STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

Spur Community Foundation has awarded $250,000 in grants to eight Wood River Valley nonprofit organizations in the first of two grant cycles it will offer this year.

The Impact Grants support programs or activities that can address important community needs.

The recipients:

ARCH Community Housing Trust - $50,000 for Workforce Housing 

Blaine County Charitable Fund - $30,000 for Financial Assistance Programs 

Blaine County Education Foundation - $50,000 for Capacity Building 

National Forest Foundation - $10,000 for Bald Mountain Stewardship Project 

The Advocates - $25,000 for the Thrive Kids Early Learning Center 

The Alliance - $40,000 for hiring an additional Immigration Attorney 

The Spot - $20,000 for Young Company Program Expansion 

Wood River Community YMCA - $25,000 for Youth Education Programs 

The application cycle was Spur’s most competitive ever, with 22 organizations applying for $866,000.

“Every year, the applications we receive get stronger and stronger. We are so impressed by and supportive of the work being done across the local nonprofit sector and will be reaching out to our network of donors to help the unfunded applicants find the resources they need,” said Sally Gillespie, Spur’s executive director.

Spur has awarded more than $2.5 million in its grant cycles since 2017. Its granting capacity comes from individuals who want to ensure their philanthropy helps the community where it is needed most. They contribute to a variety of funds established by Spur to cover such categories as Arts & Culture, Education, Environment, Housing, and Health & Human Services, picking the fund or funds that fit their interests.

The donations are pooled with others and granted collectively.

Spur will award its next round of grants in fall. To learn more, visit https://www.SpurFoundation.org or call Spur at 208-450-2600.