Innovia Foundation: Community Grant Program

The Innovia Foundation's Community Grant Program offers funding to organizations in a 20-county region, with awards ranging from $2,500 to $15,000. This program prioritizes impactful community initiatives in education, arts, economic opportunity, health, and quality of life. Eligible applicants include public charities and federally recognized tribes. The foundation emphasizes collaboration and inclusivity, aiming to address basic human needs and reduce inequity, while fostering vibrant and sustainable communities.

NOTE: The pre proposal deadline listed is the early bird deadline and the full proposal deadline is the final deadline to apply.
The Community Grant Program is comprised of more than 90 funds established by donors who have given Innovia Foundation the flexibility to make funding decisions that accommodate changing needs and capitalize on timely and compelling opportunities in our 20-county region. This program has one cycle per year and organizations are eligible to submit one application per cycle. The maximum award amount is $15,000, with most grants in the range of $2,500 – $15,000.
Program Areas
Guided by local priorities and engaged residents, Innovia Foundation will invest in programs and initiatives that promote vibrant and sustainable communities where every person has the opportunity to thrive.
Impact Areas
Education and Youth DevelopmentInnovia Foundation invests in nonprofit organizations providing access to learning opportunities for all ages – from early childhood reading programs to college campus site visits for first generation college students.Arts and CultureFrom rural community theaters to large symphonies, Innovia Foundation partners with nonprofit organizations that support the arts as economic drivers, educational assets, civic catalysts and bridges between cultures.Economic OpportunityWhether it’s providing job skills training for refugees or developing a commercial kitchen for local entrepreneurs, Innovia Foundation works with nonprofit partners to build prosperity for local families, businesses and communities.Health and WellbeingFrom programs addressing child hunger to those ensuring no senior falls victim to abuse or neglect, Innovia Foundation partners with nonprofit organizations to improve the social determinants of health in our community and meet the basic needs of our most vulnerable populations.Quality of LifeInnovia Foundation recognizes that land conservation, compassion for our furry friends and wellplanned community spaces add so much to the quality of life we enjoy in the Inland Northwest and invests in organizations providing access to these community assets.
Guiding Principles
Within our impact areas, we aim to fund proposals that are a strong fit with one or more of the following Guiding Principles:
Respond compassionately to meet basic human needsWe know that meeting basic human needs is fundamental to improving the quality of life for everyone. Innovia Foundation will collaborate with community partners to address both systemic issues and immediate needs.Bring people together to build inclusive communities We believe in bringing people together and building connections that enrich us all. We seek to develop places and spaces where everyone feels they belong and can participate in decisions that affect their lives.Expand opportunity and reduce inequityWe recognize that persistent and systemic disparities diminish opportunities. We will bridge the divide that isolates and prevents members of our community from recognizing and reaching their full potential and will invest in organizations that address the root causes of issues and promote self-sufficiency
Project Types
Organizations may request a Community Grant for any of the following project types:
Build a new programExpand an existing programSupport for an existing programCapital projects/equipmentThis could include, but is not limited to, technology, furnishings, equipment, vehicles or building construction or renovation Capacity buildingThis could include, but is not limited to: Collaborating with other organizations to improve services or eliminate duplication Strengthening governance, leadership or staff expertise Restructuring business models and accounting practices to improve organizational stability Building and diversifying revenue streams Developing and implementing long-term strategic plans  Refining communications, marketing and outreach  Improving volunteer recruitment, training and engagement Acquiring or improving impact measurement tools and program evaluation capacity

Eligibility

Innovia Foundation does not unlawfully discriminate with regard to employees, volunteers, delivery of programs or services, or clients served based on age, sex, religion/creed, race, color, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, marital status, military or veteran status, pregnancy or genetic information. Applicants for Community Grant must adhere to similar standardsApplicants must be a public charity with tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; a federally recognized tribe; or a public entity such as a school district, municipality, or unincorporated group or association.In all cases, the applicant organization/program must have a clear charitable purpose. Innovia Foundation competitive grants are awarded to organizations providing services within the 20-county region served by the Foundation. (Eastern Washington Counties: Ferry, Stevens, Pend Oreille, Lincoln, Spokane, Adams, Whitman, Columbia, Garfield and Asotin. North Idaho Counties: Boundary, Bonner, Kootenai, Benewah, Latah, Nez Perce, Lewis, Clearwater, Shoshone and Idaho.)Please note that Innovia Foundation has multiple grant programs. Applying to/receiving grant funding from one Innovia Foundation grant program does not preclude your organization from to applying to any other Innovia Foundation grant program.

Ineligibility

Applicants cannot have any delinquent reports for previous grants awarded through all Innovia Foundation’s grant programs.Activities Typically Not Eligible for Community Grant FundingAcademic or scientific researchDebt retirement, operating deficits or after-the-fact supportDirect or grassroots lobbyingAnnual fund appeals and contributions to endowmentsRe-granting programsLitigious activitiesIn considering applications for funding from faith-based organizations we will apply the following criteria:The program or service to be funded must be open to all members of the community (not just members of the faith community applying for funding)In the course of providing programs or services, faith-based organizations cannot require clients to participate in or adopt any specific religious practice or belie