From the President

At ICF, we believe philanthropy is a force that unites us all for the common good. This week, we enter the season of giving thanks at a time when we all may be collectively exhausted from a period of prolonged anxiety, uncertainty and polarization. 

Despite strong differences in beliefs on how we move forward, it is clear to me that that we all want to re-engage in our communities and help our neighbors. How do I know? Every day at the Idaho Community Foundation, we see Idahoans demonstrate how much they care about communities through their generosity and volunteerism.

Statistics support how much Idahoans care about our state and our neighbors. The Volunteer and Civic Life in America report compiled by AmeriCorps is the most comprehensive look at volunteering and civic life across the country. Idaho gets high marks for volunteerism and giving:

• 37.9% of residents volunteer, ranking Idaho 10th among states
• 61.1% of residents do favors for neighbors
• 55.5% of residents donate $25 or more to charity

Philanthropy is the desire to promote the wellbeing of others. In a time of deep divisions across political, social and economic spectrums, ICF serves as a bridge between people and communities.

In this role, we strive to promote and support strong communities where all residents have the opportunity to thrive, and where voices come together to promote the common good. Our core values include learning from, listening to and valuing people and perspectives. These are essential to our mission to enrich the quality of life for ALL Idahoans.

This e-bulletin includes stories that help ground us in that mission and we hope they will make you smile. Read about our partnership with Chobani’s Community Impact Grants and how a 13-year-old with her own poultry business and a 16-year-old FFA champion showman have earned their success.

Speaking of partnerships, we thank DL Evans Bank for their generous gift of $40,000 to the COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund for Idaho. This is part of $116,000 in grants from DL Evans Bank to thank Idaho for its 116 years in business. Read more below.

This month there will be three celebrations for Idaho Philanthropy Day, a wonderful event that recognizes individuals, foundations and businesses for their effort. See the story below and register for the event near you.

As always, I thank you for your support of Idaho communities and each other!

Best wishes and good health,

Karen

Chobani Fund gives $200K in grants to Magic Valley community organizations

Chobani will grant $200,000 from its Community Impact Fund at the Idaho Community Foundation to four Magic Valley organizations. The Chobani fund seeks to stimulate economic development and entrepreneurship for local families in the Magic Valley.

“We love this partnership with Chobani,” said Cara Nielsen, ICF’s Chief Strategy and Engagement Officer. “Chobani’s community philanthropy is a great fit with our knowledge of the local region and relationships with nonprofits.”

This year’s recipients are:

Idaho Educational Services for the Deaf and the Blind Foundation – $55,000 to establish a participant-run food and beverage truck that will be part of a comprehensive career-preparation program. Working on this food truck will allow young people who are deaf/heard of hearing or blind/visually impaired to learn essential skills. This initiative will expand employment and economic opportunity through hands-on, experiential workforce training and the resources to empower a traditionally underserved population.

Jannus, Inc – $75,000 for a community development initiative that helps underserved and vulnerable people realize financial health and resiliency by offering microloans, emergency personal loans, credit education, mentoring and coaching. Last year, Chobani’s Community Impact Fund supported the Jannus’ Economic Opportunity program by assisting them in opening an office space in Twin Falls. This additional grant will fund staff for the new office and ensure their capacity is fully supported through August 2021, which will ultimately create new entrepreneurial businesses and jobs in the region.

Latinos in Action – $45,000 over two years to support culturally responsive social and emotional learning, college and career readiness, and leadership development with a goal of meeting the needs of Idaho’s rural communities to benefit their underserved Latino youth.

Region IV Development Association, Inc (RIVDA) – $25,000 to conduct a feasibility study to determine the viability of a food innovation center and business incubator in south central Idaho, in partnership with the Magic Valley Food Innovation Center Committee.

Chobani’s Community Impact Fund debuted in 2018 with a $100,000 annual commitment to the region. Last year, the grant total was doubled to $200,000 and this year Chobani maintained that commitment.

A look back: 2019 Chobani grantee Magic Valley Youth Foundation

The Magic Valley Youth Foundation (MVYF) received $10,000 from Chobani’s Community Impact Fund last year and was able to support 26 young people with their business ventures.

One of those was 13-year-old Kallie Gnesa, an 8th grader at Filer Middle School who owns Free Range Farms, which sells naturally raised poultry in the Magic Valley and Wood River Valley.

Kallie has received grants from MVYF for four years and grows her business a little more with each grant.

“I have learned how to raise healthy birds and sell them to the community,” she said. “I picked the slogan ‘Happy birds taste better,’ because I truly believe that.”

MVYF was started in 2014 by a group of Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Idaho agents who wanted to support youth in the region. It is open to young entrepreneurs ages 9-17 and awards up to $500 in start-up grants.

Karly Wright is a junior at Filer High School and she’s been involved in MVYF for three years. Her MVYF grants allowed her to build a shed she uses year-round to raise and show her lambs.

“I’ve learned the importance of investing for the long term because it’s going to save me time and money,” she said. “The MVYF has helped me grow as a showman and entrepreneur tremendously.”

Showing her lambs year-round gave Karly the experience to win Reserve Market Lamb, Grand Champion Breeding Ewe, Grand Champion FFA and 4-H Showman of 2020.

Neil Hazelbaker is a Farm Bureau Insurance agent and president of the MVYF and said helping students like Kallie and Karly has many rewards.

“I think I can speak for all involved that it is important for us to be involved with the young people in our community because we can help make a difference in their lives that will extend to their families,” he said. “I believe that is how we measure the value of our lives. Not how much insurance did I sell, but am I a good citizen and have I had a positive impact on the people I meet?”

Hazelbaker said the students who participate in the program have real-life experiences and are not always successful, which can provide valuable lessons. The cold, snowy winter of 2016-2017 killed all of the honeybees in one grantee’s hives and caused another to realize that he needed more heaters in his pheasant enclosure to keep the chicks from smothering each other as they huddled for warmth.

Hazelbaker said the students who participate in the competitive program make him optimistic for the future. “There are some incredible young people out there who are willing to work hard and who are ambitious and determined.”

In Filer, Kallie said she has goals to grow her business to make her poultry more available and affordable to consumers. She also hopes to be able to pay for college.

“The higher the amount I'm able to produce the more I can lower my production costs,” she said. “I would like to be able to have products available year round so people always have access to a healthier option.”

Karly has similar goals. “I hope to go to a good college and get my degrees and then get a job in agriculture,” she said. “Or I’ll start my own business and be my own boss!”

The 2021 applications for the Magic Valley Youth Foundation will open in January.

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