It’s very nearly impossible to consider yourself a success if you aren’t in some way supporting those around you. We are nothing without the communities we thrive in. We are a collective, a shared experience, and we lift one another up by giving back as much as we can.
Idaho has never been one to shy away from philanthropy. We have some of the most benevolent businesses you could find—contributing hours of work and volunteerism, donating funds and goods, and helping to build this beautiful place we call home. When we are built up together, we all succeed.
Idaho Community Foundation
“At The Idaho Community Foundation (ICF), we believe that philanthropy is deeply rooted in Idaho values,” shared ICF Marketing and Communications Manager Autumn Kersey-Camilovic. “Over the years, we've partnered with donors, nonprofits, businesses, and local leaders to strengthen communities across the state.”
“Since our founding, ICF has granted over $185 million to nonprofits, schools, and charitable causes throughout Idaho. We are poised to exceed $200 million in 2025. Thanks to the philanthropic activities of community-minded Idahoans, each year, we award millions of dollars in grants and scholarships to Idaho organizations and students. We’ve helped countless organizations serve Idaho communities, from providing emergency relief during natural disasters to funding arts programs in rural areas.”
Habitat for Humanity
Everyone deserves a safe space to grow, live, and flourish. Habitat for Humanity has made that their mission and purpose. Kenzie Lauritzen serves as the Marketing and Development Manager and is thrilled to work for an organization that makes profound, life-changing impacts on people’s lives.
“Since our founding in 1990, Treasure Valley Habitat for Humanity has built 81 homes and served 487 individuals, including 321 children, across 99 families,” Lauritzen explained. “Our work is centered on providing safe, affordable housing solutions for families in need throughout the Treasure Valley region, offering them stability and an opportunity for a brighter future.”
Additionally, Habitat for Humanity is more than just building houses. “We have two ReStore locations—nonprofit thrift stores that accept donations of new and gently used furniture, appliances, home decor, and building supplies. When possible, these materials are used in the construction of Habitat homes, and the rest are sold to the public at over 50% off retail prices. Every donation and purchase supports our mission to build homes, community, and hope.”
Block 22, LLC.
Comprised of The Grove Hotel, the Idaho Steelheads, Idaho Central Arena, Hotel 43, and the Kitchen + Cocktails and Courtyard by Marriott Boise Downtown, Block 22 LLC is a pinnacle of Boise’s downtown space. “Our local ownership has been in the community for generations,” said Vicki Carley, Regional Director of Sales and Marketing. Hotel 43 alone donates over 500 room nights a year to organizations like Idaho Shakespeare Festival, Boise Philharmonic, Opera Idaho, and many others. We don’t always think about this side of philanthropy but, “Many of these organizations could not offer all of the programs they do if Hotel 43 didn’t provide room nights for their guest artists, choreographers, set design, etc.,” said Carley.
Additionally, Block 22 underwrites large conventions, ensuring that Boise remains a top competitor when it comes to business and economic development. Each entity within Block 22 has their own style of philanthropy, from the Steelhead’s Chuck a Puck to Marriott Boise Downtown providing partnership and support to the Outlaw Field, Morrison Center, and more.
Idaho First Bank
For a long time, Idaho First Bank has been making a philosophy and business model centered around ‘people first, community first.’ Beyond their mission of support and building relationships, Idaho First Bank has also spent countless hours just diving right into their community. Alongside providing financial support to a variety of education, health, and safety organizations, each of their employees receives a minimum of 40 hours of paid time off a year to volunteer at a nonprofit of their choice.
Stacey Divine, Chief Marketing Officer, is proud to work at Idaho First Bank because they more than practice what they preach, “I know lots of businesses say “it’s our people” that matter or “it’s our customers that come first”. Here’s our difference: We don’t just say it…we do it,” said Example of this is: We close the branches early one day out of the year and go out in the communities that we work with and serve by providing assistance with something they are in need of. It could be landscaping, painting, food donations, etc.”