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Innovia awards COVID-19 response, recovery funds to Clearwater County groups

SPOKANE, WA -- Innovia Foundation Tuesday announced 138 grants totaling $779,000 from the COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Funds for North Idaho and Eastern Washington, including three organizations in Clearwater County.

This is the first round of grants from the Response and Recovery Funds and is directed to nonprofit and grassroots organizations, as well as tribal entities, schools and other government agencies, that are on the front lines of the COVID-19 response.

"While our healthcare systems, public health professionals, and local government agencies are doing everything in their power to support our community, we know that gaps remain. Thanks to the generosity of our funding partners, we can step in to address some of those gaps through grants to organizations serving our most vulnerable populations," said Innovia Foundation CEO Shelly O'Quinn. "We are pleased to support the incredible work our community partners are doing to ensure the wellbeing of our region."

A $3,500 grant to First Step 4 Life will provide funding in Orofino to meet increased demand for mental health and substance abuse services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Orofino Senior Meals and Hilltop Senior Meal Program will receive $4,500 each to purchase packing for meal distribution.

The COVID-19 Response and Recovery Funds are hosted at Innovia Foundation in partnership with Equinox Foundation, Avista Foundation, Lewis-Clark Valley Healthcare Foundation and Idaho Community Foundation in North Idaho, and Empire Health Foundation and Spokane County United Way in Eastern Washington.

"Together, we've been through fires and storms, recessions and depressions, and our communities have always persevered. We recognize that times like these require compassion, connection and collective action," said Avista Foundation Executive Director Kristine Meyer. "While the situation we are facing right now will undoubtedly create a burden for many, we are encouraged by the strength and resilience of our communities. We recognize we have the opportunity to relieve some of this burden, and Avista is honored to be one partner in this collaborative effort."

Businesses, individuals and organizations can donate and find additional information about the COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Funds for Eastern Washington and North Idaho at innovia.org/COVID19.

COVID-19 Response and Recovery Funding partners include: Innovia Foundation, Empire Health Foundation, Spokane County United Way, Avista Foundation, BECU, Better Health Together, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Burlington Northern, Community Building Foundation, Delta Dental of Washington, Equinox Foundation, Health Sciences & Services Authority of Spokane County, Itron, Lewis-Clark Valley Healthcare Foundation, MultiCare Health System, M.J. Murdock Charitable Foundation, Perigee Fund, Premera Blue Cross, Providence Health Care, Umpqua Bank, Wells Fargo and Women Helping Women Fund.

Window on the Clearwater
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Orofino, ID 83544
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