lack mentorship from elder community members, creating a disconnect between newer generations and their heritage. The Chief Joseph Foundation (CJF)’s Mounted Scholars Program gives Nez Perce youth a positive after-school
Chief Joseph Foundation helps Nez Perce youth grow and connect to their heritage Read More »
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
Sandpoint conservatory offers after-school music programs to students Read More »
Barbara and Robert Johnson arrived in Pullman in 1957 to launch Robert’s 35 years as an English professor at Washington State University (WSU). It was the start of a distinguished career and a lifelong affection for the small college town. After Robert passed away in 2013, Barbara, who also worked for WSU, wanted to create
“Pullman has been a very good, supportive community. I want to help it stay that way.” Read More »
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
Film production workshop opens media-related opportunities for minorities Read More »
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
Spokane Symphony continues cherished tradition of free community concerts Read More »
In 2016, the Lewiston Civic Theatre in Idaho was forced from its long-time home in a historic building that was deemed structurally unsafe. Left without a regular place to rehearse or perform, the nonprofit organization began traveling from venue to venue to put on youth and adult shows in rented halls, local schools and other
Music, theater and dance all bring creativity, vibrancy and joy to people who live in our community and to those who travel from all around the region to experience the magic of live performance. Since 2001, Inland Northwest Opera (INO), formerly Opera Coeur d’Alene, has enriched Spokane, Coeur d’Alene and surrounding areas with its productions.
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
Philanthropic couple establishes seed fund at Innovia Foundation Read More »
David Condon’s passion for Spokane, along with his belief that it can be a model city for other municipalities, ignited a successful campaign to become Spokane’s first two-term mayor since the early 1970s. Knowing that many others share his passion for community, David and his wife Kristin established the Spokane Civic Benefit Fund. The fund
Mayor supports Spokane through civic benefit fund Read More »
