Formerly a vice president at Whitworth University for 17 years, and now CEO of Spokane Teachers Credit Union since 2011, Tom Johnson understands the positive impact a strong nonprofit organization can have in a community. “I’ve spent my entire career in the nonprofit realm,” Tom said. “Whether it’s through professional or personal activities, I’m committed […]
The unemployment rate for Native Americans in Pend Oreille County – which includes the Kalispel Reservation – is almost five times the state rate. Older workers are retiring fast, and young adults often lack the skills necessary to replace them. In addition, the housing shortage on the Kalispel Reservation is responsible for major overcrowding, with
Kalispel Tribe gives unemployed community members vocational training Read More »
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 »
Howard W. Wildin II believed education improved lives. So when he asked in his will that the local Newport-Priest River Rotary Club use a portion of his estate to better his community through education, his fellow Rotarians turned to Innovia Foundation to help make it happen. In 2017, with Howard’s gift, the club established an
Newport-Priest River Rotary funds benefit education Read More »
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
Nonprofit vitalizes rural communities in the Palouse with leadership training courses 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 »
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
Nonprofit vitalizes rural communities with leadership training courses Read More »
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
Global Neighborhood provides job training for former refugees Read More »
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
Family Promise of the Palouse supports homeless families’ long-term success Read More »
Entrepreneurship is vital to the economy of the Spokane region. It drives ideas and innovation, creates new jobs and services, and attracts investment into the community. Spokane Area Business Foundation received a Community Strategies grant from Innovia Foundation for Greater Spokane Inc. Startup Spokane to help entrepreneurs get their business ideas off the ground and into the marketplace. The
