Whittenberger Foundation
/OVERVIEW: The Whittenberger Foundation supports Southwest Idaho nonprofits that serve children and youth. It accepts grant applications once per year.
IP TAKE: Caldwell and Boise groups fare well with this locally focused Idaho funder. It has a straightforward grantmaking program but an old-school approach to reviewing applications (think printable application form and eight paper copies required).
The foundation prefers to fund short-term projects and typically requires matching funds or funding from other sources to support long-term needs. It is a funder that craves evidence that its funds are making a critical difference.
The foundation is accessible and welcomes contact by mail to its P.O. Box address and by email. It does not encourage phone calls. Consider pitching an idea that gets local youth involved in their communities outside of school.
PROFILE: Established in 1973, the Whittenberger Foundation is a private family foundation based in Caldwell, Idaho. Ethel Bales Whittenberger, who passed away in 1970, created this foundation in her will. Her husband, Claude R. Whittenberger, was an osteopathic physician, and the couple was active in civic, educational, religious and cultural affairs. The foundation aims to support “innovative and enriching projects which significantly improve the quality of life for children and young people.” Specific grantmaking interests related to children and youth include education, arts and culture, health, social welfare, recreation and the environment.
Grants for Children and Youth
Ethel was an elementary school teacher, so Whittenberger Foundation grantmaking focuses on children and youth. However, it will consider nearly any type of local nonprofit cause or topic that directly impacts the lives of local kids in the small geographic area where the founder lived.
Major foundation support includes P-16 Program - Caldwell, a program that features preschool, out-of-school learning and career aspirations programs. The funder has also been a major supporter of the Caldwell Public Library and the Caldwell Family YMCA. Other grantees include the Patricia Romanko Public Library, the Boise Community Radio Project, Boise Urban Garden School and the Discovery Center of Idaho.
Important Grant Details:
In recent years, the foundation has reported between $4 million and $5 million in total assets and typically makes less than $500,000 in grants annually. Most grants are between $5,000 and $10,000; anything over $20,000 is rare. Review additional financial information in the funder’s tax records.
All funds support activities within Idaho. More specifically, Whittenberger prioritizes causes in Southwest Idaho. Many Whittenberger grants often go towards equipment and material purchases. Other funds are for annual campaigns, emergency assistance, literacy programs, STEAM projects and art council events. General operating support is rare.
Grant applications are due August 15 and are reviewed in the fall. Grant seekers must provide eight copies of the application, which can be found on the funder's website. The board notifies applicants of its decisions in late November and makes public announcements in December.
Direct general questions to the Whittenberger Foundation at whittenbergerfoundation@gmail.com.
PEOPLE:
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