Innovia Foundation

On Monday, we had our Thriving Communities Summit, where we gathered with nearly 200 community stakeholders and learned from celebrated author and strategist, Doug Griffiths, MBA. We were thrilled to bring together our Community Heart & Soul® core teams, Leadership Council members and community partners across the region for an insightful and engaging workshop. The Seven Essentials from Doug offered a deep dive into the critical steps every community and organization must take to achieve long-term growth and prosperity. As a team, we shared insights, experiences and support as we all work to create a community where every person has the opportunity to thrive. Thank you to all who attended for making this event possible!

A Native-led nonprofit organization, Elk Soup empowers Native families and communities in the Spokane region, proactively improving wellbeing and quality of life for members of all tribes. Elk Soup draws tribal communities together by hosting regular events and workshops around education and empowerment, entrepreneurship and socioeconomic development, arts and culture, and health and wellness. Last year, Innovia awarded Elk Soup a $15,000 grant through its Community Grants Program to sustain the staffing and operational costs that make these events possible.  Learn more at goinnovia.org/elk-soup!

Calling all students! Innovia's scholarship programs close next week for the 2025-2026 school year. Each academic year, Innovia awards over $350,000 in scholarships to students pursuing higher education or vocational or technical training. Innovia offers over 35 scholarship programs with varying eligibility requirements and award amounts. Applications are due by March 14, 2025! To apply or learn more, visit goinnovia.org/scholarships.

Register for the EngageIRL Luncheon: Mentoring the Smartphone Generation on March 26! 📱 Gen Z adolescents are the first generation to spend their entire adolescence with smartphones and many struggle with underdeveloped social skills and engagement in independent activities. Led by Dr. Jean Twenge, nationally recognized professor, author, and researcher, this community discussion will help youth find a better balance with technology and lead happier, healthier lives. When: Wednesday, March 26 | 11 a.m. Where: Spokane Convention Center Learn more and register at goinnovia.org/irl-luncheon!

It's two weeks away from our Thriving Communities Summit! Join celebrated author and speaker Doug Griffiths for The Seven Essentials: Unlocking the Path to Enduring Success. Learn the seven foundational elements that every community and organization needs to thrive and how to put them into action effectively. When: Monday, March 17 | 9:45 a.m. Where: The Centennial Hotel, Spokane, WA Register and learn more at innovia.org/summit!

A trauma response safe haven in Coeur d'Alene, Canopy Village strives to restore trust and hope for those who experience abuse or neglect or are in crisis. Since the late 1980s, Canopy Village has served as a reliable resource for children and families seeking shelter and for at-risk youth in need of residential treatment programs. Last year, Innovia awarded the organization a $15,000 grant to support operations at their new facility. Through Canopy's services, it's not only children gaining access to vital health services. Entire families are engaged and empowered to succeed through supplemental educational materials designed for parents. To learn more, visit https://lnkd.in/gGgmKpEU.

“Pullman has been a very good, supportive community. I want to help it stay that way," said Barbara Johnson, founder of the donor-advised Robert O. & Barbara A. Johnson Fund at Innovia. Barbara and Robert Johnson arrived in Pullman in 1957 where Robert worked at Washington State University for 35 years. After Robert passed away in 2013, Barbara, who also worked for WSU, established the fund to create a lasting impact on the community and university that she and her husband both loved. Donor-advised funds are like charitable savings accounts. They give donors like Barbara the flexibility to recommend how much and how often money is granted from Innovia to nonprofits, schools or charities of choice. Donor advisors can recommend grants to make an immediate impact or use their fund as a tool for future charitable gifts, all while receiving a tax benefit. This is the first in our series introducing the fund types managed at Innovia Foundation! To establish a fund with Innovia or learn more, visit https://lnkd.in/gir8z7GE.

Innovia is proud to present our second training session of 2025 with leading nonprofit consultant Nancy Bacon! On Tuesday, March 11 from 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. PST, Nancy Bacon will cover Budgeting: How to get the grant and cover your costs. In this session, you will learn how to create grant budgets that inspire confidence in funders while ensuring your costs are fully covered. Register at innovia.org/nonprofits, and help your nonprofit best achieve its mission!

A grant from Innovia Foundation helped support a recent heart health event in Kootenai County! In honor of American Heart Month, Kootenai Health held its annual "Heart to Heart" event on February 7. Community members indulged in a heart-healthy breakfast, received complementary screenings and learned what they can do to prevent heart disease. Innovia's sponsorship ensured the event was free to attend.

"I will do my best to look for help and not give up on my dreams that are not only for me, but also for my parents." Camila Gonzalez Mendez graduated from Connell High School in 2024 with 90 college credits from her local community college. Camilla, now a freshman at Washington State University, plans to become a registered nurse, with hopes of becoming a labor and delivery nurse. To learn more about Innovia's available scholarships, visit innovia.org/students.