Spur Community Foundation Awards $109,000 to Local Nonprofits
Fifteen Wood River Valley nonprofits have been awarded grants through Spur Community Foundation’s Community Grant Cycle. Totaling $109,000, this cycle’s grants support projects that touch nearly every aspect of community life — from arts and youth programs to housing and health services.
Generous donors who contribute to Spur’s discretionary funds make these grants possible. Grant applications are thoroughly evaluated by Spur’s Grants Committee with careful consideration given to multiple factors, including Spur’s knowledge of community needs and opportunities. The Board of Directors then reviews the Committee’s recommendations and confirms which grants to award.
This cycle’s recipients are:
The Advocates - Thrive Kids Scholarships - $10,000
ARCH - General Operating Support - $10,000
Blaine County Recreation District - Picabo Playground - $5,000
Blaine County Education Foundation - General Operating Support - $5,000
Caritas Chorale - General Operating Support - $3,000
Girls on the Run - General Operating Support - $3,000
Idaho BaseCamp - 5th-Grade Outdoor Adventure Program - $5,000
Men's Second Chance Living - General Operating Support - $10,000
Rotarun Ski Club - Magic Carpet Capital Project - $10,000
Sun Valley Playwright's Residency - Arts Education - $3,000
The Senior Connection - Meals on Wheels - $10,000
The Space - Nourishing Minds - $5,000
The Spot - Young Company Theater Education - $10,000
Wood River Land Trust - Hailey Hot Springs Ranch - $10,000
Wood River Trails Coalition - General Operating - $10,000
“Community grants support a wide range of initiatives, from empowering young artists and athletes to protecting our lands, nourishing students and seniors, building community, and providing housing. These grants highlight the vital, diverse work local nonprofits do every day to help our community thrive,” said Alison Van Hook, Program Director at Spur.
Spur received many strong applications but was unable to fund every project—several initiatives still need additional support to reach their goals. “In line with Spur’s mission of inspiring effective philanthropy, we strive to connect people who want to make a difference with impactful programs,” said Sally Gillespie, Executive Director of Spur. “We will reach out to our network to invite people to consider supporting the great work reflected in these applications. Anyone wanting to receive that information or get recommendations about current community needs & opportunities is welcome to reach out to us anytime.”
Combined with its spring Impact Grants, Spur has awarded $364,000 this year through its two competitive grant cycles.
How Community Giving Fuels Local Impact
Spur’s grantmaking is powered by people who love this valley and want to make a difference. Donors contribute to Spur Funds dedicated to areas such as arts, education, the environment, housing, and health. Because Spur’s board, advisory, and other supporters cover all operating expenses, 100% of contributions go directly to nonprofits.
Since its founding in 2016, Spur has awarded over $3 million to local organizations through its competitive grant cycles, providing steady support for initiatives that shape daily life in the Wood River Valley.
About Spur Community Foundation:
Spur Community Foundation is a Ketchum-based nonprofit inspiring effective philanthropy in the Wood River Valley by helping people to give purposefully and local nonprofits to achieve maximum impact. To learn more about Spur visit SpurFoundation.org.
For more information about giving in the Wood River Valley or applying for grants, visit SpurFoundation.org or call (208) 450-2600.