Guidelines and Application

The Equinox Foundation is partnering with Inland Northwest Community Foundation (INWCF) to provide a grant program for the benefit of the communities in Bonner and Boundary Counties of North Idaho. This family foundation was founded on the values of wisdom, integrity and environmental stewardship. It is the Equinox Foundation's mission to protect the natural assets of this region and to support ecologically sustainable solutions for growth and development. It is equally important to the Equinox Foundation to nurture the long-term health of the region by supporting positive opportunities for youth.

Equinox Foundation Vision:

• To maintain a healthy environment
• To protect our waterways, wetlands and natural areas
• To provide for more parks, trails and open space
• To promote educational, recreational and arts opportunities for youth
• To provide for long-term health and viability of our communities
• To use collaboration to aid understanding and to grow wisely

Funds are available to organizations that address the Equinox Foundation’s vision and strategies for the benefit of Bonner and Boundary counties in Idaho.

The Equinox Foundation Grant Program will consider applications from organizations that:

• Are tax-exempt public charities under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; a unit of local government described in Section 170(c)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code; or a federally recognized Tribe.  Organizations that do not meet these criteria, but are providing a charitable program, may be eligible.
• Provide a clear charitable purpose.
• Provide service in either Bonner or Boundary Counties, Idaho.
• Are organized and operated so that there is no discrimination on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin or disability.
• Do not have any delinquent reports for previous grants awarded through the Equinox Foundation Grant Program or other INWCF grant programs.

Grant amounts are typically between $2,000 and $30,000 and are provided for a one-year grant period.  Grants may be used for: seed (start-up) funding for new organizations and programs, including new, innovative projects and approaches; program expansion support; capital and/or equipment necessary to implement eligible programs; providing free or lower-cost access to programs for eligible populations that may otherwise not be able to participate; and general operating support. Collaborations among organizations are encouraged.

Click here to see a list of recently awarded Equinox Foundation grants.

Preference is given to programs that effectively implement the following strategies:

The Equinox Foundation Grant Program generally does not provide support for:

• Individuals
• Endowments
• Debt retirement
• Underwriting fundraising events
• Conferences, workshops or symposia for staff
• Programs addressing specific diseases and health conditions
• Direct lobbying expenses; although advocacy efforts within what is allowed by the Internal Revenue Service for public charities will be considered

Important Resources

The following links are provided to help answer questions and provide important information about the INWCF application process. Please take time to review the links for relevent information. 

Application

Application to the Equinox Foundation Grant Program is made through an online process. The application will be available by clicking the link below beginning February 28, 2011 and is due by 5 p.m. on April 26, 2011.   For the most current application dates for all INWCF grant programs, please see our Application Calendar.

Questions?

If you have questions about the Equinox Foundation Grant Program or any of INWCF’s grant programs, please contact our grants program staff.