Community Grant Program

The Community Grant Program, administered by the Innovia Foundation, is a competitive annual funding initiative designed to support nonprofit and public-serving organizations within a 20-county region across Eastern Washington and North Idaho. Innovia Foundation manages more than 90 donor-established funds under this program, enabling flexible responses to community needs and opportunities. These grants are intended to generate measurable, positive change across a wide range of sectors and are guided each year by a strategic funding theme; the 2026 theme is "Building Stability and Belonging." This theme underscores the foundation’s commitment to fostering inclusive communities by supporting initiatives that meet essential needs such as food, housing, healthcare, childcare, and education, while also cultivating environments where all residents feel a strong sense of connection and belonging. Grants awarded through this program primarily support initiatives that align with one or more of Innovia’s designated impact areas: Health and Wellbeing, Education and Youth Development, Economic Opportunity, Quality of Life, and Arts and Culture. Eligible projects may include new or expanded programming, capital projects or equipment, and capacity building efforts aimed at strengthening organizational effectiveness. Applicants may request up to $15,000, although most grants fall around $7,500. Funding is provided for a one-year term, beginning June 1, 2026, and concluding May 31, 2027. An early bird incentive offers an additional opportunity—organizations submitting by January 9, 2026, are entered into a drawing for a $1,000 unrestricted operating grant. Eligibility is open to public charities with IRS 501(c)(3) status, federally recognized tribes, and public entities such as school districts and municipalities. Innovia may also fund non-501(c)(3) organizations for charitable purposes under certain conditions. The applicant must not have any delinquent reports from previous grants and must operate within Innovia’s defined service region. Additionally, applicants must adhere to Innovia Foundation’s Anti-Hate and Nondiscrimination Policy, ensuring services are accessible without regard to race, religion, gender identity, or other protected characteristics. Proposals are evaluated by regional advisory committees composed of local volunteers familiar with community needs. Projects are reviewed based on their alignment with the foundation’s impact areas, potential for measurable outcomes, and responsiveness to the annual theme. While all impact areas remain eligible, those addressing the theme of "Building Stability and Belonging" may receive funding priority. The application opens on December 1, 2025, and closes February 6, 2026. Awards will be announced on May 25, 2026. Final reports for funded projects are due by June 12, 2027. Applications must be submitted online through the Innovia Foundation website. Questions can be directed to Chelsie Hawley, Community Investment Program Officer, via email at [email protected] or by phone at 509-343-5749.

Prioritize alignment with annual theme; submit early to qualify for bonus; ensure service area alignment; adhere to anti-hate policy