Many nonprofit organizations often fret about fundraising, trying to find a balance of carrying out their mission while raising money.

St. Luke’s recently had a chance to help alleviate a few of those worries, investing $650,000 in Community Health Improvement Fund grants to nonprofit organizations across the greater Treasure Valley, Mountain Home, Wood River and McCall. (St. Luke’s will invest an additional $290,000 in Magic Valley this year.)

St. Luke’s employees and a volunteer helped hand-deliver some of the grant checks, bringing smiles and joy to many nonprofit teams, including the Girl Scouts of Silver Sage.

“We are grateful to have support from St. Luke’s for two very important programs—Outdoor Adventure and Visions—and for our Scouting Stars event!” said Girl Scouts chief development officer Joanne Taylor, after receiving an in-person delivery. “What great news for local Girl Scouts.

Amber Green, St. Luke’s McCall chief operating officer/CNO and Mark Robinson, McCall Community Board member, delivered CHIF grants in February to a variety of local organizations, including the Cascade Food Pantry, Horizon’s Lifestyle and Education Team, and Salmon River Senior Citizens.

“Hand-delivering the CHIF grant checks to some of our community partners was truly rewarding,” Green said. “Many nonprofit organizations in our communities are finding innovative ways to improve health, and we are thrilled to support them.” 

The grant awarded to Salmon River Senior Citizens will help offset costs related to Connecting U Salmon River Transit, which provides free transportation for seniors between Riggins and McCall, ensuring access to medical appointments, grocery shopping and social activities.

“I thoroughly enjoyed meeting the grant recipients and hearing about their innovative community programs,” Robinson said.

St. Luke’s is honored to support many nonprofits across Idaho that align with the mission of improving the health of the communities it serves, said Theresa McLeod, senior director of community engagement at St. Luke’s.