IWCF Pool-Fund Grant

The IWCF Pool-Fund Grant, established by the Idaho Women’s Charitable Foundation, focuses on empowering women through collaborative philanthropy. Since its inception in 2001, the foundation has contributed over $3.3 million to more than 140 local projects across Southwestern Idaho. The grant supports nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and government agencies addressing critical community needs in various sectors, including health, education, and the environment, with a goal of fostering sustainable solutions.

About IWCF
In the Fall of 2001, a small group of women founded an organization whose mission it was to inspire women with the power of collaborative philanthropy – Idaho Women’s Charitable Foundation. Today, the membership is more than 400 strong.
We have invested more than $3.3 million in over 140 local projects with our pooled-fund grants. These grantees range north to McCall, west to the Oregon border and east to Gooding. One of the unique aspects of IWCF membership is the opportunity to designate $500 of your contribution to organizations of your choice. Those designations, to more than 700 other grantees, have increased our overall giving to nearly $6.2 million.
IWCF Pool-Fund Grants
IWCF members contribute each year to a pooled fund from which we collectively award grants to nonprofit organizations serving southwestern Idaho.
Funding Interest Areas
IWCF accepts proposals in six specific interest areas.  Applicants indicate which ONE of the following six Interest Areas their grant request fits.
Basic Needs Case management, food/clothing collection/distribution, referral services Food insecurity, homelessness, housing insecurity, and self-sufficiency  Mentoring programs, work/job training Cultural Arts Humanities (history, languages, literature, philosophy)Visual and performing art (crafts, dance, film, music, performance, public art, visual arts, etc.)Education All forms of learning (childcare/preschool, early learning, enrichment, instructional, literacy, mentoring) for all age groupsEquipment (new and upgrades), educational materials Environment Animal welfare including, but not limited to, adoption and veterinary servicesEnvironmental issues (air, fauna, flora, land, water) such as environmental education, mitigation, natural resources and wildlife conservation, parkland improvements, and reclamationOutside recreation including community, park, and school programs and equipment  Health General health care, as well as elder care, mental health, substance abuse, and suicide preventionPrograms addressing child abuse, domestic violence, the needs of individuals with disabilities, and parenting skills Recreation and wellness programsRural Communities Address community needs in population centers with less than 50,000 year-round residentsOrganizations based in urban areas that provide services in rural areas can apply, but the grant funds must be solely spent for a rural community

Eligibility

IWCF seeks thoughtfully planned and effectively executed programs and projects that address critical needs in Southwestern Idaho.IWCF supports nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, educational institutions, government agencies, and tax-exempt religious entities.Funding is available for programs and projects serving the following Southwestern Idaho counties: Ada, Adams, Boise, Camas, Canyon, Elmore, Gem, Owyhee, Payette, Valley, and Washington (Idaho Department of Health & Welfare Regions 3 & 4).Grants may be distributed over one or two years; however, funds must be spent within the year they are received.

Ineligibility

Organizations with less than $50,000 in annual revenueEndowments, fundraisers, annual fund contributions, or sponsorshipsUndesignated capital campaign contributionsGeneral operating costs not associated with the specific program/projectScholarships, stipends, or tuition for individuals not associated with the specific program/projectFunds to be re-granted or passed through to a non-specified individual or group selected by the granteeRequests designated to influence government officials/lobbyingRequests that require participation or membership in any faith-based organizationApplications currently being funded (organizations may apply again 12 months after their End-of-Grant report has been filed and approved)Incomplete or late applications