Community Grants

Program Overview:
Spur Community Foundation's Community Grants support organizations that enrich the quality of life in the Wood River Valley. These grants support a wide range of initiatives including arts and culture, youth programs, education, environmental conservation, housing, and health services.

Focus Areas:

• Arts and culture
• Education
• Youth programs and athletics
• Health and human services
• Environmental conservation and trails
• Community services and enrichment
• General operating support
• Specific program projects and capital improvements

Award Information:

• Individual grants capped at $10,000
• 2024 cycle awarded $178,218 to 19 organizations
• Funds allocated by Spur are awarded in full

Application Timeline:

• Second grant cycle of the year (typically fall/winter)
• Applications open with Letters of Inquiry due February 1

Eligibility:

• 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations
• Must serve Wood River Valley community
• Organizations of various sizes and ages welcome

What They Fund:

• Program expansion and improvement
• Operating support
• Capital projects and equipment
• Capacity building initiatives
• Youth programming
• Community enrichment activities

Contact:

• Spur Community Foundation
• 180 East Avenue, Ketchum, ID 83340
• PO Box 6184, Ketchum, ID 83340
• Phone: (208) 450-2600
• Email: askus@spurfoundation.org
• Website: spurfoundation.org

Background:
Community Grants are the second of two annual grant cycles. Since 2017, Spur has awarded over $3 million to local nonprofits. Grants are evaluated by Spur's Grants Committee and confirmed by the Board of Directors. 100% of donor contributions go directly to nonprofits as Spur's operating expenses are covered by board members and volunteers. Donors contribute to various Funds (Arts & Culture, Education, Environment, Housing, Health & Human Services) which are pooled and granted based on applications and Spur's knowledge of community needs.

Application Process

1. Submit Letter of Inquiry (LOI)
   • Due: February 1 annually
   • Submit through Nonprofit Portal at spurfoundation.org
2. Full Application (if invited)
   • Selected organizations invited to submit complete proposals
   • Request details on program/project, budget, organizational capacity
3. Review and Evaluation
   • Spur's Grants Committee reviews applications
   • Committee considers:
   • Organization's track record and capacity
   • Project alignment with community needs
   • Budget reasonableness
   • Feasibility of implementation
   • Board of Directors reviews Committee recommendations
4. Award Notification
   • Winners announced following Board decision
   • Unfunded requests communicated to organizations

Required Materials:

• Letter of Inquiry (initial submission)
• Full proposal (if advanced)
• Budget and financial information
• Organizational background
• Project details and timeline

Notes:

• Applications capped at $10,000 per organization
• Some funded projects may have unfunded portions
• Spur actively connects unfunded requests with interested donors
• Nonprofit Services Director available for consultation
• Contact askus@spurfoundation.org or call (208) 450-2600