Innovia Foundation

Innovia's new Kootenai County-based initiative, the Weaver Awards, is now open for applications and nominations!

The Weaver Awards, in partnership with The Aspen Institute, recognize individuals and organizations working to build relationships, foster belonging, and help communities work together to address shared challenges. Between 2026 and 2029, Innovia will award 20 Kootenai County Weavers each year with a $2,500 grant to support their community-building projects.

To apply or nominate a Weaver, visit goinnovia.org/weave!

Innovia was recently honored with the Council on Foundations' inaugural "Building Together" Award!

The award recognizes organizations demonstrating exceptional commitment to collaboration and bringing people together across lines of difference, and Innovia was selected in recognition of its deep and sustained investment in community-driven solutions across Eastern Washington and North Idaho. Innovia's CEO, Shelly O'Quinn, accepted the award at the Council's Building Together Conference in May.

To learn more about the award, visit goinnovia.org/COFaward.

Submit your photos for a chance to give back to your favorite nonprofit! 📸

Under the theme America 250, Innovia's photo contest invites you to share photographs that celebrate what makes our region so special — capturing your community’s civic pride, history, and everyday moments that reflect hope and possibility for the future. The contest closes July 31, 2026.

Visit innovia.org/photocontest for a chance to win a canvas print of your photo and a grant for your favorite nonprofit!

Last month, Innovia sponsored scholarship awards for two students recognized at the annual Idaho Scholarship Breakfast!

Over the past 5 years, local businesses throughout North Idaho have funded $1.37 million in scholarships through the Coeur d'Alene Regional Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Program. At the 2026 scholarship breakfast, more than 200 scholarships were awarded to students pursuing higher education or a skilled trade school.

Innovia proudly sponsored $1,000 scholarships for graduating seniors Kate Mauch and Sheen Broncheau. Kate will attend Baylor University, studying Business and Entrepreneurship, while Sheen will attend the University of Idaho and pursue career in corporate law.

Thank you to all who attended our Making More Possible Reception in Colville on Tuesday!

Members of the Innovia and LaunchNW team enjoyed the opportunity to celebrate and connect with partners from across Ferry, Stevens, and Pend Oreille counties. At the event, Innovia presented two Community Grant awards, supporting the Kalispel Tribe of Indians and the N.E.W. Hunger Coalition.

LaunchNW also honored the late Superintendent Don Baribault, with scholarships for Northport High School students now designated as Don Baribault LaunchNW Scholarship awards in his memory.

Thank you to all who joined us at our annual Nonprofit Coffee & Connect!

Each year, Innovia gathers its nonprofit fundholders to connect with staff, network with one another, and hear a market update from Innovia's investment advisor. This year's event also featured our first-ever nonprofit panel — an opportunity for nonprofit fundholders at Innovia to share the stories behind their endowments and valuable insights into how they've grown over time.

Congratulations to the winners of our donor & fundholder survey drawing, Janice Baldwin and Victor Frazier!

After providing helpful feedback to Innovia's Gift Planning team, Janice and Victor were each randomly selected to receive a $500 grant in their name to a nonprofit of their choice. Janice chose to support Specialized Needs Recreation (pictured), an organization that reduces financial barriers and provides life-enriching experiences for individuals with disabilities. Victor's grant, directed to the West Central Community Center Endowment Fund, will provide long-term support to the center.

Register now for the next training in Nancy Bacon's Nonprofit Learning Series: How to Get the Grant!

Throughout 2026, Innovia is partnering with leading nonprofit consultant Nancy Bacon to offer training webinars designed for nonprofit leaders. Join us on May 12 from 12:00-1:30 PM for the next session! You’ll learn the core building blocks of successful grantwriting—helping you to approach grants with greater clarity and confidence. The cost of each webinar is $10.

To register, visit innovia.org/events!

At Innovia's 2026 Leadership Summit, Oakesdale Community Heart & Soul team member Conny Crow showcased a family heirloom quilt that stitches together pieces of town history.

The quilt was made by Conny's husband Brian's great-great-grandmother, who settled in Oakesdale in the late 1800s. Each scrap holds a story — from a church dress and a wedding suit, to work pants and funeral attire.

A quote from Brian's great-grandmother reads, "It would take volumes to write completely the history of this community, where its members, the brave men and devoted women, worked together while enduring the hardships of pioneer life to build a happy, prosperous community with blessings too numerous to mention!"

Today, reflections on Oakesdale's rich and resilient past encourage Conny as the Heart & Soul team works to revitalize their beloved town.