IWCF Newsletter – Summer 2025

Letter from the President

Nicole Patterson, President

As President of Idaho Women’s Charitable Foundation (IWCF), I’m excited to share our past year’s accomplishments and a look at what’s next. From June 2024 to May 2025, we awarded over $260,000 in grants, bringing our total to $3.6 million! This was possible thanks to our Grants Committee, who reviewed 92 submissions and chose 12 finalists, and the 95% of members who voted. We supported nine impactful nonprofits across Southwest Idaho in cultural arts, education, environment, financial stability, health, and rural communities. Our Annual Meeting on May 14, 2025, was a wonderful celebration, connecting members, guests, and our 2025 Grantees. 190 IWCF members, guests, and grant recipients shared smiles and laughter at Barber Park Events Center as we welcomed three new board members – Jean Bishop, Barbara Gordon, and Adrienne Lane-Martin –and bid a grateful farewell to the two Board members who were completing their terms. Thank you, Trinjia Dell’Aglio and Jena Vasconcellos for all you have done during your time on the Board. 

Beyond grants, our Education Committee offered insightful programs. Our 2024 Symposium, “Our Shared Environment: LEAD! Learn – Engage – Adapt,” attracted over 550 attendees. We also held events on cultural arts, food recovery, and the nonprofit sector in Idaho. The Membership Committee exceeded their goal, bringing in 67 new members for 2025 (goal: 52). Fun fact: these new members funded one of this year’s grants just by joining! Over 90% of our new members learned about IWCF from another member, and we’re so grateful for everyone who helps us expand our reach.

I’m truly excited about what we’ll achieve together. Our board’s strategic plan aims for over 500 members by 2028. This isn’t just about growth; it’s because our community’s needs are increasing, and philanthropy must fill those gaps. In a world full of anger and division, IWCF’s collective giving offers an antidote. It boosts advocacy, civic engagement, and members’ sense of belonging (source). When we come together—as members of different lived experiences, financial statuses, and political persuasions—we learn, connect, and make better decisions.

Participating in IWCF’s grant selection changes not only our community, but it also changes us. This inspires me in my role: my experiences with each of you make me a better citizen and human. Your involvement—through financial contributions, spreading the word, or volunteering—is the heartbeat of IWCF. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to our mission. Together, we will continue to make a profound difference in Southwest Idaho.

Nicole Patterson

IWCF Board President

BOARD

Leadership and Strategy

Thanks to these smiling members for saying YES to leadership this year! At the annual meeting we thanked the retiring board members and welcomed several new volunteer leaders. As volunteers we juggle many things, including paid work. Sheila Hennessey, newly elected education chair, recently received a wonderful new job opportunity and had to step down from her board role. Thankfully, Jean Bishop, who is also on the education committee has been able to step up making the transition seamless. Together it all works out! This fall nominations open for next year’s group of leaders. Consider joining our team! Contact the leadership development committee chair at sherryb@iwcfgives.org for more information and look for the nominations link in a Connections article coming soon.

Strategic Plan

The Board would like to share our strategic plan update with with you even as we are finalizing the fine points. Committees have been working to align their activities for the year to support these goals. We’d like to invite everyone to help achieve our goals. Please speak up in your committee meetings with your ideas, or contact any Board Member if you see a place you would like to assist.

memb

Hey Members, grants may be the heart of what we do… and we can’t do grants without you!

Welcome to IWCF

We are excited to welcome the following new and returning Blue Ribbon Members who have joined between January 1, 2025 and August 1, 2025

Ruth Adler
Deborra Bohrer
Joanna Bork
Cynthia Brownsmith
Mary Burns
Nancy Chadderdon
Cathy Colman
Katherine Dow
Gillian Horn
Kathy Hosack
Jamie Jacobson
Lorna Jorgensen
Doug Keeney

Margaret Kemp
Dawn King-Menzner
Jen Liposchak
Cyndy Lounsbury
Debbie Maffuccio
Lori Mann
Deborah Martell
Heidi Metzger
Karen Monier
Theresia Muli
Robin Navert
Cecilia Necochea
Nicole Nimmons

Helene Peterson
Ashley Rundle
Kate Sampson
Amy Schaecher
Carol Sevier
Melissa Shane
Britiney Slaughter
Kendelle Sundell
Neetu Talreja
Madeline Turnock
Susan Tuszynski
Paulette Velazquez

Membership Appreciation Dinner

volunteer

We do IWCF better with our GREAT Volunteers

It was an exciting year for IWCF volunteers. Members had plenty of opportunities to do good work and meet new people.  

• Over 70 members volunteered at the Symposium
• The six interest area grants committees were comprised of 5-10 volunteers per committee
• Many volunteers staffed the committees that make IWCF run like a well-oiled machine: Education, Events, DEI, Finance, Grants, Grants Assessment, Leadership Development, Marketing/Communications, and Membership
• Dozens turned out to work at service projects in the community
• Many stepped up to do valuable, one-time projects such as photography, mailings, etc.
• AND our board members work tirelessly to lead us with skill and passion

It all added up to countless hours of connection, meaning, and purpose.  

As one volunteer said, “IWCF members have such diverse talents and experiences. No matter what yours might be, there is a place for you to shine and help move our mission forward.” That’s what volunteering is all about – collectively moving our mission forward – one member at a time.  

If you are new to IWCF, or a long-standing member ready to get a bit more involved, let us help connect you with an opportunity that makes your heart sing! 

Marti and Alicia are your IWCF volunteer coordinators. We are the go-to people when you are ready to connect a bit deeper.  We are ready to meet whenever and however it works for you. We will learn about your talents, interests and available time…. then match you with a committee chair, put your talent to good use (right now we are looking for photographers…anyone?), or add you to our list of “on call” volunteers, no long-term commitment required. Email us at volunteer@iwcfgives.org or check the directory spot member app on your phone.

Let’s get together and line up a terrific volunteer opportunity to start your fall off right!  

Well-Deserved Recognitions

Congratulations, and thank you for your good work, to the following IWCF Members and a Sister Organization recently recognized for their philanthropic impact in our community:

Retiring Board Members – The Leadership Development Committee wishes to extend sincere thanks to our two retiring Directors for their outstanding dedication and service.

Jena Vasconcellos, Education Chair, and Trinjia Dell’Aglio, Grants Chair

Susan Smith for hosting our Summer Dinner for 1 to 3 year new members at her home.

Special thanks to our Annual Meeting contributors – Margaret Gorrissen for providing the beautiful flowers, Kelli Parker for photographing the board, grantees, and capturing all the wonderful memory of this evening, and to all our volunteers who contributed to the success of the evening.

Congratulations to Barbara Gordon who recently received a Lifetime Achievement award from the Idaho Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. This esteemed accolade recognizes a member’s extensive contributions and dedicated service to the field of nutrition and dietetics. The Lifetime Achievement Award celebrates her enduring impact and the profound respect she has garnered from her peers. ISU link

The Wood River Women’s Foundation is celebrating its 20th anniversary and almost $5M in grants to Blaine County Nonprofit organizations.  This year they were named the Grand Marshal of the 4th of July parade in Hailey. Several thousand spectators lined Main Street in Hailey as the Founders and members rode in two wagons.

IWCF Member Milestones: Are you celebrating a milestone or do you know an IWCF member who is? We want to know! Share news with us about births, weddings, retirements, awards, celebrations of life, and more so we can acknowledge our members’ milestones. Email: office@iwcfgives.org or share a photo and details with us. 

Ed

Upcoming Education Topics for Fall 2025

September 24 – Crisis Response: Where to Give, How to Help, 11:45 – 1:30 pm (+1)

In a crisis, it’s hard to know how to help. In this informative session, you will learn how, what, and where to give to create the most impact. Our panelists will share their insights on giving during a crisis, and will also share tips for emergency preparedness, as well as how to avoid scams. Panelists include The Wildland Firefighters and others to be announced and Lutheran Community Services, 2025 Grantee, will share an update.

October 27 – Invest in the Arts, Invest in our Future, Social 5:30 pm | Program 6:00 – 7:30 pm (+1)

This will be a panel discussion featuring the Arts grant area.  Presenters have not been confirmed yet, but we promise a varied representation of Boise area artists, you won’t want to miss!  We will cover topics like current challenges they are facing, and plans they have to stay vital in the face of budget cuts.  You will learn what the Arts do for the community and why we need them.

And save some time at the end of January for The Impact and Status of State and Federal Funding for Nonprofits  (+1)  Date is still to be determined either January 21 or 28

If these education events or planning others sound interesting to you, we’d like you to join our team! Contact, Jean Bishop, jeanb@iwcfgives.org. We are always looking for ideas for new topics, and people willing to help pull these events together!

EDUCATION

2026 Grant Schedule

We invite you to Join our Grants Committee it’s a great place to get involved!

Your annual IWCF contribution helps fund vital programs and projects throughout southwestern Idaho. If you want to take your impact even further, join our grant selection committee and help shape the future of local nonprofits! Volunteer with us from January to April and be part of the team that reviews, discusses, and selects which organizations make it to the ballot. Save the date for our first committee meeting February 3, 2026. More details and a call for volunteers will be shared in November—stay tuned to work with the great women of this group! Contact Barb Gordon with questions. (Find her in Directory Spot)

Information for our nonprofits – help us share the word about these information session with nonprofits.

• September 30, 2025 our Grant application opens.  Applications close 11:59 pm, Tuesday, Jan 6, 2026
• October 15 –  Applying for an IWCF Grant: Workshop for Nonprofits, Wednesday, 10:00 – 11:00 am, virtual and recorded,

Meetings for Membership, Guests, and Members planning to join the committee:

• November 12 –  Grants 2026 Season Launch: Chicken Soup for the Soul (previously Welcome to Grants)
  • This is an informative meeting about the entire grants process open to anyone who is interested in learning more about IWCF’s work in the community.  

If you plan to serve on the Grants Committee, also mark your calendars:

• Grants: The Proposal Evaluation Process Got a Makeover!
  • February 3 – in person, 11:30 – 1:00 pm OR
  • February 5 – Virtual Happy Hour, 5:00 – 6:00 pm
• Grants: Conducting Site Visits
  • February 19 – in person, 11:30 – 1:00 pm OR
  • February 23 – Virtual Happy Hour, 5:00 – 6:00 pm

All IWCF Members are encouraged to join us for Grants Ballot Q & A Sessions:

• April 1, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm, IWCF Luncheon and Grant Ballot Q&A Session (Members Only) or
• April 7, 5:00 – 6:00 pm Grant Ballot Q&A (Virtual-Recored)

Watch for the Connections email for additional details.

2025G

OVER $261,000 IN POOLED-FUNDS AWARDED

MEET THE GRANTEES

$261,505 was granted to nine grantees in our 2025 Grant Cycle.  Find the grantee videos and learn more these great organizations at the links below.

Cultural Arts:

Artisans for Hope: Expanding Learning Opportunities and Increasing Shop Revenue – $26,800

Artisans for Hope plans to build on their success of enabling studio sewing classes for refugees and using the artisans’ products for the gift shop. This grant will enable the management and expansion of these initiatives, hiring of a part-time Operations Coordinator to oversee the operations, including coordination of volunteers, sales events, and gift shop sales. Artisans for Hope helps refugees build stable, productive lives through the development of new skills and income opportunities through the on-site gift shop and off-site sales.

Education:

Caldwell School District 132: Provide Materials and Supplies to Create Joyful Learning Spaces Through Play – $30,000

The Caldwell School District project provides materials and supplies to create joyful learning spaces through play, with the goal of increasing family engagement and child learning. This project will enhance both outdoor and indoor play spaces for children ages 0-5. IWCF funding will support Early Learning programs like Play 2 Learn, encouraging exploration, creativity, and discovery—key elements for healthy brain development and overall well-being.

Teach for America: Provide High-dosage Tutoring to Low-income and At-risk Students in Payette County – $30,000

Teach for America provides tailored tutoring to low-income and at-risk students. This project will enable expansion of this program into Payette County to provide tutoring to an additional 30 to 50 students. This program will work in partnership with local schools to give underserved students the chance to have 1:1 tailored academic support, build a sense of belonging and trust with a near-peer tutor, and have exposure to college opportunities.

Environment:

Rolling Tomato: More Food Recovery, Less Food Waster, Less Greenhouse Gas Emissions – $30,000

The Rolling Tomato addresses critical community needs for reducing food waste in the landfill and for providing increased access for the food insecure. Grant funding will enable the hiring of an Expansion Project Manager to facilitate their goal to reduce landfill greenhouse gas production and serve food-insecure people in more rural communities with the recovered food. Funding will also help to cover costs associated with transitioning to a commercial kitchen, including installing a charging outlet for their EV delivery van.

Financial Stability:

Life’s Kitchen: Create self-sufficiency for at-risk youth ages 16-24 through food service, life skills training, continuing education, and job placement in the Treasure Valley – $20,000

Support training and education for up to 85 young adults and more than 65 alumni in fiscal year 2025. Life’s Kitchen creates self-sufficiency through food service, life skills training, continuing education, and job placement in the Treasure Valley.

Health:

Family Health Services Corporation: Quality Medical and Dental Care in Rural Camas County – $30,000

Family Health Services is the sole healthcare provider in the community, with the next closest facility located nearly 30 miles away. Investment in their clinical infrastructure will ensure equity in the high-quality, comprehensive health care delivery to all patients. Grant funding will replace aging computers and monitors in the medical and dental exam rooms and pharmacy, necessary dental equipment such as a dental laser and scanner, and an ECG machine and ankle doppler for crucial medical services, including diagnosis, symptoms, and clinical tracking, and formation of effective treatment plans.

Lutheran Community Services Northwest (LCSNW): Safe Families for Children-Treasure Valley – $30,000

LCSNW provides a proactive, community-based solution to prevent child abuse and neglect by offering temporary, safe care for children in host homes while strengthening and supporting parents during times of family crisis. Grant funding will support and expand the Safe Families for Children program, an evidence-based prevention program that helps families at risk of foster care by offering safe, temporary homes for children and connecting parents to a network of compassionate volunteers.

Rural Communities:

Friends of Weiser River Trail: Repair/Redeck Trestles on Weiser River Trail and Purchase UTV – $28,000

The Weiser River Trail is an 85-mile non-motorized trail through Washington and Adams counties in southwest Idaho, including the four rural Idaho towns of Weiser, Midvale, Cambridge, and Council. Out-of-area users generate much-needed revenue to these towns in terms of tourism dollars. Grant funding will support the repair/redecking of five trestles that serve these rural communities. In addition, they will purchase a UTV for exclusive use in their weed mitigation/management program.

Valor Health Medical Center: Provide Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Exams and Equipment for the Collection of Forensic Evidence for Emmett and Gem County – $29,205

In 2024, Valor Health Medical Center trained six nurses as Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE). This program trains registered nurses to provide necessary forensic evidence collection, specific protocols, and emotional support resources for victims of sexual assault. Grant funding will support 24/7 coverage in the emergency department for adult victims of sexual assault. The specific equipment needed for this function will be purchased to provide accuracy of forensic evidence collection, chain-of-custody protocols and court testimony.

In addition to the nine winners, the three remaining IWCF’s ballot runner-ups received a $2,500 contribution to their organizations. 

SYMP

Updates from two of our 2023 Grantees

By Pamela Briggs, Grants Assessment

Community Council of Idaho: Expand Access to Citizenship Education Classes ($25,623)

The Community Council of Idaho (CCI) identified a need for citizenship classes and legal services to help individuals navigate the U.S. immigration system. There is a high need for civics-based literacy, English as a Second Language, and citizenship instruction that meets federally defined criteria.

They expanded access to education classes, which are essential for applying for U.S. citizenship, and provided paralegal and mentorship support.  Grant funds were used to offer citizenship instruction and individual case management.  In May 2024 50 students enrolled with 25 successfully interviewing and receiving citizenship.  Some students dropped out due to external assistance or scheduling conflicts. CCI successfully hired a permanent instructor in November 2023 along with a part-time paralegal for class mentoring and case management. 

Rose Hermance, Instructor, commented on the impact of these classes. As part of Familias Unidas’ curriculum, we encourage the students to do much of the work themselves. This provides them with a sense of accomplishment and builds their confidence. The classroom is a safe space where students can learn and be comfortable. “I am excited to continue this program and I am thankful for the grant and the difference we are making in the community.”

Basin School District 72: Outdoor Education STEM Yurt Lab ($30,000)

STEM education is a critical part of the current school curriculum. The Basin School District project addresses this need by establishing a STEM Yurt Lab for the Idaho Center for Outdoor Education (ICOE) in Idaho City. It is situated within 86 acres of forest, serving as a laboratory for the school’s outdoor education program in Idaho City. Grant funds were critical in the purchase of the yurt, which provides a space to stage STEM equipment to run forestry, geology, botany, soil, snow and water tests throughout the school year and in summer camps.

The yurt project is a unique opportunity to utilize current technology in a forestry setting, providing a venue for hands-on educational experiences. The yurt was purchased in July 2023, with plans for setting up and utilizing the yurt with help from Basin School District personnel, students, and volunteers. The project faced weather delays, a change in school leadership, and the availability of dedicated volunteers. The committee and community volunteers persevered and the grand opening was held on May 29, 2025.

The Ribbon Cutting was the highlight of the Spring ICOE Outdoor Learning Day—an annual event that brings students together to engage in hands-on outdoor STEM experiences. Throughout the day, students rotated through learning stations led by our valued community partners, including the U.S. Forest Service (Fire, Ecology, Entomology, Silviculture), Idaho Fish and Game, Idaho Rangeland Resources Commission, University of Idaho Water Extension, Ada Soil and Water Conservation District, and Idaho Power. Rough cut lumber for the yurt flooring was donated by the local mill owner.

The Basin School District stated: “This event is more than just a celebration of a structure—it is a celebration of opportunity, education, and the partnerships that make it all possible. We [are]thrilled and deeply honored to have IWCF representatives join us as we recognize the impact of your contribution and unveil this new space for outdoor learning.

EVENTS

Calendar of Events 2025-2026

August

1        Nominations open for 2026-2027 Board of Directors

23      Idaho Shakespeare Service Project: “Dial M for Murder” 5:00 – 10:00 pm

September

12    IWCF Anniversary Celebration, Social 6:00 pm | Program 6:30 pm  (+1)

24    Education Event, Crisis Response: Where to Give, How to Help, 11:45 – 1:30 pm  (+1)

30    Grant Application Open through 11:59 pm, Tuesday, Jan 6, 2026

October

15    Applying for an IWCF Grant: Workshop for Nonprofits, 10:00 – 11:00 am, Virtual

27    Education Event: Invest in the Arts, Invest in our Future, Social 5:30 pm | Program 6:00 – 7:30 pm  (+1)

November – Idaho Philanthropy Month

1    Membership Renewal Period Begins, closes January 31

12   Grants 2026 Season Launch: Chicken Soup for the Soul (previously Welcome to Grants), 11:30 am – 1:00 pm (+1)

December 

8  Holiday Social (+1)

2026

January

6    Grant Application Closes (applications accepted through 11:59 pm, Tuesday, Jan 6, 2026)

21 or 28 Education Event, The Impact and Status of State and Federal Funding for Nonprofits  (+1)

31   Membership Renewal Deadline

February

Grants: The Proposal Evaluation Process Got a Makeover!

• February 3 – in person, 11:30 – 1:00 pm OR
• February 5 – Virtual Happy Hour, 5:00 – 6:00 pm

Grants: Conducting Site Visits

• February 19 – in person, 11:30 – 1:00 pm OR
• February 23 – Virtual Happy Hour, 5:00 – 6:00 pm

Philanos Power Up! Conference: Austin, Texas, February 8-10

March

4    Education Event TBA

31  Individual Grant Designation Deadline

April – Volunteer Month

1    Grants: Overview of Ballot Choices, Member Luncheon and Grant Grants Q&A, 11:30 – 1:00 pm

7    Grants: Overview of Ballot Choices and Grants Q&A – Virtual Happy Hour, 5:00 – 6:00 pm

14   Grants Ballot closes: votes due for pooled-fund grants ballot by 12:00 noon

May

TBD     Annual Meeting and Grants Awards  (+1) 

Dates are subject to change.  Watch for the latest Connections News for updates and registration links as we get closer.

  +1 events are an excellent opportunity to bring a guest! 

SYMP

Nonprofit Community Update: IWCF and Idaho Partners for Good

IWCF is an affiliate member of Philanos, the leading women’s giving circle network–with more than 80 affiliates sharing one guiding mission: to become informed donors, to practice intentional grantmaking, and to make a lasting impact in their local communities. 

As a member of IWCF, you are already a member of Philanos. To access to these free forums, webinars and more, subscribe on the Philanos website. Under ‘Philanos Affiliate,’ select Idaho Women’s Charitable Foundation. You will receive an automated welcome message and can then register for webinars, watch webinar and affinity group records and explore all of the other resources in the Affiliate Portal.   IWCF will shout out some of the upcoming session in our Connections news. 

Philanos Power Up! Conference:

PowerUP! Texas: A Philanos National Conference in  Austin, Texas, February 8-10 is an EXCELLENT way to meet folks involved in philanthropy across the nation. 

Head to Austin for three powerful days of connection, learning, and inspiration with over 400 collective giving leaders. In addition to nationally recognized speakers, the conference will feature breakout sessions and affinity groups highlighting best practices from more than 50 Philanos Affiliates.

Look for more information at the link above.  Early Bird Registration opens September 1, 2025, $650 for members of Philanos Affiliates

In case you missed these great articles:

Planned Giving (by Laura Simic, reprint from Summer 2024)

Six C’s of Women’s Giving (from Susan Smith, reprint for Summer 2024)

A Membership Why (by Jillian Huang, reprint)

Maximizing Our Personal and Collective Giving  (by Laura Simic, December 2024)