STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

The Wood River Women’s Foundation has been in the business of giving out money to deserving causes for 20 years.

But there’s always a first time for everything. And this year the philanthropic group awarded grants to four organizations it had never received requests from before.

They are Rebecca Rusch’s Be Good Foundation, National Forest Foundation, Smiley Creek Fire Protection District and the Wood River High School Business Professionals of America.

There’s always a couple smiling faces like those of Sheri Johnnie and Lindsey Larrivee to greet you at WRWF social events.

Other grantees include those like ARCH Community House Trust, Blaine County Charitable Fund and The Advocates, who have long been on WRWF’s radar for their relentless efforts to address some of the valley’s most glaring needs. And the Wood River Land Trust received  $25,000 towards its efforts to preserve the Hailey Hot Springs Ranch out Croy Canyon.

The local women’s collective giving organization is awarding $375,400 this year to support work by 25 nonprofit organizations. Since its founding in 2005 the WRWF has awarded 294 grants totaling $4.93 million to Wood River Valley nonprofits.

“Now more than ever our local nonprofits need reliable community partners,” said Foundation President Jeannie Shroads. “We are honored to support these grantees and the work they do to make our community a happier, healthier place. This year, our members’ votes reflected a desire to invest in the well-being of our children, protect our beautiful environment and help our neighbors in need.”

The organization raised enough funds through membership fees to fully fund 18 of the requests; seven are receiving partial funding

Women visited the Big Wood Golf Course to learn about its expansion plans last fall.

Organizations receiving grants are:

The Advocates - Thrive Kids Early Learning Scholarships: $25,000

The Alliance of Idaho - Special Immigrant Juvenile Status Program: $25,000

ARCH Community Housing - Affordable Houses for Community Workforce: $25,000

Willing husbands like Jack McCullough often volunteer doling out Lemon and Tini refreshments and more.

Be Good Foundation - Girls Mentorship Program: $5,000

Blaine County Charitable Fund - Emergency Financial Assistance Programs: $25,000

The Building Material Thrift - Ohio Gulch Diversion Program: $3,500

The Crisis Hotline - General Operating: $25,000 

Judy Whitmyre and Kathryn Hulbert enjoyed a moment of relaxation during one of the Wood River Women’s Foundation’s periodic Mix and Mingles.

Hailey Ice Park - Free School Family Skate Nights: $6,000

Hunger Coalition - Community Healing, General Operating Support: $25,000

Kids Mountain Fund - Rota-Rippers & Rota-Ravens Snow Sports Lease Packages: $15,500

Make-A-Wish Foundation of Idaho - Blaine County Wishes: $3,500

Men's Second Chance Living - Wellness Wraparound Services Support: $25,000

Mountain Humane - New Dental Station to Support Medical Wellness Program & Services: $3,500

NAMI Wood River Valley - Preventative Mental Health & Support Groups for Students, Individuals and Family: $25,000

National Forest Foundation - Bald Mountain Stewardship Project: $25,000

Project 208 FC - Mentorship & Leadership Through Soccer: $3,500

Project Big Wood - Youth Stewardship Program Expansion: $3,500

The Senior Connection - Enabling Access to Nutritious Meals for Blaine County's Older Adults: $25,000

Smiley Creek Fire Protection District - AED Grant Request: $8,396.74

The Space Idaho - Afterschool Programs: $25,000

The Spot Sun Valley - Young Company Education: $11,000

Swiftsure Ranch Therapeutic Equestrian Center - Safety First: $3,500

Wood River Land Trust - Protecting Hailey Hot Springs Ranch: $25,000

Wood River Senior Bash - 5B Senior Bash: $3,500

WRHS Business Professionals of America - BPA National Leadership Conference: $5,000

WRWF members pool their contributions to achieve greater community impact than they could making individual donations. After an evaluation by the WRWF Application Review Teams, the membership is invited to watch finalists’ presentations and cast their vote.

Jori Potker and Carolyn Larsen headed up the Grants Team.

“WRWF Application Review Teams volunteers appreciate the opportunity to learn more about the needs of our valley, the work being done by local organizations and how they can make a difference in our community,” said Larsen. “Our founders had a vision that collective giving could have a greater impact in our community, and it is so gratifying to see that impact over the past 20 years.”

The WRWF is open to all women. During 2025 the foundation will celebrate its 20th anniversary with events all year long.

To join, go to www.woodriverwomensfoundation.org Questions? Call 208-309-2530 or email ino@woodriverwomensfoundation.org.