The CHC Foundation Is a Top Health Legacy Grantmaker In Idaho
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Once considered relatively under-the-radar funders, health legacy foundations have emerged as top grantmakers in certain parts of the country. For example, the CHC Foundation is a significant private foundation in Idaho and especially the state's southeastern region. With roots in the Idaho Falls area and dating back to 1911, the CHC Foundation has awarded over $16 million in grants to nonprofits over the past 30 years. For organizations in the greater eastern Idaho region, here are the top things to know about the CHC Foundation.
Funding beyond just health
It is a common misconception that health legacy funders only fund health-related programming. For its part, the CHC Foundation funds a variety of interests, including the arts, culture, education, social services, science, the environment and other community interests. It is a well-rounded funder that supports projects across nearly all nonprofit service areas in its home region.
The arts, in particular, have seen a lot of support from CHC lately. In addition, recent grantees include the Heart of Idaho Animal Sanctuary Challis, City of Rexburg Parks, Bingham County Senior Center and Lemhi County Historical Society. Grants can range from $1,000 to $150,000 but are often around $5,000 to $10,000 each.
Two grantmaking sessions per year
At the CHC Foundation, there are spring and fall grantmaking sessions. For example, the fall application deadline is typically in late July, and the foundation mails result announcements to applicants around the first week of November. Applicants usually receive written notification of the board of directors’ decision by June 1 for the spring session.
The CHC Foundation only awards grants for fixed material assets, not operating expenses or consumable items. Typical grants help pay for equipment, machinery and real estate. CHC prefers to fund one-time projects. However, it may consider supporting long-term projects if they have ongoing matching funds or secure other forms of operational funding.
Applying for a grant
To be eligible for a grant, a nonprofit must be located within the CHC Foundation service area, which includes the following 10 counties: Bonneville, Northern Bingham, Butte, Clark, Eastern Custer, Fremont, Jefferson, Madison, Lemhi and Teton. However, the funder states on its website that this general service area is not all-inclusive, so grantseekers in the near vicinity or serving statewide needs should also consider calling to determine if they are eligible for grants.
The application process is conducted online, including completing a cover sheet and uploading an application form. This is an accessible funder that welcomes grantseeker contact by phone, mail, online form and in-person visits.
Read more about the CHC Foundation in IP’s complete profile of this funder, which is part of our Idaho grantmaking guide.
