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Portneuf Health Trust

Annual Giving
$0.1M
Grant Range
$1K - $0.0M
Decision Time
3mo

Portneuf Health Trust

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $135,000-$140,000 (to United Way of Southeastern Idaho for community health grants)
  • Grant Range: Varies by program through United Way
  • Geographic Focus: Southeastern Idaho (Bannock, Caribou, Franklin, and Oneida counties)
  • Application Method: Through United Way of Southeastern Idaho annual process
  • Accepts Unsolicited Applications: Yes (via United Way)

Contact Details

Portneuf Health Trust

For Grant Applications, Contact: United Way of Southeastern Idaho

Overview

Portneuf Health Trust, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2002 and reorganized in 2009 when it formed a joint venture with Ardent Health Services (formerly LHP Hospital Group) to own and operate Portneuf Medical Center, retaining 23% ownership. The Trust's mission is to enhance and improve the health of southeastern Idaho and surrounding areas. Over the past decade, PHT has invested more than $70 million in health-related projects, infrastructure, and partnerships. The organization operates without taking annual draws from its long-term asset pool, funding operations through revenues to allow strategic innovation. In addition to its grantmaking, PHT has created significant community health infrastructure including the 80-acre Portneuf Wellness Complex and the Portneuf Greenway trail system. The Trust has earned a Four-Star rating (96% score) from Charity Navigator, demonstrating strong financial health and accountability. In 2022, PHT launched the "Healthy City USA" initiative to make Pocatello and Chubbuck models for health and wellness in America.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Portneuf Health Trust provides health-related grants through United Way of Southeastern Idaho's annual community investment process. Recent annual contributions include:

  • 2024: $135,000
  • 2025: $140,000

Grants are distributed through United Way's competitive grant process to multiple nonprofit organizations. Grant amounts through United Way range from $1,000 to $30,000+ depending on applicant history:

  • First-time applicants: Up to $5,000
  • Returning applicants: $1,000-$30,000
  • Requests over $30,000 require prior staff approval

Priority Areas

Health-related programs exclusively, with recent funding supporting:

  • Access to healthcare for the poor and underserved
  • Health technology and health education
  • Nutrition and wellness programs
  • Mental health services
  • Preventive care programs
  • Services for A.L.I.C.E. populations (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed)

Recent Grant Recipients (funded programs include):

  • Bannock Youth Foundation nurturing program
  • Family Services Alliance
  • Idaho Food Bank Backpack Program
  • Pocatello Free Clinic Access to Care
  • Pocatello Free Clinic Oral Health
  • Area Agency on Aging
  • Health West Special Services Fund

Geographic Focus

Cities: American Falls, Blackfoot, Downey, Fort Hall, Grace, Lava Hot Springs, Malad, Montpelier, Pocatello, Preston, and Soda Springs

Counties: Bannock, Caribou, Franklin, and Oneida

What They Don't Fund

Since grants are distributed through United Way of Southeastern Idaho, eligibility follows United Way criteria:

  • Organizations must be 501(c)(3) human services nonprofits
  • Must be operational for at least two years
  • Must provide services in the seven southeastern Idaho counties
  • Must align with United Way's impact areas: Financial Security, Healthy Community, Youth Opportunity

Governance and Leadership

Leadership:

  • Shaun Menchaca, President and CEO of Portneuf Health Trust

Key Quotes from Leadership:

Shaun Menchaca on the Trust's mission: "The goal of this initiative is to make our community a model of health and wellness in the country."

On community health: "We've been discussing the natural elements that make the Pocatello/Chubbuck community healthy for several years."

On ownership structure: "Portneuf Health Trust is the community's nonprofit owner of PMC. We are proud of our local ownership role as well as our partnership with Ardent Health Services."

Organizational Structure: The Trust operates as a community nonprofit owner of Portneuf Medical Center alongside Ardent Health Services and certain physician members of the medical staff. Board member details were not publicly available in current sources.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Portneuf Health Trust does not accept direct grant applications. All health-related grantmaking is administered through United Way of Southeastern Idaho's annual community investment process.

Application Timeline (for upcoming cycles):

  1. Letter of Intent: January 5-10
  2. Full Application Period: January 20-February 3
  3. Review Process: Applications reviewed by local community volunteers
  4. Awards Announced: Typically in April

Eligibility Requirements:

  • 501(c)(3) human services nonprofit status
  • Operational for at least two years
  • Provide services in southeastern Idaho counties
  • Align with three impact areas: Financial Security, Healthy Community, Youth Opportunity
  • Health-related focus (for Portneuf Health Trust funds specifically)

Application Criteria:

  • Address a clear community need
  • Demonstrate measurable outcomes
  • Use data to track progress

Decision Timeline

Applications are accepted in January, with awards typically announced in April. The total timeline from application to decision is approximately 8-12 weeks.

Success Rates

United Way of Southeastern Idaho awarded grants to 26-29 programs through their annual competitive process. In 2024, $355,520 total was awarded through the community fund, with Portneuf Health Trust contributing $135,000-$140,000 of this amount annually for health-related programs. Last year's Portneuf Health Trust donation directly supported programs that served over 4,200 community members in need.

Specific application-to-award ratios are not publicly disclosed, but the competitive nature of the process suggests applicants should demonstrate clear community impact and measurable outcomes.

Reapplication Policy

Organizations can reapply annually through United Way's grant process. Returning applicants are eligible for higher grant amounts ($1,000-$30,000) compared to first-time applicants (up to $5,000).

Application Success Factors

Since Portneuf Health Trust grants are administered through United Way of Southeastern Idaho, success factors include:

Alignment with Portneuf Health Trust's Mission:

  • Focus specifically on health-related programs and services
  • Target underserved populations in southeastern Idaho
  • Address health access, education, or prevention
  • Serve A.L.I.C.E. populations (those who struggle to afford basic necessities despite working)

Demonstrate Community Impact:

  • Show how your program addresses clear health needs in the region
  • Provide specific, measurable outcomes and data tracking methods
  • Document the number of community members served

Geographic Relevance:

  • Serve communities in Bannock, Caribou, Franklin, and/or Oneida counties
  • Show deep understanding of health challenges in southeastern Idaho

Evidence of Sustainability:

  • Organizations operational for at least two years
  • Clear program structure and organizational capacity
  • Demonstrated track record (especially important for returning applicants seeking higher amounts)

Collaborative Approach: As Shaun Menchaca emphasized, the Trust values partnerships that drive major initiatives to improve regional health. Programs that demonstrate collaboration with other community organizations may be viewed favorably.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Apply through United Way: Direct applications to Portneuf Health Trust are not accepted; all health-related grant funding is distributed through United Way of Southeastern Idaho's annual process
  • Health focus is essential: Funds are earmarked specifically for health-related programs addressing access, education, prevention, or wellness
  • Start small if new: First-time applicants are limited to $5,000, but returning applicants can request up to $30,000+
  • Geographic specificity matters: Serve southeastern Idaho communities (Bannock, Caribou, Franklin, Oneida counties)
  • Target A.L.I.C.E. populations: Recent funding priorities emphasize serving working individuals and families who struggle to afford basic necessities
  • Apply in January: Letter of Intent due January 5-10, with full applications due January 20-February 3
  • Demonstrate measurable impact: Use specific data to show community needs addressed and outcomes achieved

References

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