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Idaho Community Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$11.3M
Grant Range
$3K - $0.6M
Decision Time
4mo

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $11.3 million (2023)
  • Total Assets: $251.4 million (2023)
  • Decision Time: 3-4 months (varies by program)
  • Grant Range: $3,000 - $634,543
  • Geographic Focus: Idaho (all 44 counties)
  • Grants Distributed: 1,500+ grants annually to 755+ organizations

Contact Details

Main Office: 210 W. State St., Boise, ID 83702
Phone: 208-342-3535
Email: grants@idcomfdn.org
Website: www.idahocf.org

Regional Offices:

  • Boise (Main Office)
  • Coeur d'Alene (North Idaho)
  • Idaho Falls (East Idaho)
  • Twin Falls (South Central Idaho)

Philanthropic Advisors by Region:

  • East Idaho: Rich Ballou, CFRE - 208-342-3535 X22
  • North Idaho: Bill Pfinsgraff - 208-342-3535 X23
  • South Central Idaho: Clark Hyvonen
  • Southwest Idaho: Kris Kamann, CAP®

Overview

The Idaho Community Foundation (ICF), established in 1988 by John Fery and the Whittenberger Foundation, is Idaho's largest statewide community foundation with over $251 million in assets stewarding more than 700 charitable giving funds. ICF awarded $11.3 million through over 1,500 grants in 2023 to 755+ organizations across all 44 Idaho counties. Led by President & CEO Steve Burns since 2022, ICF's mission is to "help Idahoans strengthen their communities through philanthropy." The foundation merged with the Idaho Nonprofit Center in 2024, uniting two statewide leaders to better serve Idaho communities. ICF has achieved the milestone of $200 million granted to Idaho communities since its inception, with an ambitious goal to award $20 million annually by 2028. The foundation's 2023 investment performance delivered a 16.6% return, with a 10-year average of 7.0%.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Forever Idaho Regional Grant Program (Competitive, Annual)

  • Grant Range: $3,000 - $25,000 (typical grants $3,000-$8,000)
  • Regions: North, East, Southwest, South Central
  • Deadlines: June 15 (North/East regions), August 15 (Southwest/South Central regions)
  • Decision Timeline: September (North/East), November (Southwest/South Central)
  • Total Annual Distribution: $1.1+ million across 210 organizations (2024)
  • Application Method: Online portal through ICF account
  • Unique Feature: No final reporting required; informal updates welcomed

Idaho Future Fund

  • Grant Range: $10,000 - $20,000
  • Deadline: March 1
  • Focus: Educational program gaps (preschool through 12th grade)
  • 2024 Distribution: Nearly $300,000

Student Loan Fund of Idaho Education Fund

  • Minimum Grant: $5,000 per institution
  • Deadline: January 15
  • Focus: College students facing unexpected financial challenges

F.M., Anne G., and Beverly B. Bistline Foundation Fund

  • Deadlines: March 15 and August 15
  • Focus: Community beautification and public recreation in southeastern Idaho

Regional Specialized Programs:

  • Bonner County Fund for Arts Enhancement ($70,000+ distributed to 8 organizations in 2024)
  • Women's Giving Connection of Southern Idaho ($35,000 to 7 organizations in 2024)
  • Perc H. Shelton and Gladys A. Pospisil Shelton Foundation Fund - Valley County focus ($46,400 to 16 projects in 2024)
  • Chobani Community Impact Fund - South Central Idaho
  • Idaho Youth in Philanthropy Project (high school students award $5,000 each to local nonprofits)

Priority Areas

ICF awarded grants across six key impact areas in 2023:

  • Educational & Economic Opportunities: 470 grants
  • Health and Wellness: 350+ grants
  • Community Benefit: 230+ grants
  • Housing Stability: 210+ grants
  • Arts & Culture: 180 grants
  • Environment & Animal Welfare: 90 grants

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not publicly documented. General eligibility is limited to 501(c)(3) public charities, schools, and some governmental entities operating primarily within Idaho. Contact the foundation at 208-342-3535 or grants@idcomfdn.org for program-specific restrictions.

Governance and Leadership

Executive Leadership:

  • Steve Burns, President & CEO (joined 2022) - "This is more than a celebration of past giving — it's a moment to inspire the future of philanthropy in Idaho"
  • Judy Ramos, VP of Finance and Operations
  • Kevin Bailey, VP of Impact & Idaho Nonprofit Center (formerly CEO of United Way of Southeastern Idaho)
  • Zoë Brunelle, VP of Advancement (joined 2025, formerly with St. Luke's Health Foundation)

Board of Directors:

  • Board Chair: Walt Sinclair (previously noted as Doug Oppenheimer)
  • 20+ members representing different regions of Idaho
  • Unified statewide board following 2024 merger with Idaho Nonprofit Center

Regional Councils: Volunteer councils in four regions (North, East, South Central, Southwest) comprised of local leaders who:

  • Serve as ICF ambassadors
  • Provide input on strategic direction
  • Recommend grants from Forever Idaho and regional programs
  • Leverage local knowledge to advise on grantmaking decisions

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Online Portal Application:

  1. Create or log into your ICF portal account at idahocf.org
  2. Navigate to the "Opportunities" section
  3. Select the applicable grant program or regional grant cycle
  4. Select an impact area that aligns with your work (Arts & Culture, Community Benefit, Educational & Economic Opportunities, Environment & Animal Welfare, Health and Wellness, or Housing Stability)

Eligibility: 501(c)(3) public charities, governmental entities, and public schools operating primarily within Idaho

Decision Timeline

Forever Idaho Program:

  • Application Period: Applications open several weeks before deadline
  • North/East Regions: June 15 deadline → September decision notification
  • Southwest/South Central Regions: August 15 deadline → November decision notification
  • Typical Timeline: 3-4 months from application to decision

Other Programs: Vary by specific fund - contact regional philanthropic advisors for program-specific timelines

Notification Methods: Email notification through ICF portal

Reapplication Policy

Reapplication policy not publicly documented. Contact grants@idcomfdn.org or 208-342-3535 for guidance on reapplication after an unsuccessful application.

Application Success Factors

Community-Driven Approach: ICF empowers Regional Council members—volunteer Idahoans—to "leverage their expertise and local knowledge to advise on how, where, and whom to support." Applications should demonstrate clear understanding of local community needs and how your work addresses them.

Flexibility and Trust: ICF's philosophy recognizes that "community needs shift over time and grantees with greater flexibility can better respond to the issues they consider most pressing." The Forever Idaho program provides funding "to address the state's greatest challenges" without micromanaging implementation details. ICF believes it's "counterproductive to meddle in the details" of how nonprofits work.

Transparency About Organizational Needs: During COVID-19, ICF added questions asking "Aside from funding, what else do you need?" and "How else can we serve you better?" This signals they value applicants who are transparent about broader organizational needs beyond just funding.

Demystifying Grantmaking: ICF is committed to "demystifying the grant-making process and empowering nonprofits with the knowledge and confidence they need" by making themselves "available and approachable." Don't hesitate to contact regional advisors with questions before applying.

Local Impact Focus: With staff and board members who all live in Idaho, ICF prioritizes authentic connections to Idaho communities. Demonstrate your organization's roots in and commitment to Idaho.

Recent Funded Projects (2024 examples):

  • Idaho FFA Foundation: $5,000 for agriculture education support
  • Forever Idaho grants ranged from $3,000-$25,000 across 210 organizations
  • Arts organizations in Bonner County (8 organizations funded)
  • Educational gap programs statewide (Idaho Future Fund)
  • Community beautification projects in southeastern Idaho

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Regional councils make decisions: Your application will be reviewed by local volunteer leaders who know your community—emphasize local knowledge and community connections
  • No final reporting for Forever Idaho: This unique approach reduces administrative burden and reflects ICF's trust in nonprofit partners
  • Contact advisors proactively: ICF values being "available and approachable"—reach out to regional philanthropic advisors for pre-application guidance
  • Emphasize flexibility and adaptability: Show how your organization can respond to evolving community needs
  • Demonstrate Idaho commitment: All ICF staff and board members live in Idaho—show authentic connection to Idaho communities
  • Be honest about broader needs: ICF wants to know how they can help beyond just funding
  • Focus on community impact: Applications should clearly articulate how funding will create measurable outcomes in Idaho communities across their six priority areas

References

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