Shoshone groups receive Innovia funds
Members of the Innovia Foundation presented a check for $12,000 to the Wallace Food Bank on Wednesday as part of Innovia's Community Grants program. Pictured from the left are Michael Hoffman, Scott Leitch, Cindy Lien, Margie Grandpre, Dave Sonntag, Kristi Rietze and Ashlee Myles.
Courtesy photo
Four organizations in Shoshone County recently received $28,500 in grant funding through the Innovia Foundation’s 2025 Community Grants program.
This year, the city of Osburn, Kellogg Project Uplift, Silver Valley Seniors, and the Wallace Food Bank each received project funds that will go to support education and youth development, health and wellbeing, arts and culture, economic opportunity, or improved quality of life.
The city of Osburn received $1,500 for its summer and early literacy program, which serves up to 100 children each year.
Kellogg Project Uplift was awarded $5,000 to host a sensory carnival and build a public lending library to share sensory-friendly equipment.
Silver Valley Seniors received $10,000 to support the Meals on Wheels program as well as fund the Senior Center’s congregate meals.
The Wallace Food Bank was awarded $12,000, which will help them continue to purchase food and vouchers to be redistributed to families in Shoshone County.
On Wednesday, members of Innovia dropped by Wallace and presented a check to the board for the Wallace Food Bank.
Ashlee Myles, a Silver Valley resident and member of Innovia’s Leadership Council, spoke of the importance of giving to the community, specifically highlighting the food bank and Meals on Wheels.
“We are always passionate about making our dollars stretch as far as we can,” Myles said. “Ensuring that no one is going hungry is always motivating.”
The Community Grants Program is funded by donors through Innovia to address important community needs and opportunities. Guided by local volunteer advisory committees, the 2025 program prioritized nonprofit organizations that actively engage youth in their work.
The $29,500 in grant funding was part of a $1.2 million in total that was awarded across North Idaho and Eastern Washington.
“For 51 years, Innovia has been investing in the essential work of nonprofit organizations through its grantmaking programs. From supporting the most vulnerable to improving economic vitality to enriching our cultural landscape, nonprofits bring people and resources together to make more possible for our region,” says Innovia CEO Shelly O’Quinn. “This year, we continue that legacy by funding impactful projects across our region, including programs that engage youth in community activities, strengthen relationships, and reduce isolation.”
For more information on the Innovia Foundation contact Kristi Rietze at (208) 292-1635, or by email at krietze@innovia.org, or by visiting www.innovia.org.