Idaho Community Foundation awards $94,300 in Bonner County grants

The Idaho Community Foundation has awarded $94,300 in grants to 18 Bonner County organizations through two programs focused on human rights and arts education.

The funding comes from the Bonner County Endowment Fund for Human Rights, which distributed $19,300, and the Bonner County Fund for Arts Enhancement, which distributed $75,000.

“Support for arts education helps us bring creative experiences to students, families and neighbors who may not otherwise have access to them,” said Tone Stolz of Pend Oreille Arts Council. “Every grant dollar helps open the door to learning, expression and connection in our community.”

Kate Mansur of Sandpoint Youth Center echoed those sentiments and said the grant monies will help her organization continue offering its services.

“We are grateful for the continued support of meals, movement, and mentorship for more than 15,000 teen visits in 2026-27,” she said. “Demand for the Sandpoint Teen Center has grown each year ― doubling since 2022 ― and this funding helps us keep pace.”

Bonner County Endowment Fund for Human Rights recipients:

Bonner Community Food Center received $1,000 for dignity-centered food assistance, including youth food kits, household support and school-based pantry access.

Bonner Partners in Care Clinic received $1,500 to help uninsured and underinsured individuals in rural Bonner and Boundary counties access essential medical services.

Community Resource EnVision Center received $2,300 for Spanish-language outreach and culturally responsive resource navigation for Bonner County residents.

Music Bridges Borders received $2,000 for a free summer music camp and community presentations connecting Sandpoint-area children and families through music.

NAMI Idaho – Far North received $3,000 for the Sand Creek Connections Clubhouse employment program, including local business recruitment and transitional employment training.

Pend Oreille Arts Council received $1,500 for student workshops and a performance by artist Alysha Brilla focused on music production, composition and inclusive community connection.

Pro-Voice Project Foundation received $3,000 for a virtual event and local watch gatherings exploring courage, human rights and values-based action.

Sandpoint Alliance for Equality received $2,000 for Pride Outside volunteer training, youth-focused outdoor programming, monthly events and the Pride on the Mountain advocacy fair.

Sandpoint Youth Center received $2,000 for after-school meals, snacks, activities and mentorship for Bonner County teens.

Wassmuth Center for Human Rights received $1,000 for Bonner County nonprofit staff and volunteers to complete the Human Rights Certificate Course.

Bonner County Fund for Arts Enhancement recipients:

Arts Alliance received $12,000 for preschool, senior and special needs art classes, AmeriCorps art instructors, supplies and youth scholarships.

Carousel of Smiles received $4,000 for the “Prancing Pony” mural, a large-scale community project transforming a building facade.

Festival at Sandpoint received $20,000 for the 43rd Summer Performance Series, running July 30 through Aug. 9.

Kaniksu Land Trust received $5,000 for Kaniksu Folk School operations, including instructor stipends, materials and program coordination for year-round arts education.

Lake Pend Oreille School District No. 84 received $4,000 for a weeklong performing arts residency at Northside Elementary and Hope Elementary.

Memorial Community Center received $6,000 for continuation and expansion of current art programs.

Music Conservatory of Sandpoint received $12,000 for weekly performing arts programming for early childhood through 12th-grade students at local elementary schools and the conservatory’s downtown location.

Pend Oreille Arts Council received $12,000 for educational programs including the Kaleidoscope Visual Arts Program and Ovations Performing Arts Program.

More information on Idaho Community Foundation grant opportunities is available at idahocf.org.