Grants given to valley nonprofit organizations
"We’re not immune to economic
downturns, and we continue to work hard to fulfill our mission of enriching
life’s quality throughout Idaho."
— ALICE HENNESSEY, Idaho Community
Foundation president
By DANA DUGAN
Express Staff Writer
The Idaho Community Foundation issued
grants to several Blaine County nonprofit organizations at a luncheon on Monday.
The Foundation, a 14-year-old Idaho organization based in Boise, oversees over
300 funds, which are pooled for efficient management. This year the ICF will
award nearly $4 million statewide.
Representatives of the valley’s nonprofit
community were present, including Craig Barry of the Environmental Resource
Center, Mary Austin Crofts of the Blaine County Recreation District, and Rusty
Wilson and R.L. Rowsey of Company of Fools. Atkinsons’ Market sponsored the
luncheon at the Blaine County Senior Center in Hailey.
"It’s been a challenging year for
nonprofits," Alice Hennessey, president of ICF, said. "We’re not immune to
economic downturns, and we continue to work hard to fulfill our mission of
enriching life’s quality throughout Idaho." She said three "G’s" sum up their
work, "gather, grow, grant."
The grants came from a variety of funds;
especially the Donald and Gretchen Frasier Fund, the Jim and Barbara Cimino
Fund, and the Deer Creek Fund, all based in the Wood River Valley.
The Bellevue Public Library received
$5,000 to help buy equipment and software, and $1,760 went to the Blaine County
Historical Museum to help fund new displays, storage and new shelving.
The Recreation District received $1,771 to
help with operating expenses on the North Valley Trail system and at Galena
Lodge. The Campfire Foundation received $5,000 to help fund its scholarship
program for youth. The Caritas Chorale received $3,000 for an artistic director,
and the College of Southern Idaho received $5,000 to help purchase computer
software and equipment.
The Hailey Public Library, which has plans
to expand through the entire downstairs of its building, received $1,000 to help
purchase new shelving for the expansion.
The Ketchum-Sun Valley Historical Society
received $1,000 for computerizing its records and adding visual components to
its displays. The Nature Conservancy received $2,211 for general support, and
the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation received $1,823 to help purchase
equipment and to increase training in the fall.
Hennessey concluded the luncheon by
encouraging families and individuals to set up funds. "Anyone can contribute to
any fund, any time, in any amount."