Idaho Community Foundation Strives to Give More Than Funding
They were straightforward questions, added to provide greater help in a time of greater complication.
"Aside from funding, what else do you need?" and "How else can we serve you better?" were simple additions to the grant application for Idaho Community Foundation (ICF) during the COVID-19 pandemic. But their inclusion marked a significant turning point for the 35-year-old organization. "We rely on our nonprofit partners to create better community outcomes, and we believe it's counterproductive to meddle in the details of how they do their work," explains Lisa Bearg, Senior Philanthropic Advisor for ICF.
ICF grant recipients work for the welfare of Idahoans and strive to build resilient communities.
Bingham Crisis Center has been an ICF grant recipient for over a decade. This recent change in ICF's grantmaking strategy and the introduction of the Forever Idaho grant, opened new avenues for the Center. "ICF's 'undesignated' funds helped us fill in all the gaps — we started to tap into funding differently," says Scott Smith, Director of the Center and member of the East Idaho Regional Council. Instead of needing to fit projects into predefined categories, Smith began to reflect on what the organization needed to grow.
Forever Idaho, provides $1 million grants to address the state's greatest challenges while recognizing that community needs shift over time and grantees with greater flexibility can better respond to the issues they consider most pressing.
Shifting power dynamics
ICF, headquartered in Boise, has transformed charitable giving in the gem state by moving more towards community-driven philanthropy. Donors have the option to convert their donor-advised funds (DAFs) to designated funds or can contribute to the Forever Idaho Fund. The approach empowers Regional Council members — Idahoans who volunteer their time — to leverage their expertise and local knowledge to advise on how, where, and whom to support. ICF trusts these members to understand local needs, connect with communities, and make informed grant decisions.
ICF staff regularly volunteer at various nonprofits, including the United Way Book Drive, to offer hands-on support.
In a rural state like Idaho, Bearg says, the true subject matter experts are those living in these communities.
"We are learning alongside communities and transferring decision-making power to the people living and working in every corner of Idaho," she explains. "Our philosophy is that no one knows the needs and solutions for Bear Lake County better than the people living in Bear Lake."
Smith exemplifies this shift. For over a decade, he received grants from ICF to support his Bingham Crisis Center, providing crucial support and resources to individuals and families in crisis. In 2023, he received a unique invitation to join the ICF's East Regional Council, advising on the Forever Idaho Regional Grant program. Despite being a grantee himself, he reluctantly accepted this position to represent the voice of the community and help secure grants for it. In this new role, he helps steer grant distributions by harnessing his direct knowledge of local needs, blending experience with impact to drive meaningful change.
Smith, along with local volunteers and partners, organized a "Color Run" event to raise funds for their center.
"I'm here in the community, and I'm a spokesperson for (ICF) because they have been that way for us for decades," Smith explains. "The best part of my job is finding opportunities to talk to people, network with organizations, and build a supportive community."
Through these meetings, Smith connected with various community members, learned about their issues, and shared his own experiences and knowledge. These interactions not only deepened his understanding of the community but also helped him spread the word about the Bingham Crisis Center. As a result, people came forward to support his cause, donating items and partnering with organizations that provided food, clothes, and legal aid.
Ultimately, this decentralized approach allows ICF to have a more holistic impact throughout Idaho.
Relationship-building goes a long way
The ICF team members celebrate the Idaho Nonprofit Center's Idaho Gives campaign, an annual statewide fundraising event that supports local nonprofits by encouraging donations from individuals and businesses across Idaho.
From monthly virtual hangouts to biweekly in-person chats, ICF has an open-door policy and it ensures that they're always in touch with the nonprofits they support.
Giraffe Laugh, an organization that provides high-quality early childhood education and care, has been one of those nonprofits for nearly 20 years.
"ICF is an integral part of our work," says Lori Fascilla, Executive Director of Giraffe Laugh. "I realized that we needed to build a relationship with 'the gatekeepers' of the grants — those who may not be on the program team making the final decisions but are instrumental in presenting to those who do."
This strategic approach helped her organization navigate the grant landscape more effectively, turning connections into opportunities and fostering a supportive network.
Giraffe Laugh students are coming together to break ground at their new location in Boise.
"(ICF is) spreading the word about our work in the community with people we don't have access to, and that's magical," Fascilla adds. "We have gifts come our way that have nothing to do with ICF. They even connected us with the Dan and Micki Chapin Fund, who contributed $250,000 to our capital campaign!"
The Dan and Micki Chapin Fund is a family foundation in Idaho that focuses on promoting affordable housing, particularly homeownership.
"We're committed to demystifying the grant-making process and empowering nonprofits with the knowledge and confidence they need," Bearg shares. "By making ourselves available and approachable, we build trust and ensure that every organization feels supported and informed."
Community first approach
Regional Council members representing East Idaho leverage their expertise to guide decisions for the Forever Idaho grant cycles.
With over $175 million granted across all 44 Idaho counties and more than $12 million allocated annually to nonprofits, community organizations, and students, ICF aims to create a positive change throughout the state. Their goal to reach $20 million in annual awards by 2028 reflects an ambitious vision rooted in their founders' original intent: to serve not just urban centers but every corner of Idaho.
"The warmth and inclusivity I feel from ICF, whether I'm new or a longtime partner, are a testament to their impact," Smith says. "They've built a network of trust and support that not only empowers nonprofits but also fosters a culture of giving and collaboration across the state."
ICF's personal, community-driven strategy not only expands its reach but also deepens its impact. And perhaps most importantly, the approach shows that putting communities first creates boundless possibilities.
