Our Roots

In 1974, as Spokane was preparing to host the World's Fair, a group of concerned citizens saw a need for a foundation that could continue revitalizing the communities of the Inland Northwest. That year, the Junior League of Spokane founded the Greater Spokane Community Foundation, a new entity that replaced the original Spokane Foundation, which had been established in 1915 with a single trust.

Our Reach

In the 1970s and 1980s, the Foundation’s understanding of “community” grew, and we began to reach beyond the Spokane area. Recognizing that people with common interests and concerns know best how to meet local needs, the Foundation’s territory expanded to include 10 counties in Eastern Washington and 10 counties in North Idaho. The name was changed to Foundation Northwest to reflect the expanded region. In 2006, the Foundation conducted 500 interviews with community members and developed a comprehensive strategic plan. This launched another period of major growth. Our name was rebranded to Inland Northwest Community Foundation to clearly identify that we are the community foundation and a public entity, not a private foundation.

Our Growth

As of June 30, 2009, Inland Northwest Community Foundation marked its fiscal year-end with nearly $50 million in assets and more than 260 funds established by individuals, families, nonprofit agencies and corporations. The funds support community development and environment, health and human services, education (including scholarships) and arts and culture. Since the first grants were made in 1976, more than $37 million have been awarded in grants and scholarships.

Our Present

Today we have more than 285 funds and $55 million in assets. We are working  diligently and effectively to reach out to professional advisors, community leaders, businesses and nonprofits to help community-minded donors achieve their charitable goals. By making it easy for people to give, either directly or through planned gifts, we can forge links between someone's personal charitable interests and the nonprofit organizations and programs that improve all our lives.

We are grateful for your continued support and your trust in what we do. Please call us anytime with your questions, comments and suggestions. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you achieve your philanthropic goals.