Contact:
Blossom Johnston
CEO, Idaho Partners for Good BlossomJ@IdahoPartners4Good.org 208.391.5389 www.idahopartners4good.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
New Report Reveals Idaho Philanthropy at a Crossroads: Foundations Urged to Act Boldly Amid Rising Need and Shrinking Public Funds.

BOISE, Idaho — On August 25th, 2025, Idaho Partners for Good (IP4G) and over 50 community leaders met virtually to discuss the powerful new report that was just released, “Voices from the Field: Reimagining Giving in a Shifting Landscape,” capturing the perspectives of philanthropic leaders from across Idaho and the Pacific Northwest at a time of profound transition for the nonprofit sector.

Based on confidential interviews with 13 foundation leaders stewarding more than $148 million in annual giving, the report offered a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how funders are navigating political polarization, economic volatility, and unprecedented pressure on Idaho’s nonprofit infrastructure. To ensure candid reflection, all participants were interviewed anonymously and quoted without attribution.
“We can’t ‘nonprofit’ our way out of everything,” said one participant. “It’s going to cost Idaho to deliver these services—and we need to rethink how we show up.”

The report highlighted a sobering reality: with over $643 million in expected government funding cuts to Idaho nonprofits, the gap is too large for philanthropy to absorb alone. Yet foundations are seeing a surge in requests—some doubling in size—and are grappling with how to respond.

“We’re getting 90 letters of inquiry a month,” one funder shared. “We’re stretched thin, and our board is asking, ‘What is our role in all this?’”

Despite the strain, a sense of cautious optimism emerged. Foundation leaders are rethinking their purpose, expressing growing interest in infrastructure funding, and seeking ways to collaborate across sectors.

“In challenging times, we need people to think differently about their work,” one participant emphasized. “There isn’t enough money to fund every nonprofit individually—but we could fund a collaborative.”

The report outlines a series of strategic recommendations, including:
● Funding nonprofit capacity—not just programs
● Co-creating shared language for measuring impact
● Supporting trusted intermediaries like IP4G to convene diverse leaders across sectors
● Piloting Collaborative Giving Labs to explore systems-level innovation and experiments

We encourage community members and leaders alike to:
1. Share the attached report, and white paper with their networks.
2. Identify agencies, individuals, businesses and agencies across all sectors for collaboration opportunities.
3. Connect and engage with IP4G as we design next steps for Idaho and beyond.
4. Watch/share the virtual public discussion.

“This is more than a report—it’s a roadmap,” said IP4G CEO Blossom Johnston. “We are inviting Idaho’s philanthropic leaders to lean in, get creative, and partner in shaping what comes next.”

About Idaho Partners for Good
Idaho Partners for Good strengthens the state’s nonprofit sector through strategy consulting, capacity-building, and community collaboration. Since 2020, it has served over 110 nonprofits and reinvested more than 40% of consulting revenue into pro bono support and grants. IP4G is trusted statewide as a neutral convener and bridge-builder between nonprofits, funders, and systems leaders.

Learn more: www.idahopartners4good.org

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