The Step Forward Trust
The Step Forward Trust is a private foundation based in Boise, Idaho. Established in 2019, it holds 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and operates as an invite-only grantmaking organization. The foundation is also known as the Jim and Gayle Chalfant Trust.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$8.1M
+8.9% YoY
Annual Giving
$198K
-39.1% YoY
Grant Count
14
+27.3% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$14K
-52.2% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Step Forward Trust reported a distributable amount of $417K for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation's grantmaking priorities include:
- Equipment and facilities
- Women's services
- New programs for children
- Inventory purchases
- Overnight emergency shelter
The foundation focuses its giving primarily in Idaho and Illinois.
Grantmaking
The foundation does not accept unsolicited applications. Grantmaking is by invitation only.
Grant Range
$8,000
How to Apply
**
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Primary funding focus is in Idaho, with secondary activity in Illinois.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Metric | Amount | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $8,147,356 | 2024 |
| Total Revenues | $923,371 | 2024 |
| Total Expenses | $259,816 | 2024 |
| Total Liabilities | $425 | 2023 |
| Giving Rate | 2.4% of assets | 2024 |
The foundation maintains significant assets relative to its annual giving, indicating a long-term funding capacity.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $8,147,356 | $7,478,308 | $7,455,720 |
| Revenue | $923,371 | $416,944 | $5,072,306 |
| Expenses | $259,816 | $393,638 | $1,255,993 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $197,945 | $325,155 | $1,210,630 |
| Net Investment Income | $870,892 | $351,661 | $48,950 |
| Distributable Amount | $416,597 | $392,467 | $213,068 |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
70 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Ymca ($115,000), Learning Lab ($22,000), St Joseph's Catholic School ($16,320).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| BASQUE FOUNDATION INC BOISE, ID | GIFT IN MEMORY OF LAURA SUZANNE HUTER | $1,000 |
| BISHOP KELLY HIGH SCHOOL BOISE, ID | STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS | $1,000 |
| BOISE RESCUE MISSION BOISE, ID | DONATION FOR HIGHEST NEED | $15,000 |
| BRONCO ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION BOISE, ID | GIFT TO SUPPORT BSU STUDENT-ATHLETES | $5,000 |
| FEED THE GAP INC BOISE, ID | DONATION | $500 |
| IDAHO BOTANICAL GARDEN BOISE, ID | FARM TO TABLEAUX EVENT MYSTERE BOX | $500 |
| IDAHO FOODBANK BOISE, ID | DONATION FOR BACK TO SCHOOL DRIVE | $10,000 |
| IDAHO YOUTH RANCH BOISE, ID | DONATION | $5,000 |
| IDAHO WOMEN'S CHARITABLE FOUNDATION BOISE, ID | DONOR-ADVISED FUND, COLLABORAT | $1,125 |
| LEARNING LAB BOISE, ID | LITERACY EDUCATION | $22,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
- Matha M Chalfant, Trustee
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| JAMES CHALFANT | CO-TRUSTEE | — | — |
| GAYLE CHALFANT | CO-TRUSTEE | — | — |
| MARTHA CHALFANT | CO-TRUSTEE | — | — |
| JOHN CHALFANT | CO-TRUSTEE | — | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does The Step Forward Trust fund?
The foundation's grantmaking priorities include: • Equipment and facilities • Women's services • New programs for children • Inventory purchases • Overnight emergency shelter The foundation focuses its giving primarily in Idaho and Illinois.
How do I apply for a grant from The Step Forward Trust?
**Grant Activity:** • Made 17 grants in 2024 • Total giving: $197,945 (2024) • Median grant size: $8,000 • Grant range: $1,000 to $115,000 • Average annual giving: approximately $195,445 **Recent Grants (2024):** • Boise Rescue Mission: $15,000 (Donation for Highest Need) • Idaho Foodbank Warehouse: $10,000 (Back To School Drive) • Bronco Athletic Association: $5,000 (Gift to Support BSU Student-Athletes) **Application Process:** The foundation does not accept unsolicited applications. Grantmak…
Where does The Step Forward Trust make grants?
Primary funding focus is in Idaho, with secondary activity in Illinois.
What size grants does The Step Forward Trust award?
In 2024, The Step Forward Trust awarded 14 grants totaling $198K — an average of about $14K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
How much is The Step Forward Trust required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2024, The Step Forward Trust reported a distributable amount of $417K on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is The Step Forward Trust's EIN?
The Step Forward Trust's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 82-2907927. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Step Forward Trust's focus areas in our free grants database
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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