Looking to start the new year in a charitable way? There are a number of local nonprofits that need donations, even after the holiday season is over. Here are a few we have compiled.
We recognize that there are many charitable organizations worthy of support locally. If you are interested in donating to a local nonprofit, we highly encourage you to check out Idaho Gives as a resource. Idaho Gives makes the process easy, so it’s straightforward to find, learn about, and donate to organizations you care about.
Know of any more local nonprofits? Comment below!
Boise Bike Project
Founded by Idaho native Jimmy Hallyburton, Boise Bicycle Project is a space focused on providing freedom, empowerment, education, connection, and community through bicycles.
From their website:
Boise Bicycle Project (BBP) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community-oriented cooperative that promotes the personal, social, and environmental benefits of bicycling. BBP functions as a bicycle recycling center as well as an educational workspace in a diverse and non-threatening atmosphere. Through education and access to affordable refurbished bicycles, BBP strives to build a stronger bicycling community.
Camp Rainbow Gold
From their website:
What started in the mid ’80s as a week of camp for a handful of children diagnosed with cancer is now much, much more. Yes, Camp Rainbow Gold is still a summer oncology camp, but it’s also a sibling camp and a family camp. It’s a college scholarship program and a teen support group. It’s 365 days of making a difference in the lives of these children as well as their families and others who support them.
Camp Rainbow Gold is an independent non-profit organization. Based in Boise, Idaho, with a satellite location in Ketchum, Idaho, CRG is a large network of the generous, loving people who are devoted to providing emotionally empowering experiences. Camp Rainbow Gold is sustained by community fundraising, private donations and volunteer efforts.
Camp Rainbow Gold serves more than 400 Idaho family members, is supported by more than 300 volunteers from across the country and has been accredited through the American Camp Association since 2002.
Idaho Anti- Trafficking Coalition
From their website:
The Idaho Anti-Trafficking Coalition is a grassroots organization committed to changing how Idaho views and responds to human trafficking. Made up of a few dedicated community members and a network of organizations the Coalition works hard to grow a support system to identify and help victims of trafficking.
The Idaho Anti-Trafficking Coalition began in the summer of 2017 intending to address the growing issue of trafficking in Idaho. Since then, it has grown substantially and has taken on the goal of opening Idaho’s first safe home for trafficking victims-Solace House. Solace House Outpatient will provide professional counseling services to individuals throughout the community who have been identified as potential or current victims of trafficking.
In addition to the opening of Solace House and Solace House Outpatient, a focus of the Coalition is education and advocacy. Program staff and volunteers provide training on trafficking to local individuals and organizations. Advocating for victim rights and new laws that protect instead of prosecuting victims is a key component of the Coalition’s mission.
Idaho Humane Society
From their website:
The Idaho Humane Society is the largest and oldest animal welfare organization and veterinary charity in the state. They are a 501(c)3 organization that relies on donations to provide programs and services that benefit animals in Idaho.
The mission of the Idaho Humane Society is to advocate for the welfare and responsible care of animals, protect them from neglect and cruelty, and promote humane education, awareness, and compassion. Domestic animals are a product of human intervention, and there is a special obligation to them in regard to humane treatment and responsible stewardship.
No organization saves more pets in Idaho than the Idaho Humane Society. In addition to rescuing thousands of local animals (nearly 12,000 in 2018), shelters and rescues throughout the state and surrounding areas, send in over 1,000 pets each year because they know that the Idaho Humane Society provides the best chance of saving these animals. The veterinary medical center does incredible work saving shelter pets with severe illnesses and injuries every day. The volunteer foster program also saves thousands of pets, which includes the program within Idaho’s correctional facilities to save sick kittens and rehabilitate dogs with behavioral problems.
River Discovery Inc
From their website:
Joe and Fran Tonsmeire were longtime whitewater rafting outfitters and ranchers from Lemhi, Idaho. They founded River Discovery in October 2006, envisioning river-based programming where young participants can address the emotional and physical challenges faced by cancer survivors. Both Tonsmeires experienced cancer personally. Fran battled the disease 3 times. In the end, no amount of grit, strength, or perseverance was enough to overcome the terrible disease. Joe died in March of 2007 and Fran in November of 2014.
River Discovery offers outdoor adventures for cancer survivors that promote healing and strengthening of the mind, body, and spirit. River Discovery works year-round to create, build, and fund life-changing outdoor adventures for cancer survivors and the people who love them. Programs are created to inspire, empower, and heal survivors of all ages and with any diagnosis.
Paws Rescue
From their website:
Since 2013, PAWS has helped save thousands of cats and dogs throughout Idaho from neglect, abuse, and death. Many rescues come from the Burley Idaho Animal Shelter where PAWS has transformed what was once a high kill facility to a shelter where every adoptable animal gets a second chance! PAWS also takes in stray pets from all over Idaho including Twin Falls, Boise, Nampa, and Caldwell.
PAWS Rescue, Inc. saves all breeds of cats and dogs of all ages as well as animals who have been hit by cars, shot, abandoned, abused, and neglected.
Rescued animals are placed in loving foster homes or transferred to other no-kill partner facilities giving them a chance to find the perfect forever home.
PAWS Rescue, Inc. is a 501c3 volunteer-based rescue organization that focuses on saving dogs and cats from high kill shelters and dangerous situations.
Wyakin Foundation
From their website:
The Wyakin Warrior Foundation was founded in 2010 by Jeff and Rebecca Bacon along with Idaho State Senator Marv Hagedorn, to provide a pathway for wounded and injured post-9/11 veterans to transition through education into careers of their choosing. One year later, in large part because of a generous donation by the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation, five veterans were selected as the inaugural class of Wyakin Warriors. That August the Wyakin Foundation officially welcomed this class into the program.
Veteran transition presents challenges. Cultural and emotional forces can collide to make the process of transition into the educational and professional settings seem at times overwhelming. Physical and emotional wounds serve to further complicate matters.
The Wyakin Foundation emphasizes the process of applying the cultural strengths of the veteran experience – discipline, loyalty, selflessness – to create success in the academic setting as a precedent for success beyond. Serving the men and women who have served, through expert professional and leadership development, strategic networking support, academic and career planning, and project management experiences designed to fully prepare wounded and injured veterans for fulfilling post-military careers through the development of critical skill sets as well as renewed sense of purpose and self-identity.
