In September, 2001, a small group of women gathered to found an organization whose mission was to inspire other women with the power of collaborative philanthropy. Ten years later, and more than 280 members strong, we have been able to invest over $1.6M to our 46 pooled-grant recipients in southwest Idaho and to more than 270 individual designees chosen by our members.
Our members learn about the community's greatest needs. Then, through an educated, democratic process pool their money and direct it to where they believe it will make the greatest impact. Through the individual designation process, members also have the opportunity to direct half of their contribution to organizations that are personally meaningful to them. IWCF has been recognized for exercising a rigorous process to evaluate potential grant recipients and to determine whether funds are being spent effectively on an ongoing basis.
We actively seek projects that present new ways of addressing issues to make a real impact on the fabric of our community. IWCF strives to be a model of thoughtful philanthropic giving:
In 2005, we recognized our “Well-Spent Million” – celebrating $1M in giving to our community
We’ve been recognized by the Idaho chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals: in 2006, as Outstanding Foundation of the Year; and in 2011, when one of our founders, Susan Smith, was recognized as a Hero of Philanthropy.
And, to nurture the model of pooled giving, we have been active mentors in the start of two additional Idaho organizations based on this model – The Women’s Gift Alliance in North Idaho and the Wood River Women’s Charitable Foundation in Blaine County.
