On a crisp fall morning in the Idaho panhandle, a retired teacher logs onto her computer to donate $25 to her favorite local food pantry. On other side of the Gem State, a family business in Twin Falls County finalizes a six-figure gift to fund scholarships. While each of these individual acts of generosity have a different level of impact, they are uniquely woven together to form the web of Idaho’s statewide philanthropic impact. That’s the spirit behind the recent merger of the Idaho Community Foundation (ICF) and the Idaho Nonprofit Center (INC): uniting donors, nonprofits, and communities under one roof to amplify impact.
The merger, announced in October 2024, marks a pivotal step toward ensuring that Idaho’s fast-growing communities have the resources, leadership, and support-systems needed to thrive. At the heart of this merger is a simple but powerful idea: Idaho’s needs are in a better position to be met when philanthropy and nonprofits work hand-in-hand. By aligning two organizations with complementary missions, Idaho now has one unified partner that can connect donors with causes and increase nonprofit capacity.
“This merger is about making Idaho stronger,” shared Autumn Kersey-Camilovic
Marketing & Communications Manager. “Idahoans are generous, but we haven’t yet fully tapped into our state’s philanthropic potential. By combining philanthropy and nonprofit support, we’re giving every Idahoan—from a small-town volunteer to a major donor—a way to invest in their community and see that investment make a real difference.”
The core challenges for both ICF and INC boiled down to this: high demand and limited resources. “With greater capacity, we can deepen our investment,” explained Kersey-Camilovic. “This year’s Idaho Gives raised more than $5.1 million from 14,000 donors—a powerful example of the momentum we can build. Going forward, Idaho Gives and other programs will continue to grow in reach and participation. Each of these flagship programs now benefit from the infrastructure, donor relationships, and visibility of a statewide foundation.”
Of course, merging organizations—and ultimately, boards—requires thoughtful and considerate discussion. Steve Burns will continue to serve as President and CEO, helping to guide the organization’s overall strategy, vision, and statewide philanthropic growth. Kevin Bailey serves as the Vice President of Impact, leading nonprofit capacity and community engagement efforts, including Idaho Gives, training, advocacy, and research. “We’ve also welcomed Zoë Brunelle as Vice President of Advancement, overseeing fund development and ensuring flexible giving options for donors, foundations, and communities through affiliates and giving circles. Judy Ramos remains Vice President of Finance and Operations, managing financial stewardship and operations in partnership with our Investment Subcommittee.” Kersey-Camilovic continued excitedly, “Together, this leadership team provides strong, dedicated direction for both philanthropy and nonprofit support, advancing our shared mission across Idaho.”
Tangible and positive impacts will soon be felt as the merger surpasses its first official year this Fall 2025. The team anticipates substantial growth—in reach, visibility, and funding—to the Idaho Gives program. Services across the board will become more streamlined. Donors and nonprofits no longer have to navigate two separate organizations. Instead, they have a single partner that offers training, fundraising opportunities, advocacy, and direct support. Through Affiliate Foundations and Giving Circles, local residents can pool resources and direct charitable giving right where they live, ensuring that generosity is rooted in community priorities. New opportunities for innovation are already blossoming. From statewide research like the Transfer of Wealth analysis to expanded leadership development and convening opportunities, the merged organization will bring data, tools, and collaboration to the forefront of Idaho’s nonprofit and philanthropic strategies.
Kersey-Camilovic looks forward to the changes to come and being able to provide a larger footprint of impact across the state. “I’m excited that we can finally tell a “whole story.” Instead of talking separately about philanthropy and nonprofits, we now get to show how they are interconnected and how, together, they make Idaho stronger.”
Ultimately, the merger represents more than organizational efficiency. It is a move to improve Idaho’s future. By aligning philanthropy and nonprofits under one roof, Idaho has built a foundation capable of meeting today’s challenges and unlocking tomorrow’s potential.
Resource Guide
Want to get involved in Idaho’s philanthropic and nonprofit ecosystem? Start with the Idaho Community Foundation at idahocf.org for giving circles, affiliate foundations, grants, and donor options. For training, advocacy, and sector resources, visit the Idaho Nonprofit Center (now part of ICF) at idahononprofits.org. You can also support IdahoGives.org—the statewide giving campaign (a program of the Idaho Nonprofit Center)—uniting thousands of donors to uplift local causes. Whether you’re a donor, volunteer, or nonprofit leader, these hubs offer practical ways to strengthen communities across Idaho.
“I’m excited that we can finally tell a “whole story.” Instead of talking separately about philanthropy and nonprofits, we now get to show how they are interconnected and how, together, they make Idaho stronger.”
Idaho’s generosity grows when working hand-in-hand statewide