Letter from the President
Nicole Patterson
President
It’s an exciting time of the year for IWCF because so much is happening that directly connects to the 3 parts of IWCF’s vision:
I. Raising Philanthropic Consciousness
Philanthropy is showing our love for humanity by how we use our time, talent, and treasure. IWCF’s educational opportunities to raise our philanthropic awareness are so timely. In the last two weeks, I’ve received emails from my teenagers’ schools about three children who have died by suicide. I also recently lost a dear friend to suicide. I’m grieving for families. I’m grieving for classmates and educators. I’m grieving for our community. Please take time to read about our September Education Event on Teen and Young Adult Mental Health. Understand the resources available in our community and beyond to anyone struggling with mental health. Show appreciation and kindness to our educators and mental health professionals–they are dealing with a lot. Take time to meaningfully connect with each person who crosses your path–whether a family member, neighbor or colleague–that connection is the healthy food which feeds our souls.
Over 70 people attended our November 8th education program focused on another critical issue in our community: meeting the affordable housing needs of seniors. In December we’ll focus on getting our members involved in IWCF’s upcoming grants cycle. In January we’ll explore women’s financial education and planning. I’m proud of IWCF’s commitment to offering educational programs for our members and guests about the needs of our community, highlighting nonprofits/partners doing transformative work, and the philanthropic actions we can all take. As an IWCF member, you also have access to the educational programming and resources available through our affiliate membership in Philanos, a collective giving network of over 20,000 women.
II. Inspiring Strategic Charitable Investment
Have you renewed your IWCF membership yet? Renew now (through January 31, 2024) to make your donation to IWCF’s 2024 pooled-fund. Since 2001, IWCF members have invested more than $3.1M in over 130 local nonprofit partners that uniquely understand and are taking action to address community needs in Southwest Idaho. Beyond our pooled-fund grants, IWCF members have supported over 700 different nonprofits around the world. Through a member’s Individual Grant Designations (IGD), they can support a nonprofit aligned to their individual passions and interests. Read more about your membership renewal options and consider expanding your investment in IWCF’s future through our G.I.F.T. program or a donation to the IWCF Susan Smith Endowment.
III. Transforming the Community Through Leadership in Focused Collaborative Giving.
Collaborative giving is at the heart of IWCF. We are already receiving completed grant applications, with over a month until the December 15 grant application deadline. All members are invited to be a part of IWCF’s grant process to personally connect with IWCF’s work transforming the community. Read more about how to get involved with this grant cycle here.
At our September IWCF Board meeting, board members were deeply moved when Susan Smith read an article written by IWCF member, Jillian Huang. In a world where it’s easy to be overwhelmed by fear, helplessness, and despair, Jillian reminds us that we are not powerless. We can take action. As IWCF members, we are taking action together. It is a privilege to be a part of IWCF’s community of 412 members–we welcomed another new member this week! We are each unique–with different strengths, lived experiences, and perspectives. But when we collaborate, we build relationships with each other. Those relationships create connection. That connection is a powerful force that gives us the courage to listen, learn, and love; we achieve more together than we would on our own. I need this. You need this. Our community needs this. Our world needs this.
With deepest gratitude for our connection,
Nicole
GRANTS
It’s Grant Season!
By Trinjia Dell’Aglio, Grants Chair
It’s my favorite time of year–grant application season! (Okay, maybe my second favorite. My absolute favorite time of year is when we give the grants away.) It’s also time to start thinking about joining the Grants Committee.
IWCF’s grant cycle is now open, and the application is live on our website through December 15. We will fund grants in six interest areas: Cultural Arts, Environment, Education, Health, Financial Stability, and Rural Communities.
IWCF is looking for nonprofits with an impactful and innovative project that:
- Attempts a new approach to a program they have implemented before.
- Expands a current service area.
- Addresses a new or different target demographic.
- Is trying something new altogether.
If you know of a nonprofit that is doing any of the above, encourage them to apply for an IWCF grant! The application and additional helpful information is available on our website: IWCFgives.org. This is a great resource for both our members and nonprofits.
Whether you are a grants expert or new to the IWCF grants process, we would love for you to join us in some capacity on the Grants Committee. There are several ways to get involved, and it’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with other members and engage with nonprofits doing important work in our community.
Grants Committee Members review the applications submitted by nonprofits in a particular interest area. Working with other IWCF members, committee members evaluate the proposals, choose three to five nonprofits for a site visit, visit the nonprofits, and ultimately select the two nonprofits that will represent the interest area on the ballot.
- Time Commitment: January-March. 2-4 volunteer hours/month.
- Experience Needed: Absolutely NONE!
Interest Area (IA) Leads guide the Grants Committee members assigned to one interest area (typically 8-10 members). IA Leads review the proposals, guide the discussion, and communicate with the members of the committee.
- Time Commitment: January-March. 4-6 volunteer hours/month.
- Experience Needed: At least one year participating in the IWCF grants cycle.
Business & Finance Committee Members, a subset of the Grants Committee, review the nonprofits’ applications, financials, and budgets.
- Time Commitment: January. 4-6 hours.
- Experience Needed: At least one year participating in the IWCF grants cycle and a background or experience in finance and/or accounting.
Once we’ve selected our six grantees, the grant application cycle is complete. The baton is then passed to the Assessment Committee. This group works with our new nonprofit partners as they spend their grant money. Assessment committee members act as a liaison, assist them through the progress report process, answer questions, and help them pivot when needed.
- Time Commitment: The committee meets a few times a year, with the bulk of the work with nonprofits happening in May/June.
- Experience Needed: At least one year participating in the IWCF grants cycle is very helpful!
Join us for a Welcome to Grants meeting on December 12th from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. in the Marion Bingham meeting room of the downtown Boise library. This will be an informative lunch-hour meeting on the valuable work performed by the Grants Committee. It is also a great time to ask questions and sign up to participate. This will be a hybrid meeting so join in person and enjoy lunch with fellow IWCF members or attend via Zoom. It will also be recorded for later viewing.
I hope to see you on the Grants Committee this year!
A Job Done Well (and Fast!)
By Pamela Briggs, Grants Liaison & Beth Schattin, Marketing Committee
Cascade Medical Center’s (CMC) grant for the Safe Room Project has reported early success! With the $30,500 grant funds, CMC converted an existing patient room into a safe room to house patients who come into the ER experiencing a mental health crisis. This room minimizes the ability of patients to harm themselves or others, protecting the patients’ well-being and the safety of the staff.
Work began immediately at the beginning of April 2023 upon notice of the award and was completed by mid-May 2023, well ahead of the May 2024 projected timeline. The renovation of the safe room benefits one to three patients each month. CMC served one patient considered suicidal in the first month and several other general observation patients.
On May 29th, local EMS brought CMC a patient considered suicidal and the room worked beautifully! Staff easily and quickly removed typical medical equipment from the room to make it safe for the patient and staff. Not only was the patient safe, but the room also provided a private toilet, control over room temperature, access to television, and natural light from the safe-glass window. The distressed and anxious patient was cared for in this safe and calming environment while waiting for social workers and nursing staff to arrange transport and admission to an inpatient psychiatric facility in Boise.
CMC expects 75% to 100% of their patients experiencing mental health crises to be housed in the safe room. The IWCF grant funds covered more than 90% of the project costs. CMC reported that working with IWCF on this project and grant was such a positive experience. It encouraged them to continue seeking similar partnerships to accomplish improvements that will benefit their community and care team.
Success for Pets on the Shoshone Paiute Duck Valley Indian Reservation
By Pamela Briggs, Grants Liaison & Beth Schattin, Marketing Committee
When looking at possible grant recipients, the members of the Grants Committee are encouraged to ask, “Is this program sustainable?” Idaho Humane Society (IHS) is a wonderful example of an organization that not only achieved the goals outlined in their grant, but successfully sustained it beyond the initial IWCF funding.
In 2021, Idaho Humane Society was awarded a $30,000 IWCF grant to provide access to medical care for pets at Duck Valley Indian Reservation in Owyhee County. The remoteness of the Duck Valley Reservation makes the community a resource desert when it comes to veterinary care, as the closest clinic is more than 90 miles away in any direction.
The grant funded the transport of dogs and cats from the Shoshone Paiute Duck Valley Indian Reservation to the Idaho Humane Society Veterinary Medical Center and Adoption Center (IHS), where animals were provided spay and neuter surgeries, basic vaccinations including rabies vaccines, and necessary wellness care. IHS provides return transport of owned animals that have been sterilized and treated back to their families. Animals that originated on the reservation but have yet to find their forever families are rehomed through IHS adoption services.
The Idaho Humane Society’s efforts for this project began in June 2020, when they received their first grant. IWCF’s grant provided additional funding for the work to continue through May 2022. Pets for Life, a program funded by the Humane Society of the United States, provided additional grant funding to continue the necessary and much-needed veterinary care for the pets of Duck Valley. IHS is happy to report that the dogs and cats living on the Duck Valley Reservation in Owyhee County continue, to this day, to receive the medical care they need.
This grant provides more than just medical services. It also serves as an outreach project. When the animals are cared for, the members of the community are cared for. IHS is building connections and trust with the Duck Valley Indian Reservation community and has gained significant support and collaboration from Tribal Council and Indian Health Services. IWCF members were incredibly helpful in jumpstarting services that meet the needs of a community.
MEMBERSHIP
IWCF Wins a 2023 Mayor’s Award!
We are thrilled to be the recipient of the 2023 Mayor’s Awards for Excellence in Arts & History by Boise Mayor, Lauren McLean, and the Boise City Department of Arts & History! IWCF is the 2023 Awardee for the Support of the Cultural Sector – Philanthropic Organization. Members of IWCF attended an inspiring awards ceremony at the Treefort Music Hall on September 21, where President Nicole Patterson accepted the award on behalf of our 400+ members.
IWCF member Georgiann Raimondi and her husband, Rich, were also recognized at the event, receiving the 2023 Awardee for the Support of the Cultural Sector – Community Members. Georgiann is a wonderful example of how IWCF members’ philanthropic investment of their time, talents, and treasure extends to many other places in our community.
Presented every two years, the Mayor’s Awards for Excellence in Arts & History celebrate people, organizations, and businesses that contribute to Boise’s creative and cultural community. Award recipients must have demonstrated distinguished service, creative accomplishment, and a record of publication, presentation or research that enhances Boise’s artistic, historic, and broader cultural life. We are honored to be selected as a recipient!
Time to Renew!
By Kathy Scott, Membership Chair
We are all busy with lists of things to do. Good things–but still things that can quickly become just one more task to complete and check off. In our haste to do, we can sometimes forget the reasons behind the doing–the purpose behind the action. Since our 2024 membership renewal window is open until January 31, 2024, we thought it would be fitting to revisit the purpose and impact behind what IWCF members do together.
We give with the belief that together we can achieve more than individuals giving alone. As of May 2023, IWCF has given a total of over $5.9M:
- $2.8M in Individual Grant Designations [IGDs]
- $3.1M in Pooled-fund grants and awards through our membership vote:
These are more than just numbers. These dollars represent lives touched and changed because of your continued support and commitment to IWCF’s work. These numbers are trails for hiking, vans that bring the arts to students, safe rooms for patients experiencing a mental health crisis, pollinator gardens, housing assistance, water conservation, medical care, support for families and children in critical situations, music for youth, and more.
Your participation in IWCF ensures that your charitable giving is truly significant. IWCF members can join in one of two ways (both fully tax deductible):
- $1,125 Donation: Contribute $500 to the pooled-fund, $500 to a designated nonprofit of your choice (called an “Individual Grant Designation” or “IGD”) and $125 to support IWCF’s operations.
- $625 Donation: Contribute $500 to the pooled-fund and $125 to support IWCF’s operations.
Thank you for continuing to make IWCF a powerful presence in our community with your membership! Visit the IWCF website to renew your membership today.
A Membership Why
By Jillian Huang
I joined IWCF in 2012. Over the years, I have treasured my membership for different reasons, including being a philanthropist, pooling my money with other women for a common purpose, learning more about the needs in our community, and giving to organizations in our six interest areas. These reasons still drive me.
But lately, my world feels full of uncertainties, many of which are beyond my control. The news outlets report on snow in the wrong places, accidental missile warnings, nuclear war threats, school shootings, garbage piling up in our oceans, and people fleeing their homes and becoming refugees.
My social media sites use clever algorithms to feed my preferences back to me, so I wonder if I’m reading the real news and if I’ll ever read something other than my own opinion.
I recently read the comments attached to an online article and one of them struck me. A reader said, “I’m overwhelmed. I have no idea what to do. There are so many options to help but I’m stuck.” I could feel her despair, because I’ve felt that too.
Then I thought of IWCF, and it occurred to me that I AM doing something, that I’m not stuck, that I’m ACTING instead of being overwhelmed.
I’m seeing women face-to-face all the time instead of being buried in a screen. With civility and compromise, we are encouraging applicants, reviewing our applications, visiting sites, and choosing our grant winners democratically.
So when I read a distressing article about half a million honey bees being killed, I remembered that IWCF granted money to Bee City USA to help pollinators in our area flourish. After reading a piece about people without health insurance, I remembered that IWCF funded many health care opportunities for people with low income, including diabetic eye screenings through Terry Reilly Clinic, a school-based health clinic at Meridian Elementary, and dental exams with Genesis World Mission, in their Garden City Clinic.
I got excited and went to the IWCF website to scroll through our past grants. There is so much to celebrate!
We are providing diapers to families in need, helping kids get to school and helping people with low income get to work with better transportation options. We are affecting creativity with writing programs, youth theater space, and support for the Shakespeare Festival. We are building parks and walking paths for communities to exercise, and helping with birds of prey conservation efforts. The list goes on and on.
It occurred to me then, that IWCF is the antidote to fear, helplessness, and being overwhelmed; that our membership is ACTION in the face of despair. And we can take that action now to renew our membership. We can take that action each and every year, with our vote and our participation on committees and on the board. We are anything but helpless. We are changing the world together. And this means everything to me.
Board Nominations
The Leadership Development Committee invites you to recommend IWCF individuals who would make excellent board members. Your input helps us learn about IWCF members’ skills and talents so we can identify ways our members can contribute to IWCF’s success. Consider submitting your name or the name of an IWCF member you have worked with on a committee. The only stipulation is that the person has been an IWCF member for at least one year. Service on an IWCF committee is a plus. The deadline for all submissions is January 1, 2024.
Recommend members using this link: IWCF Board Nomination Form
IWCF Susan Smith Endowment
Our Legacy to the Future
How Can I Give?
- Give your Individual Grant Designation (IGD) or a portion of it to the IWCF Susan Smith Endowment or simply make a one-time gift.
- Use your Donor Advised Fund (DAF) to make a charitable contribution to the IWCF Susan Smith Endowment.
- If you are 70.5 years of age or older, give a tax-free gift with a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your IRA.
- Designate the IWCF Susan Smith Endowment as an IRA beneficiary.
- Give It Forward Together (G.I.F.T.) by naming the IWCF Susan Smith Endowment in your will or other estate planning instruments. Notify the IWCF office of your legacy gift and you will be included in special G.I.F.T. activities.
For more information on IWCF’s Endowment, visit IWCFgives.org.
Condolences
Our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of IWCF member, Linda Gossett, who passed away on August 30, and IWCF member, Carole Gibson, who passed away on September 12. Both women leave a legacy of philanthropic impact through the use of their time, talents, and treasure.
Welcome to IWCF!
IWCF is excited to welcome the following new and returning Blue Ribbon Members to IWCF!
Caroline Adams
Erika Anderson
Alex Galovich
Lisa Keithley
Sally Oberlindacher
Alice Norris
Julia Page
Susan Reeb
Michele Rice
EDUCATION
Teen and Young Adult Mental Health Panel
By Jena Vasconcellos, Events Committee
The word “connections” came to the forefront over and over from the four professionals speaking at the September 28 education event, Teen and Young Adult Mental Health. They encouraged attendees to connect with young people, modeling good relationships and support.
Dr. Gretchen Gudmundsen, a Child Clinical Psychologist from St. Luke’s, shared many concerning statistics. For example, 20% of children and adolescents suffer from a disabling mental illness. She defined depression as a problem when it is long term or interferes with normal functioning.
Andrea Geraghty, LCSW, works with social workers and school counselors in the Boise School District, focusing on partnerships with other agencies, support groups, and prevention. There are many levels of help for students and for parents, from support groups to crisis intervention.
Dr. Megan Smith, Associate Professor in the School of Public and Population Health at Boise State University and Director of Communities for Youth, is working with data to better define the problem. She explained that young people are vulnerable to mental health challenges because of where they are developmentally. Young girls ages 10 to 14 have the fastest growing suicide rate. Smith posited that stress and isolation, important causes of depression, can be changed through human connection.
Moderating the Q&A session was Ruth York, Executive Director of Families and Youth of Idaho, a statewide organization committed to improving the mental health of youth and their families. She emphasized the importance of involvement, service, and purpose in young people’s lives.
“Social media is the junk food of connection,” Geraghty explained in response to a question about the impact of social media on young people, prompting laughter from the audience and the realization that this is also true for adults. Instead, everyone needs deep, meaningful moments of genuine connection with others.
The evening concluded with encouragement from all speakers, stressing that each of us can make a difference in a young person’s life. Kids need adults for structure and affirmation. If there is concern, referral to a pediatrician, counselor, or school personnel is critical. The Boise community has many resources to help.
Resources
Idaho Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Text 988 or call 208-398-4357 (available 24/7)
Idaho DHW Mental Health Distress hotline: 1-888-330-3010
Idaho Crisis & Suicide Hotline Resources
Youth Empowerment Services
Communities for Youth – Resource Summary
Boise School District Support for Student Well-Being flyer
The Jason Foundation
The Speedy Foundation
EVENTS
22nd Anniversary Party
More than 70 members and their guests gathered at the beautiful home of Arlene McCarthy on Tuesday, September 12 in celebration of IWCF’s 22nd Anniversary. Guests enjoyed delicious bites catered by A Lively Chef and participated in a delightful icebreaker, courtesy of our Membership and Events Committees! President Nicole Patterson thanked all of the members (both those present in body and present at heart!) for their continued commitment to collaborative and educated philanthropy.
IWCF member Laura Roghaar shared the reason she’s committed to IWCF in her membership moment remarks. She referenced cartoonist Alison Bechdel and the famous Bechdel Test that measures representation of women in movies. The test has two requirements: there must be a scene where two women talk and the conversation has to be about something other than a man. This turns out to be a difficult test for films to pass! Laura uses this test to guide her own life choices, seeking out spaces where women can collaborate and contribute. She was delighted to report that the time she spent serving on the Grants Committee in the financial stability interest area last year passed this test with flying colors. She toasted the membership to many more years of intelligent, engaged philanthropy.
A huge thank you to all of the IWCF members who provided the delicious cookies for dessert, who volunteered to make the event a success, and again to Arlene for sharing her home!
Idaho Philanthropy Day
Philanthropy is the desire to promote the welfare of others, expressed by the generous donation of time, talent, and treasure to community causes. Idaho Philanthropy Day is celebrated statewide by honoring the amazing philanthropic work of nonprofit organizations, foundations, businesses, and individuals nominated by their peers.
Join us November 15, 2023 online and via social media to applaud the 2023 award winners. Read the winners’ stories at IdahoPhilanthropy.org.
Idaho Philanthropy Day is organized by Idaho Nonprofit Center and Serve Idaho. It was revitalized in 2017 by Idaho Association of Fundraising Professionals, Idaho Community Foundation, Idaho Women’s Charitable Foundation, and Idaho Nonprofit Center.
2024 Symposium
Recycling—does it matter? What about composting? What about the environmental issues we face in Idaho—water, fire, land? Solutions—what nonprofits, organizations, people and businesses are tackling these issues?
The 2024 IWCF Symposium, held on October 2, 2024, will focus on the environment, and if any of this interests you, the Education Committee needs you to join them in planning the speakers and sessions. It’s a rewarding and exciting way to be involved in next year’s Symposium!
Please contact jenav@iwcfgives.org for more information.
Mark Your Calendars
NOVEMBER
Membership Renewal Season Begins
Wednesday, Nov. 1
2023 Idaho Philanthropy Day (Virtual)
Wednesday, Nov. 15
New Member Orientation
Thursday, Nov. 16
5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
IWCF Office
3050 N. Lake Harbor Lane, Suite 112
Boise, ID 83703
Members Only
RSVP HERE
DECEMBER
Holiday Party
Tuesday, Dec. 5
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Hillcrest Country Club
RSVP HERE
Welcome to Grants: Introduction to Grants Committee (Zoom and In-Person)
Tuesday, Dec. 12*
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Downtown Main Library (Marion Bingham room)
715 S. Capitol Blvd.
Boise, ID 83702
Members Only
*date change from postcard
Deadline for Grant Applicant Submissions
Friday, Dec. 15.
Midnight
Save the Date for the IWCF Symposium
October 2, 2024
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