Community Stories - Innovia Foundation

Lake Pend Oreille Waterkeeper keeps local waters swimmable, fishable and drinkable

Thousands of Bonner County residents and visitors visit Lake Pend Oreille and the Pend Oreille river to swim and fish. The lake and river also provide a source of clean water for drinking and irrigation. But the water does not stay clean on its own, especially due to water pollutants such as pesticides, wastewater and […]

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Medical research institute seeks cure for ALS

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Each year, over 5,600 people are newly diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), which gradually deteriorates motor neurons in the brain and usually causes death within three to five years. As their muscles atrophy, ALS sufferers slowly lose the ability to move, eat, speak and – eventually – breathe. Medical professionals are as helpless to

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Nonprofit vitalizes rural communities with leadership training courses

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Rural Development Initiatives (RDI) is a nonprofit organization committed to supporting rural communities in today’s challenging economy. One of RDI’s primary methods of vitalizing rural communities is its Rural Community Leadership Program, a highly interactive course that is designed for a varied set of community members. Innovia Foundation, Avista, and Empire Health Foundation are the

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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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Family Promise of the Palouse supports homeless families’ long-term success

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Since 2013, 53 homeless families with children in Latah County, Idaho, and Whitman County, Wash., have turned to Family Promise of the Palouse for help getting back on their feet. Family Promise of the Palouse was awarded a Community Strategies grant at Innovia Foundation to aid its mission of serving families in need. The grant will fund a portion of the

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Panhandle Alliance for Education supports kindergarten learning readiness

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In 2008, nearly half of children entering kindergarten in Sandpoint, Idaho, tested below proficiency for learning readiness. This was due largely to the fact that many families in the rural and underserved area don’t have access to affordable preschool. Recognizing the critical need, the Panhandle Alliance for Education (PAFE) — a nonprofit organization that supports

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