Idaho Gives raises funds, awareness for state's nonprofits

SANDPOINT — A safe place for kids to go after school.

Untamed landscapes connecting today's youths with nature away from the digital chaos of every present phones, tablets and computers.

A chance to plan, learn and have fun being a kid.

Each of the programs represented — respectively the Sandpoint Youth Center, Selkirk Outdoor Leadership and Education and Creations — are among the local groups taking part in Idaho Gives.

Idaho Gives is a statewide collaboration that helps raise critically needed funds for the state's nonprofits. Created and run by the Idaho Nonprofit Center, the annual event began April 29 and runs through 11:59 p.m. Thursday, May 2.

"Participating in Idaho Gives provides people more connection with their community,” Kevin Bailey, INC chief executive officer, said. “It is an opportunity to give back to the local nonprofits that help our neighbors and protect our beautiful state.”

Creations aims to promote the arts, creativity and STEAM — science, technology, engineering, arts and math — learning for the region's youth. Located in Sandpoint, Creations hosts over 40,000 art and discovery visits every year. Money raised as part of Idaho Gives will go toward the addition of educational LEGO building bricks at its Sandpoint location on the Cedar Street Bridge.

Creations' discovery play area and drop-in art studio are open every day of the week for children and their families, Kate Mansour said. 

"Creations' founding element is our drop-in art studio stocked with art supplies and craft ideas. Creations has a wonderful discovery play area, that includes a restored wooden sailboat, tree house and a variety of STEAM educational games and activities," Mansour said of the facility, which is funded by donation.

"Your Idaho Gives donation supports discovery play and LEGO brick building at Creations help us keep our facility accessible to our North Idaho community, with no one turned away because of inability to pay," she said. "LEGO Education is a fantastic resource to allow students to show their thinking in a visual and hands-on manner. It truly allows them to be actively involved in constructing their knowledge and their understanding of the world around them."

Donations can be made on the Idaho Gives website or by mailing donations to Creations, 334 N. First Ave., Suite 213, Sandpoint, ID 83864.

Idaho Gives helps the Sandpoint Youth Center cover food, activities and its teen mentor staff at its two locations — at First Lutheran Church in Sandpoint and at LPOSD Portable No. 1 behind Sandpoint Middle School. Each afternoon, up to 170 teens are taking part in one of the center's programs.

"Your donation during Idaho Gives will support our goal to provide meals, movement and mentorship to Bonner County teens each day after school," the center's Joan Avery said.

From December 2023 to April 1, the center's two locations noted 2,124 total teen visits with more than 430 teens taking part in everything from studying, fun and challenging activities and healthy snacks and hot meals. Teens in seventh through 12th grade can do everything from ping pong and foosball to cornhole, board games and puzzle contests to homework help and learning new skills, such as cooking.

Donations can be made on the Idaho Gives website by searching for Sandpoint Youth Center or by mailing donations to Sandpoint Teen Center, Box 1066, Sandpoint, ID 83864.

Through Selkirk Outdoor Leadership and Education, youths get to reconnect with nature, Dennis Webb, SOLE's founder and executive director, said.

"It's in these untamed landscapes, away from technological noise, that our future leaders can truly explore, learn, connect, and develop," Webb said. "However, a staggering 50% of youth assisted by SOLE can't afford transformative outdoor education programs that provide these opportunities due to socioeconomic barriers."

Complicating matters, many youths spend much of their free time tethered to digital devices, something Webb said further alienates them from relationships with their peers,  community and nature.

We believe it is our responsibility to provide these opportunities for our "leaders of tomorrow," he said.

The fundraising campaign kicked off at the stroke of midnight Monday, April 29, as the statewide giving event aims to help over 650 local nonprofit organizations, including a number in Bonner County.

The program is designed to bring the state together, raising money and awareness for Idaho nonprofits, Idaho Nonprofit Center officials said in a press release. To facilitate donations and raise awareness of the many groups in the state, the program's website — IdahoGives.org — provides an easy-to-use platform for donors to search, support and donate to Idaho nonprofits.

"Idaho has given us friendship, adventure, and a place to roam," INC officials said. "What can we give Idaho."

Nonprofits have given Idaho so much and deserve our support, they said in a press release.

"There isn’t a corner of Idaho that hasn’t been touched by a nonprofit," officials said. "They are the building blocks of every community."

Idahoans and businesses come together to support the four-day campaign year after year. Representing the presenting sponsor, Idaho Central Credit Union, Laura Smith said they keep returning “because it is a powerful event that supports nonprofit organizations in every corner of Idaho.”

Since its founding, Idaho Gives has raised almost $24 million —from more than 13,000 individual donors — including $3.83 million that was donated in 2024. Key focus areas include animal rescue, education, housing, the arts, and many more.

Because Idaho gives so much to its people and groups, Idaho Gives helps return the favor, officials with the center said.

"This is one of our favorite times of year because of Idaho Gives," Smith said.

ICCU is joined by Battelle Energy Alliance — operator of INL, and KTVB as additional sponsors of the event. The program of the Idaho Nonprofit Center, now in its twelfth year, continues until Thursday, May 2.

For more information about Idaho Gives and how you can participate, visit IdahoGives.org.

    Area youth play a game at the Sandpoint Youth Center recently.