STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

The Spur Community Foundation has awarded $109,000 to 15 Wood River Valley nonprofits representing nearly every aspect of life from arts and youth programs to housing and health services.

Projects receiving support include a playground in Picabo and efforts to get a magic carpet for Rotarun ski area.

This is the second round of grants the Spur Community Foundation has awarded this year. The grants were made possible by donors who contribute to Spur’s discretionary funds. Grant applications are evaluated by Spur’s Grants Committee with consideration given to a variety of factors.

The Board of Directors confirms which grants to award after reviewing the Committee’s recommendations.

Those receiving awards:

THE ADVOCATES--$10,000 for Thrive Kids (early childhood learning) scholarships

ARCH--$10,000 for general operating support

BLAINE COUNTY RECREATION DISTRICT--$5,000 for Picabo playground

BLAINE COUNTY EDUCATION FOUNDATION--$5,000 for general operating support

CARITAS CHORALE--$3,000 for general operating support

GIRLS ON THE RUN--$3,000 for general operating support

IDAHO BASECAMP--$5,000 for 5th grade Outdoor Adventure Program

MEN’S SECOND CHANCE LIVING--$10,000 for general operating support

ROTARUN SKI CLUB--$10,000 for Magic Carpet Capital Project

SUN VALLEY PLAYWRIGHT’S RESIDENCY--$3,000 for arts education

THE SENIOR CONNECTION--$10,000 for Meals on Wheels

THE SPACE--$5,000 for its work nourishing minds

THE SPOT--$10,000 for Young Company Theater education

WOOD RIVER LAND TRUST--$10,000 for Hailey Hot Springs Ranch purchase

WOOD RIVER TRAILS COALITION--$10,000 for general operating expenses

“These grants highlight the vital, diverse work local nonprofits do every day to help our community thrive,” said Alison Van Hook, Program Director at Spur.

Spur received many strong applications that it was unable to fund, Van Hook said. It’s hoped donors can be found to support those initiatives.

“In line with Spur’s mission of inspiring effective philanthropy, we strive to connect people who want to make a difference with impactful programs,” said Sally Gillespie, Spur’s executive director. “We will reach out to our network to invite people to consider supporting the great work reflected in these applications. Anyone wanting to receive that information or get recommendations about current community needs and opportunities is welcome to reach out to us anytime.”

Spur has awarded $364,000 this year through its two competitive grant cycles.

Spur Community Foundation is a Ketchum-based nonprofit that helps people give purposefully, while helping nonprofits achieve maximum impact. Spur’s board, advisory and other supporters cover all operating expenses so that 100 percent of contributions go directly to nonprofits.

Since its inception in 2016, Spur has awarded more than $3 million to local organizations through its competitive grant cycles. To learn more, visit https://www.spurfoundation.org/.