Giving Guide 2025

GivingGuide 2025

From the Publisher

Meet Your Guide to Good Giving

In every corner of our region—from the Orchards to the Heights to the Palouse, along the Clearwater and Snake rivers to the hills of the Palouse and the Camas Prairie—our neighbors and friends always seem to step up when it counts.

Beginning this season, we’ve launched this Giving Guide to gather the nonprofits that power this generosity into one place: a practical directory to help you and me decide where a gift or a few volunteer hours can do the most good.

You’ll find brief profiles of organizations serving the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley, and our greater region, with clear ways to give, volunteer, or learn more. This is a new effort by the Lewiston Tribune and Moscow-Pullman Daily News —published in print and online—to make our towns better by making giving easier and more impactful.

If you’re a nonprofit that serves our communities, we invite you to participate.

And you — the reader — are invited to use the guide, share it with a friend, and, if you’re able, join us in supporting the people and places we all love to call home.

Nathan Alford,

Editor & Publisher

A cozy bed can be a blessing

Founded in 2020, Blessing Beds has been dedicated to ensuring that every child has a warm, safe bed to sleep in.

Young nonprofit Blessing Beds works to give children in Quad Cities region a place to lay their heads

Five years of pursuing its mission of helping children all started with a Facebook post by founder and head builder Thad DeBuhr. “If your kids or someone you know has kids sleeping on the floor or on a mattress on the ground please contact me …”

Blessing Beds focuses on the Quad Cities region of Lewiston, Clarkston, Moscow and Pullman. The nonprofit organization has just developed a new bed-building location in the Lewiston Orchards. The group is available to deliver beds to a few various rural areas outside of the main locations. Based on numbers from 2024, there were 65 total beds delivered (448 total since 2020) and 32 families helped (237 total since 2020).

Regardless of experience level, Blessing Beds leaders will help those who want to volunteer find an area that suits them, and still helps benefit the children. Some areas to think about volunteering include assembling, sanding, routing, staining and more. In 2024, there were 118 volunteers, and more people willing to help are always welcome.

Blessing Beds has different levels for donations: $90 goes toward being able to get lumber for a bed; $185 goes toward two mattresses; $87 goes toward two sets of bedding; $23 goes toward two packs of pillows; and $385 goes toward a full bed

donation. The organization is currently looking for more sources to obtain reliable lumber, bedding and mattresses.

Information about donating or volunteering with Blessing Beds is available at blessingbeds.com.

Even more ways to stay cool are coming

TheAsotin County Family Aquatic

Center already has more amenities than similar facilities in other counties, but the facility is hoping to raise the bar even higher with new renovations and additions.

The renovations are still in the fundraising phase, but they’d make an already-great facility just that much better.

The aquatic center located at 1603 Dustan Loop, Clarkston, currently operates a year-round, 25-yard, eight-lane lap pool as well as a large-capacity hot tub and play features for younger swimmers.

Renovations are planned inside and outside at the Asotin County Family Aquatic Center

Many of the most impressive planned renovations will affect the facility’s outdoor lagoon waterpark. With a wave pool, splash pool, water slides and a lazy river, the lagoon waterpark is already a great way to cool down during the summer’s hottest days, but it’s only getting better.

The lagoon waterpark’s Adventure Pool will be getting an updated water feature and will feature a wider array of interactive opportunities for children and families alike. The new water feature is also planned to include a water slide for all ages.

In addition to the new water feature, the Adventure Pool will also receive new shade covers to allow families to relax and escape the sun without having to leave the water park. The new shade system will even allow for the potential future installment of misters.

Creating more shaded areas in the aquatic center’s water park is a primary goal. The lazy river will be getting new shade covers, and cabanas are planned to be installed on a gravel lot that is underutilized. Areas around the cabanas will be turfed, and the cabanas will be available for reservation for parties and other events.

Lastly, concessions will be relocated outside in order to allow easier access for patrons and open up more space inside the facility for flex space or staff areas.

Office and flex spaces, fitness facilities, shower rooms and general facilities will all also be receiving new upgrades.

The current fitness area is planned to be converted into a 24-hour gym that will include a yoga/fitness room or other flexible spaces for individual or group use. Changes are being made to the shower rooms to improve privacy as well as modernizing the general aesthetics. Would-be swimmers can look forward to a new and improved Asotin County Family Aquatic Center. For more detailed information, visit TheAquaticCenter.org to view the capital campaign for the planned improvements. In addition, those interested in contributing toward the fundraising can find donation information online as well.

Information regarding swim lessons, fitness classes, daily rates, memberships and Lagoon Waterpark season passes can also be found online, along with the aquatic center contact information for specific questions or concerns.

They’re the ‘first line of defense’ for wild places

For nearly four decades, Friends of the Clearwater has worked to protect and save the wild areas of the Clearwater Basin and north central Idaho. Paul Busch says the organization is “the voice for wildlife and wild places.”

Friends of the Clearwater has championed Idaho’s natural beauty since 1987

“We’re lucky to have this kind of access … to disconnect from the really crazy world,” said Busch, media director for Friends of the Clearwater.

The grassroots organization, founded by fourth-generation Idahoan Steve Paulson in 1987, works to sustain the local environment so it can be used for hunting, fishing and recreation for generations to come. One of the reasons behind FOC’s creation was to push back on “extreme clear cuts on the Nez Perce and Clearwater National Forests,” Busch explained. Decades later, they’re now the “first line of defense” for the wildlife, wildlands and waterways of north central Idaho.

“We basically want to make sure what is wild and special about north central Idaho can stay that way forever,” Busch said.

“Preserving,

One of the main ways Friends of the Clearwater works to keep Idaho wild is through public outreach and education. They accomplish their mission by participating in public processes, partnering with other organizations

and using legal pressure when necessary. This work helps hold government agencies, which are tasked with managing much of these lands, accountable when they fail to adhere to environmental laws. Busch emphasized that, “we own the public land, but the government manages it.”

The protection of over 9,000 square miles of public land in Idaho doesn’t just fall on the shoulders of four staff members and 10 people on the FOC board. It takes the work of all FOC members and volunteers. A oncesmall grassroots organization has grown into a group of “many members in many states,” according to Busch.

Getting involved with the protection of wildlife and wild places is as simple as emailing foc@friendsoftheclearwater.org to volunteer, or visiting their website to find other ways to help. They recommend contacting the Forest Service, writing letters to the editor, signing up for their email list or becoming a FOC member. As membership grows, they’re looking to go on more hikes, campouts, ski trips and other outings that bring people together.

“A good reason to get involved is the social aspect,” Busch said. “We really do try to be a social club that can hang out and have fun in the outdoors.”

For more information on how to get involved with Friends of the Clearwater, contact the organization by emailing foc@friendsoftheclearwater.org or calling (208) 882-9755. The group’s website is at friendsoftheclearwater.org.

Helping families learn to manage diabetes

“Weare here to support our type 1 diabetics within the LC Valley and surrounding areas,” explained Stephanie Bowen, co-founder and co-executive director of Hometown T1D, speaking about one of the missions of her organization.

Hometown T1D provides a variety of tools for those affected by type 1 diabetes

Hometown T1D strives to spread awareness, help support, educate, learn and empower individuals and their families. They do so through five main avenues: bi-monthly support groups, summer camps for kids, their supply network, education opportunities (such as their diabetes boot camp for schools) and new diagnosis gift baskets.

The next support group event is the annual Christmas party on Dec. 5 at 5:30 p.m. There will be gifts, games, prizes and “so much love for our community.” More information about the party can be found on the Hometown T1D Facebook page.

There are three summer camps that Hometown T1D provides scholarships for: Camp Twigs, Camp Stix and Camp HiLo. Twigs is for ages 6-8, Stix is for ages 9-16, and HiLo is for ages 8-18.

One of the most important bridges connecting the organization with the community is its supply network. “We get supplies donated to us, and then we can acquire certain supplies in case someone runs out of something,” Bowen said. “We are there for any sort of insurance mishaps, or things that come up that they might not have foreseen.”

Another crucial aspect of Hometown T1D is providing any staff in the school district or any preschool with the opportunity to learn about how to help students with type 1 diabetes. The bootcamp takes place around the beginning of every school year. “(Anyone) who might be taking care of a type 1 diabetic can come and learn from a diabetes nurse educator on what the basic care looks like for these children,” Bowen said.

Lastly, Hometown T1D helps bridge the gap between health care professionals and individuals with their gift baskets and other resources for families who received a new diagnosis. They help with recommendations, talking through different scenarios, or just to be a person who gets what you’re going through.

“Anytime someone is newly diagnosed, we’re able to meet with the family, welcome them to our group, and be there for anything they need, especially in the beginning stages of taking on this crazy life,” Bowen said.

For more information, visit hometownt1d.org, or visit the Hometown T1D Facebook page (especially for those who want to join in on the Dec. 5 Christmas Party).

“It’s so important to us that we’ve created a community to be there for each other,” Bowen said.

Helping families find a place to call home

L-C Valley Habitat for Humanity works to put roofs over the heads of residents of Nez Perce and Asotin counties

Habitat for Humanity partners with people from all over the world with the belief that everyone, everywhere deserves a safe and healthy place to call home. In support of this, L-C Valley Habitat for Humanity works in Nez Perce and Asotin counties to build or repair homes for in-need community members.

Habitat for Humanity’s goals can most succinctly be encompassed by its mission statement, “Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope.”

The work L-C Valley Habitat for Humanity does is undoubtedly impactful. According to the organization’s 2024 Impact report, Habitat has been able to house 161 individuals through either the construction of new homes or critical repairs of existing homes.

“We work with families to build homes that are affordable and sustainable, which means we use a variety of building techniques and materials to ensure that the homes are safe, durable and energy efficient,” L-C Valley Habitat for Humanity said in a statement.

Since its founding in 1991, L-C Valley Habitat for Humanity has constructed 35 homes, with the 36th on the way. In 2024 alone, Habitat was able to sponsor more than $700,000 worth of construction and repairs.

L-C Valley Habitat for Humanity uses 100% of the donations it receives to benefit people in the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley. Volunteers or people interested in donating can be confident that their time and resources will be used to benefit their local communities.

To be clear, L-C Valley Habitat for Humanity is not in the business of giving out free homes or free repairs. Recipients still make payments — granted those payments are generally much more affordable — and recipients of L-C Valley Habitat for Humanity aid are asked to pay it forward.

Recipients of Habitat homes contribute up to 500 hours of what L-C Habitat refers to as “sweat equity.” In other words, to get help with a home from Habitat, recipients have to help someone else too.

Interested in volunteering? There are multiple ways to go about it.

L-C Habitat has plenty of opportunities to volunteer and make meaningful impacts in your community. Creating a volunteer profile is quick and easy. Opportunities to volunteer are broad. Good at swinging a hammer? They need construction volunteers. Special event volunteers are always needed for things like the L-C Valley Pumpkin Patch and they even have opportunities to volunteer remotely doing things like volunteer grant writing.

Visit L-CValleyHabitat.org to learn more information about ways to volunteer.

Community members are also encouraged to consider making a donation to L-C Valley Habitat. From Dec. 10-31, L-C Valley Habitat will run a special Avenues for Hope campaign in which the first $2,500 donated will be matched. More details about that project and ways to donate can be found at l-cvalleyhabitat.org/avenuesforhope.

L-C Valley Habitat for Humanity invites you to join our Avenue for Hope campaign, an online fundraiser running December 10–31. Your support helps build and repair affordable homes for local families, giving more of our neighbors a safe, stable place to call home. Every gift makes a difference-and the first $2,500 donated will be matched, doubling your impact.

To learn more or donate, visit our website or scan the QR code.

To give by mail, please make checks payable to L-C Valley Habitat for Humanity and sent to 2200 8th Ave Lewiston ID, 83501

Caring for animals in a variety of ways

TheLewis-Clark Animal Shelter has served local communities with diligence and compassion since 1950.

In the 75 years since its founding, LCAS has worked wonders. As a nonprofit, LCAS relies on community support, investments, grants and the fees for services in order to fund its work. That hasn’t stopped the organization from doing everything it can, everywhere it can.

Currently, LCAS provides shelter services for the Nez Perce County Sheriff’s Department, the Lewiston City Police Department, the Nez Perce Tribes Police Department, Asotin County Sheriff’s Office, Clarkston Police Department, Asotin Police Department and the Idaho State Police.

Lewis-Clark Animal Shelter has pursued its mission for 75 years, and is now planning a move into a new facility

These listed police departments rely on LCAS to shelter impounded animals until they can (hopefully) be reclaimed by their owners.

The breadth of the group’s work has not reduced the quality of LCAS’s care. In 2024, for example, LCAS cared for 1,302 new animal intakes. Of those, 792 animals found new homes and 325 animals were reunited with their owners. That’s a staggering 97% success rate.

LCAS has been able to achieve similar numbers in 2025, with a 96% success rate from January to September. As of November, more than 140 animals were being cared for by LCAS.

One might think that with a success rate of 97%, that LCAS wouldn’t have the time and resources to branch out and provide even more services. One would be wrong. In addition to their adoption services, LCAS runs and facilitates medical quarantine and treatment programs, obedience training through the PAWS Program, behavior treatments, foster programs and more.

Ambitious as ever, LCAS aims to do even more good for local communities with a new facility in the Lewiston Orchards. Ground broke on the new facility in 2020 and work has steadily progressed since then.

The new facility will be nearly twice the size of the current one in east Lewiston and will alleviate many of the issues with the current facility, such as inadequate space and a lack of proper isolation rooms. In addition, LCAS hopes that the new facility will expand its clinic services with things like dentistry and radiology. As a nonprofit, LCAS is reliant on community support, and there are ways to get involved.

Adoptions are obviously a great way to support LCAS, but those interested can also volunteer with LCAS walking dogs, cleaning kennels, assisting at events or even fostering animals in need. For those interested in volunteering, opportunities can be found at lcshelter.org/volunteer.

Donations are always accepted. Items like dog and cat toys, cat litter, dish soap and garbage bags are specifically requested. Financial donations can also be made online. More information can be found here lcshelter.org/donate.

LCAS also invited community members to support and participate in events and initiatives such as the 15th Annual Benefit Auction that will be held Feb. 27.

“Through the ongoing support of our incredible community, we continue to make a meaningful impact in the lives of shelter animals,” said Becky Sturner, the development director for the Lewis Clark Animal Shelter.

Appreciation for all things bluegrass

The Lewis Clark Bluegrass Organization is open to musicians of all ages and interests.

Lewis Clark Bluegrass Organization promotes the music it loves with concerts, a festival and jam sessions

Scott Lombard, president of the Lewis Clark Bluegrass Organization, said the goal of the nonprofit group is to promote community interest in bluegrass music. The group does this primarily through concerts throughout the year, a bluegrass festival and jam sessions, Lombard said.

Many people from the community of all backgrounds come to enjoy the group’s events, he said, with some events drawing 200 to 300 people.

While the concerts and festivals are primarily listening events, the jam sessions are a place for community members to play music together, Lombard said.

“We take beginners to advanced players,” he said. “We don’t have a set skill level requirement. You gotta start somewhere. You gotta learn from other people.”

There are people who are not confident with their music skills who come to the jam sessions and tend to sit in the back, Lombard said. It is fine for those who come to just listen or join in, whatever they are comfortable with. No one will be put down for the lack of musical ability, he said. Everyone started as a beginner and the group enjoys helping other musicians learn how to play music.

“We just want them to be comfortable with where they are at,” Lombard said. “And when they feel like joining in, they can join in.”

The next concert the group will be hosting is the Valley Bluegrass Stage on Jan. 3 from 7-10 p.m. at the Clarkston High School auditorium. The cost is $10 for adults while children younger than 15 accompanied by an adult will get in free.

There will be two to three bands playing there, Lombard said. Not every musical group for that concert is finalized, but Homebrew Stringband, a group out of Spokane, will be there.

Later in 2026, there will be a concert on April 4, with details to be finalized, he said.

There will also be a bluegrass festival on the weekend of May 28-31 in Orofino. Camping is available at the event.

The headliner for next year’s festival is the group FarmStrong, based out of western Washington, Lombard said. Seven or eight other bands will be playing at the festival.

There will be workshops on Saturday and jamming around with other attendees and campers all weekend, he said.

If new to bluegrass, Lombard recommends listening to artists like Tony Rice, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Norman Blake, Flatt and Scruggs or any other artist that piques one’s interest.

For more information about what events the Lewis Clark Bluegrass Organization is hosting, Lombard said the group emails members about all upcoming events.

For those who are not members and want to know more or who are interested in joining, information can be found on their website at lewisclarkbluegrass.com.

Lewiston theater offers community a shared experience

For more than 60 years, the Lewiston Civic Theatre has strived “to enrich the lives of every community member by fostering and expanding a love for live theatre in a safe, inclusive, and collaborative environment.”

Executive Director Nancy McIntosh emphasizes that live theater is a shared experience -- one that evolves every time a production is watched or performed. Whether the impact is large or small, McIntosh believes theater has the power to change people in meaningful ways.

Lewiston Civic Theater strives to give its audience, and its participants, an enriching experience

This upcoming season with “The Play That Goes Wrong,” the Lewiston Civic Theatre is partnering with Lewis-Clark State College’s welding program to help build a set designed to “break” throughout the performance. Because the show relies heavily on intentional on-stage malfunctions, the LCSC welding students will have the opportunity to apply their skills in a way that ensures that everyone (both cast and crew) are in a safe and stable environment. The students will get hands-on experience while supporting the creative demands of the production.

One of the upcoming projects McIntosh and other staff members are working toward is revamping the children’s summer program. The crew believes that early exposure to the performing arts is essential to real-world experiences. Children who participate develop a stronger public-speaking persona, creativity, confidence and the courage to express themselves in school and beyond.

A great thing about being a part of shows at the Civic, both on stage and off, is that McIntosh and other members of the staff try to encourage members of Broadway and those with intense theater experience to come to the Lewiston theater to direct, choreograph, or teach the music. This can help those involved gain knowledge to further their careers and establish networking connections. One show that the Civic staged in June, “Oklahoma,” was choreographed by former Radio City Rock-

LEWISTON CIVIC THEATRE

HELP US KEEP THE SPOTLIGHT SHINING IN LEWISTON

Becky Stout. She will also potentially help during the Civic’s spring show, “Mamma Mia!”

Being a nonprofit organization, LCT strives to put forth works of live theater to the best of its ability. While there are a few limited-pay positions, most of the people involved -- both on and off stage -- are volunteers.

The rights for production for plays can cost around $75 to $250 per performance. Through various partnerships and five levels of sponsorships, every ounce of help greatly benefits the LCT. Those five levels include: Bronze ($500), Silver ($1,000), Gold ($1,500), Platinum ($3,000) and Diamond ($15,000). Donations of that amount also include tickets to the shows and other perks. More details about the Lewiston Civic Theatre and ways to donate can be found at lctheatre.org.

Support the arts. Support your community. Donate Today! Together, we create the magic of live theatre. Visit our website for information on our remaining season and give the gift of theatre this holiday season with a gift card!

DONATE NOW AT LCTHEATRE.ORG OR SCANNING THE QR CODE.

Efforts underway to revive classic theater

The Liberty Theater, once the iconic center of activity in historic and beautiful downtown Lewiston, will soon return.

Nonprofit group is planning a second act for Lewiston’s Liberty Theater, which has sat idle for 20 years

The first two phases of a three-phase reopening will be completed within months and fundraising for completion is planned in 2026.

The Art Deco period venue at 611 Main St., in the heart of downtown Lewiston, last had movies in 2005. Originally the home of a hardware and farm implement store in 1902, Western Hardware and Implement Co., the Liberty was born in 1921 under ownership by entrepreneur businessman Isaac Binnard. It was the period’s lavish theater in the popular style of the day, able to seat 800 patrons.

The new Liberty will be a center of arts and culture, an entertainment center for all kinds of films and movies, and a concert venue for 300 in comfortable seating. It will be available for rental to businesses, organizations, schools and individuals for meetings, receptions, parties and conventions.

The former balcony will host comfortable, casual seating serving soda, wines, beer and pre-made cocktails. Local beer and wine will be featured.

Mark Alexander of New York City, an active investor in Lewiston buildings, purchased the partially dismantled Liberty in December, 2015, wanting to save the historic site. He donated the theater to a non-profit group, the Liberty Theater Preservation Alliance.

The group’s board of directors, Lew-

iston-Clarkston residents, have met monthly for the past decade, overseeing a number of projects—a new roof, electrical improvements to meet code, a handicap accessible main floor bathroom. Open house events have been held during multiple downtown Lewiston celebrations, including Hot August Nights, Artwalk and Pumpkin Palooza, with thousands of visitors.

Phases one and two will be completed in Spring of 2026: replacement of  the weathered original iconic Liberty blade sign; and refurbishing of the aging marquee. The marquee work is scheduled to begin on March 10, 2026, delayed from last fall’s original date. Alpine Construction of Boise is the contractor for the specialized work.

CHSQA, a national architecture firm with an office in Boise, is working with plans initially drawn by Lewiston architect Tim Lynch and My Architect. New renderings of the exterior, lobby area, the balcony social center and the interior theater, demonstrate what’s coming.Lewiston’s Kenaston Corp. has agreed to be the general contractor.

Lewiston-Clarkston will have a revitalized, state-of-the art Liberty that will serve everyone in the region. Historic theater renewals now flourish in Moscow, Sandpoint,  Boise, Twin Falls, and Idaho Falls, as well as Waitsburg, WA, Astoria, OR, Missoula, MT and many other cities across the nation. Now, it’s Lewiston’s turn.

We call it: Re-Light the Liberty.

Native-led program gives region financial firepower

The Nimiipuu Community Development Fund is a Native-led nonprofit and recognized Community Development Financial Institution dedicated to advancing economic opportunity across the Nez Perce Reservation and surrounding regions.

Rooted in culture, community and resilience, Nimiipuu Fund works to empower local families, entrepreneurs and future leaders through responsible lending, financial education and nation-building initiatives. Serving both tribal and non-tribal community members on or near the Nez Perce Reservation, the Fund’s reach spans across Idaho, Oregon and Washington — meeting people where they are with tools that build long-term stability.

Nimiipuu Fund lends a hand to families and entrepreneurs in region

Through its comprehensive services, Nimiipuu Fund provides access to business coaching, financing resources, credit-building support and lending options that help individuals start businesses, expand operations, repair homes and reduce financial barriers. These investments create pathways to homeownership, entrepreneurship and generational wealth — areas where traditional financing systems have too often fallen short for Native and rural communities.

Nimiipuu Fund has made a profound impact since its founding in 2013. It has compiled more than 4,000 service hours of training, workshops and technical assistance. More than $3 million in loans have been disbursed to support credit building, debt reduction, business development and home rehabilitation. It has also provided educational programming that strengthens financial literacy, confidence and economic independence. From small-business startups to critical home repairs, these efforts are transforming lives and strengthening the local economy — one family, one entrepreneur, one dream at a time.

There are a multitude of ways the community can get involved in creating lasting change, whether that’s through financial support, time commitment, or sharing information about the Nimiipuu Fund’s mission. Donations can be made to support

lending and education programs, workshops or community events can be sponsored, time and professional expertise can be volunteered, and local Native-owned businesses can be sponsored. All of these efforts help push the Nimiipuu Fund’s mission forward.

“Our mission is to empower our local communities through access to capital, education, and opportunity,” the Nimiipuu Fund team shares. “When we invest in our people, we invest in our future.”

To learn more about Nimiipuu Community Development Fund or to contribute, visit nimiipuufund.org or follow @nimmipuufund on social media to see the impact in action. Donations can be made at nimiipuufund.org/investing-donating. With help from the community, the Nimiipuu Fund can continue empowering local residents through responsible lending, financial education and nation-building opportunities that honor the region’s culture and strengthen its future.

Nimiipuu Fund facilitates a better financial life by advancing individual self-determination, self-sufficiency and entrepreneurial capacity for every community member. We promote economic growth while embracing our cultural values and traditions by providing tailored financial products and services for the Nez Perce Reservation and surrounding communities.

www.nimiipuufund.org www.nimiipuufund.org/investing-donating

Preserving the Palouse for future generations

For more than 30 years, Palouse Land Trust has worked to conserve and protect the lands and waters that make our region so wonderful.

Palouse Land Trust strives to conserve local landscapes for today, tomorrow, and forever

PLT works collaboratively with private landowners to develop voluntary conservation agreements in order to preserve our region’s agricultural land, forests, waterways, wildlife habitats, treasured recreation sites, and other iconic landscapes and special ecosystems.

These agreements are primarily done through conservation easements. Conservation easements are voluntary agreements made between landowners and the land trust that establish how the land can and cannot be used in the future. The agreement is tied to the deed to the land, and applies to future owners.

This provides a permanent way for landowners to ensure the farmland, forests, or other features on their property are preserved.

In a conservation easement, landowners still reserve ownership of their land. Owners can sell it or continue to use it. The conservation easement just ensures that the conservation values of the land are upheld now and forever.

Through this method, PLT and the community have ensured the permanent protection of over 3000 acres of vital lands across the Palouse and north central Idaho. PLT also cares for treasured outdoor spaces like Idler’s Rest Nature Preserve and Moscow Mountain’s first and only permanently protected public trail, Penstemon Path, both outside of Moscow, ID.

munity-built and -driven land trust, PLT works with landowners, local, municipal, state, and federal agencies and partners, and the public to address the region’s most important conservation focus areas: keeping working lands in working hands, and protecting the most critically endangered ecosystem in the lower 48-states, the native Palouse Prairie. Currently, less than 1% of the original Palouse Prairie ecosystem remains today. Together with partners and the community, conservation efforts ensure those ecosystems aren’t lost forever.

In addition to its work as a land trust, PLT also has a focus on community engagement and outreach. It is PLT’s belief that by providing leadership and resources to locally oriented conservation projects, more doors and avenues are opened for people to champion conservation themselves.

PLT works with schools, nonprofits, and city and county leadership to provide educational activities for youth. They also manage programs to promote wellness and general connectivity to nature for all ages.

The work PLT does in our area is especially important. As a com-

“We envision a future where natural beauty persists, lands are cared for and connected, and healthy soils, wildlife, and clean water are abundant,” according to the PLT’s 2020-2025 strategic plan. “A place where communities intertwine with the natural world, complementing one another, whether within neighborhoods or on farms, ranches, and forests. A region with an unrivaled quality of life and vibrant economy, where people live knowing that some of the most special places will be protected forever as working lands, preserves, wildlife corridors, and places to recreate or connect with the natural world.”

To find more information regarding conservation easements, or to view upcoming events, programs, or volunteer opportunities, go to PalouseLandTrust.org.

Pullman theater has improvements in mind

ThePullman Civic Theatre has a long history on the Palouse and started as the Pullman Community Theatre around 1949. Now, in 2025, the organization is raising money for building improvements and safety equipment.

Pullman Civic Theater hopes to update its space and acquire more gear

Holly Greystone, a board member, said the nonprofit organization wants to do improvements like replacing HVAC, expanding the green room and adding accessibility changes in the future. They are also looking for safety equipment and power tool donations.

The theater is located at 1220 NW Nye St. in Pullman and has been there since 2005 after the space was donated by Mid and Del Rowland.

“Over the last couple of years we’ve really rebuilt after COVID,” Greystone said. “It’s really because of the donations of our community.”

Pullman Civic Theatre offers live theater productions, classes and camps. It is a 501 c(3) nonprofit organization and is managed by volunteers. The mainstage shows are generally family friendly, Greystone said, but some side shows might not fit the PG rating they usually aim for.

Previous productions have included “Alice in Wonderland,” “Winnie the Pooh,” “The Odd Couple,” “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” and an upcoming production of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.”

When the organization is fully funded, Greystone said there are at least four mainstage productions, two side shows, a Shakespeare production, children’s camp and now Pop Up Productions.

The Pop Up Productions are smaller shows which are able to travel the Palouse. Greystone said the Pop Up Productions will run for four to six months and all productions are free to attend. Shows can be anywhere from Rico’s Pub to senior centers.

“That’s our way of nodding back to our history of who we are as an organization,” Greystone said.

The theater is working to bring the PCT Academy in the fall of 2026. The academy offers classes, camps and workshops. Acting classes are open to beginners and

seasoned actors over the age of 18. More information is available at pullmancivictheatre.org.

As part of the organization’s expanding productions and returning to pre-pandemic activities, Greystone said they are looking for additional power tools and safety equipment. There have been local businesses letting them borrow tools, she said, and for that they are thankful.

The theater would appreciate donations of drills, saws and other tools. The tool donations do not need to be new, Greystone said, but should be in good condition.

The theater is open to actors of every skill level, Greystone said. She has seen people who come in unsure of speaking on stage eventually become capable of taking on a lead role.

“This theater has saved a lot of people,” Greystone said. “It’s given them a safe place.”

More details about the theater and information about donating can be found at pullmancivictheatre.org.

Pregnancy care for those in need of help

When women or men are facing an unplanned or unsupported pregnancy, the Reliance Center in Lewiston is able to provide them with various free medical services.

Reliance Center in Lewiston offers free health care — and many other services — for people in difficult circumstances

The nonprofit organization has its main office in downtown Lewiston at 102 New Sixth St. It provides pregnancy care (pregnancy testing, OB ultrasound, STI testing/treatment); well-woman exams and comprehensive women’s health care; prenatal care (early prenatal services and ongoing support); sexual assault response and support; counseling and mentoring; relationship and parenting education; fatherhood involvement and support; sexual health education; and material assistance and ongoing classes/support programs. All of those services are free for those in need.

The center provides information about abortion procedures, as well as alternatives to abortion.

The center also has a mobile medical unit and recently opened the Reliance House, a Lewiston home where women and babies can stay if they are without housing. The Reliance House has room for four mothers or mothers with children.

Residents can live at the house from the time they find out they’re pregnant until their baby turns 1 year old. The house provides various resources, such as case management, counseling, parenting support, and budgeting, cooking and empowerment workshops.

“Together, the Center and the House create a seamless, transformational pathway for women, from the first appointment to long-term independence and stability,” said Heather Lawless, CEO and founder of the Reliance Center.

Those interested in donating to the center can go to giving.myamplify.io//app/ giving/reliance or send a check to the Reliance Center’s address at 102 New Sixth St. in Lewiston. The center also needs baby wipes and formula if people want to donate those items.

The Reliance Center was founded in 2018.

Reducing the stigma of mental health, suicide

Suicide prevention begins with the destigmatization of mental health through proactive education and awareness. Suicide Prevention of the Inland Northwest, or SPIN, is working to do just that.

There are more than 45,000 suicide deaths in the United States every year, with both Idaho and Washington seeing rates one to two times higher than the national average.

SPIN’s exact mission is to lower the number of suicide deaths by reducing the stigma surrounding suicide and mental health in our region through education and awareness events.

Suicide Prevention of the Inland Northwest works to prevent deaths in region

SPIN’s major events take place during the summer, but their Survivors of Suicide Loss Support Group takes place on the third Wednesday of every month at 5:30 p.m. at the Idaho Department of Labor, 1158 Idaho St., Lewiston. The next meeting will be on Dec. 17.

The organization’s first event will take place in May with their You Matter Campaign. With May being Mental Health Awareness Month, SPIN and the community will be raising awareness of suicide and crisis prevention. It will involve yard signs, information, resources, and Questions, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Training.

When the days get longer and the sun feels a little warmer, SPIN will hold A Walk for Hope. The annual event brings the community together to raise awareness of suicide prevention while remembering and honoring those who have died by suicide. There will be a short walk, information, resources and activities to honor loved ones.

SPIN’s final event of the summer will be a partnership with Lewis-Clark State College and other local agencies in September. The Taking Action Saving Lives conference brings speakers from around the world to provide cutting-edge research and information on mental health and suicide prevention.

Along with attending events, community members can also volunteer their time, skills and supplies to help make a difference in the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley by filling out the contact form on spinsuicideprevention.org. Their website also has a number of other resources that provide information on suicide prevention, as well as organizations that can be contacted in times of need.

If you or someone you know needs crisis support, the 988 Suicide and Crisis lifeline can be contacted any time by calling or texting 988 or going to 988lifeline. org. 988 serves as a universal entry point so that no matter where you live in the United States, you can reach a trained crisis counselor who can help 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

From group homes to grants: Stepping Stones keeps giving

For more than 40 years, Stepping Stones Inc. has been a quiet force for people with disabilities on the Palouse.

The Moscow-based nonprofit began in 1979, when a small group of families set out to create a group home for adults with developmental disabilities. Gerard Connelly, whose sister was developmentally disabled and whose mother served on the original board, was there from the beginning. “Service to people with disabilities is a legacy that was handed down to me by my parents,” Connelly said in a 2019 Moscow-Pullman Daily News article. “It’s in my bones.”

Connelly is also well known in the community as the longtime owner of Tri-State Outfitters, a popular outdoor and sporting goods store in Moscow. That role has kept him closely connected to local families, and he has used that perspective to build support for Stepping Stones’ work.

Stepping Stones opened its first group home in 1983, added a second in 1986 and a third in 1992. In 1997, it sold the homes to Westcare Management, which created Milestone Decisions to continue running them. With about $850,000 in proceeds, Stepping Stones reinvented itself as a charitable foundation.

Its mission, however, stayed the same: improving the lives of Palouse residents with disabilities. Each year, Stepping Stones distributes roughly $45,000 in grants to individuals and organizations in Latah and Whitman counties. Over time, its giving has surpassed $1 million, turning that original nest egg into hundreds of small, life-changing investments.

Grants have helped support programs such as the Moscow High School Buddy Club, Special Olympics and the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Stepping Stones also helped fund three aquatic wheelchairs now available at Moscow’s Hamilton-Lowe Aquatics Center, opening up a favorite community space to swimmers who use mobility devices.

A deliberate feature of Stepping Stones is its board. Members include leaders from local government, education, business and the broader community. Their service gives decision-makers a closer view of accessibility needs, which they carry back to their institutions. The board is designed so people who struggle to advocate for themselves have strong voices at the table.

To learn more about eligibility and selection criteria, visit steppingstonesmoscow.com.

Striving for education, health and financial stability

Twin County United Way is made up of the stop-talking, start-doing, band-together workers who believe in breaking down the silos and working together.

Twin County United Way partners with other organizations, community members in pursuit of its wide-ranging mission

There are three main pillars of United Way: education, health and financial stability. The organization works to help children achieve their full potential, improve the overall health of local residents and fight poverty to help families and individuals achieve financial independence.

Starting with the pillar of education, United Way has a goal of living in a community where children succeed at school, graduate on time and enter the workforce prepared for a strong future. They do so by partnering with other organizations, such as Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and the Boys and Girls Club of Lewis-Clark Valley. These two organizations are helping provide education and development for youth living in the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley.

Next, United Way partners with organizations such as the Idaho Foodbank and Homes of Hope. Together they work toward a goal of improving physical and mental health education, awareness and accessibility, especially for vulnerable or at-risk populations.

Lastly, United Way’s partnerships with organizations like Family Promise of Lewis Clark Valley and Quality Behavioral Health promote the third pillar of health. Its goal is to reduce the number of households struggling financially and live in a community where people have access to safe and affordable housing.

There are many ways the community can get involved with helping Twin County United Way reach its goals. Volunteering, joining a committee, or donating are just a few ways to help the community. Businesses can also get involved by running a workplace campaign or becoming a corporate champion. United Way also runs an employee-giving campaign that makes it easier for individuals to donate.

“We go into businesses, and through payroll deductions, people (can) donate however much they can or want to,” said Blake Harrington, director of operations

and programs for Twin County United Way. “Through that campaign, we pool that money (for grants).”

Twin County United Way also holds a number of events throughout the year. Their next event is Breakfast for Dinner with Santa on Dec. 4 from 4-7:30 p.m. at the Clarkston Event Center. It will include letters to Santa, photos with Santa and a hot cocoa bar. Tickets are $20, and kids ages 8 and younger eat for free.

For more information on how to get involved with Twin County United Way, or to get tickets for the upcoming event, visit tcuw.org or email Harrington at bharrington@tcuw.org.

Clarkston’s independent hospital in the midst of an update

TriState Health has expanded its facilities and services, and has plans to do more in the coming years

Established in 1955, Clarkston’s TriState Health Foundation is the only not-for-profit hospital in the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley.

On its website, TriState lists core values of quality, compassion, respect, collaboration and innovation as key to its initiative to “place the healthcare needs of our community first by partnering to bring care beyond our walls” and “facilitate health, healing, and wellbeing throughout our community and those we touch.”

The hospital sees thousands of ER patients each year, as well as thousands of visitors to minor care, which recently extended its service hours to include weekends. TriState’s continually expanding roster of services covers fields like surgery, urology, gynecology, orthopedics, dermatology and more.

“Our hospital is kind of up-to-date, brought up to the 21st century with single-patient rooms,” Ottmar said.

“TriState is a very unique community-owned critical access hospital,” said D’Lynn Ottmar, TriState’s chief development officer since 2018. “We have quite a few specialty care clinics, which you don’t necessarily see in critical access hospitals, so it makes us a bit of a unicorn because we have so many clinics we provide for people.”

Among the newest major developments at TriState was the installation of the P1FCU Inpatient Wing in 2023, which significantly increased capacity and quality of space per patient.

“Private surgical and medical rooms, so they don’t have to share a room with another patient. No more semi-private for us; that’s great.”

Ottmar emphasized that TriState is an independent establishment not sponsored by any larger network of hospitals, which makes proactive fundraising all the more critical to its agenda.

“We’re also not supported by a taxpayer base,” she noted. “The money we generate from the patients we care for and see, and also by philanthropy, is how we keep the doors open and the lights on.”

Recent fundraising efforts for TriState have included its annual Festival of Trees auction, at which a tree sold for a 41-year record of $420,000. A Dec. 10 “MediaThon” is planned, through which Ottmar will make appeals to the public to contribute at a designated website.

Current projects for which TriState is seeking funds include a residency program partnering with Washington State University and a planned “healing garden” to be cultivated on hospital grounds.

The residency program would see three freshly graduated alumni per year from WSU’s Orson School of Medicine come to TriState to serve their three-year residencies before becoming eligible to open their own practices. This would both functionally expand the hospital’s staff and help to train the next generation of health care providers.

“There’s a nationwide shortage of positions, and especially in our area,” Ottmar said. “This will help go toward trying to promote and get more residents, because they say the residents that go through the residency usually stay within the 100mile radius of the area that did their residency. That helps us increase the number of providers to our area.”

Ottmar estimates the cost of the planned residency program to be upward of $600,000 per year.

Meanwhile, the healing garden would feature plants, artwork and more designed to create a soothing environment for those grappling with the challenging situations common at such a facility.

“It would be where our old front entrance used to be,” said Ottmar, who tabs the total budget of the project at $750,000. “We have naming opportunities for that. We already have the designs for it and everything; we just need to be able to raise the money to break the ground.

“A lot of hospitals have chapels. When you are dealt tough information while you’re in a hospital and you as a patient or as a family member of the patient has to deal with that hard information, where do you go to find that peace and tranquility? So that’s what that healing garden is going to represent.

“It’s not just for our patients and family members; it’s also for our staff. Staff have to deliver those hard messages to the family members, and how do you deal with that? You’re a caretaker, and sometimes you need to have a place for tranquility.”

The foundation also engages with the community at the high school level through a scholarship for youths interested in entering health care fields and a partnership with Clarkton High to support its athletic trainer in tending to student-athletes.

“We help all people in our community — old, young every walk of life — because everybody has health issues that they have to deal with,” Ottmar said. “... There’s lots of stuff that we do; it’s pretty incredible.”

Tax Considerations for Charitable Giving

Federal Deduction Basics

• Donations to qualified organizations (generally those exempt under federal §501(c)(3)) may be deductible if you itemize your deductions on your federal tax return.

• The deductibility and limits depend on factors such as adjusted gross income (AGI), type of asset donated, and whether you receive a benefit in return.

Idaho

• Idaho offers state tax credits for contributions made to certain educational, cultural, or youth/rehabilitation non-profits (Idaho State Tax Commission; LawServer).

• For example, under Idaho Code §63-3029A, a taxpayer may elect a credit equal to 50% of the aggregate amount donated during the year to specified Idaho institutions (higher ed, elementary/secondary, museums, etc.) (LawServer).

• The Idaho state tax credit can be claimed even if you do not itemize deductions on your federal return for that contribution (Idaho State Tax Commission).

• Keep in mind: the amount of any state credit must generally be subtracted from the federal deduction when calculating the federally itemized charitable deduction (Idaho State University).

Washington

• • Washington does not tax personal income in the same way many states do; instead, one relevant provision is a deduction from Washington capital gains tax for charitable donations to qualified organizations (Washington State Legislative Website).

• • Under RCW 82.87.080, a taxpayer may deduct from their Washington capital gains the amount donated in excess of a minimum qualifying donation ($250,000) in the same taxable year, up to a maximum deductible amount of $100,000 (Washington State Legislative Website).

• • Outside of that special capital gains deduction, the general charitable deduction rules are largely governed federally (e.g., itemization on the federal return) (Finsurance Guide).

Use These as a Donor Checklist

✓ Confirm the organization is a qualified 501(c)(3) (or otherwise eligible) for federal deduction.

✓ For Idaho, check whether your gift qualifies for the state credit (if applicable) and whether you must adjust federal deductions accordingly.

✓ For Washington, if your gift is part of a capital gains deduction strategy, confirm it meets the donation minimum and cap.

✓ Keep documentation: acknowledgment letters for cash gifts (especially $250+), records of property donations, etc.

✓ Consult your tax professional to determine how itemizing vs standard deduction affects your situation, and how your state and federal tax benefits interplay.

Finding The Right Non-Profit for Your Giving

Trusted Tools to Explore, Connect and Give with Confidence

When you’re ready to support a cause, it helps to start with the right information. The organizations below provide reputable tools, directories, and resources to help donors discover local nonprofits, evaluate impact, and give in ways that truly make a difference in the communities we call home.

Idaho Nonprofit Center

Your statewide directory for credible nonprofits

The Idaho Nonprofit Center (INC) represents thousands of nonprofits across Idaho and provides a comprehensive directory of organizations, resources, and educational tools.

Use it to:

• Search nonprofits by mission, region or focus area

• Learn about each group’s programs and leadership

• Get a clear sense of statewide needs and opportunities

Explore: idahononprofits.org

Innovia Foundation

Strengthening Eastern Washington & North Idaho

Innovia is a community foundation that helps donors connect their giving to high-impact local causes. Whether you want to give directly or establish a fund, Innovia offers trusted guidance.

Use it to:

• Give through established community funds

• Discover organizations supported in your area

• Align your giving with long-term regional needs

Explore: innovia.org

Nonprofit Association of Washington (NAWA)

Resources & directories for Washington-based causes

Serving nonprofits across Washington State, NAWA offers training, standards and directories that help donors identify strong, accountable organizations.

Use it to:

• Explore member directories to discover Washington nonprofits

• Understand best practices in nonprofit governance

• Support cross-state and regional organizations confidently

Explore: nonprofitwa.org

Give Because Someone’s Story Changes When You Do.

A warm meal. A safe place to rest. A rescued pet. A child who finds new opportunities. A neighbor who feels supported rather than alone.

These moments happen every day across our region because community members choose to give. Local nonprofits rely on that support to meet real needs, expand services, and reach the people who depend on them most.

Give today, and be part of something that truly makes a difference.

Why Give?

➤ Because kindness strengthens the places we call home.

➤ Because generosity changes lives.

➤ Because, together, we build a healthier, more resilient region.

Your contribution—whether time, resources, or financial support—helps ensure these organizations can continue their work long after the holiday season ends.