My Favorite Idaho Nonprofits to Support
There are so many incredible causes that are near and dear to my heart! I love supporting local Idaho nonprofits when I can, and the holiday season is the perfect time to make an extra gift on behalf of yourself or a loved one (don’t forget: gifts to nonprofits are tax deductible). That said, all of the wonderful nonprofits in the world appreciate the support all year round!
Here in Idaho, we have an annual giving event called Idaho Gives that happens at the beginning of May. It’s a great time to give, as there are often extra incentives and matching opportunities. I love Idaho Gives because it introduces me to so many organizations that I would’ve never learned about if not for seeing them on Idaho Gives! I like going through the nonprofits that don’t have as many donations and giving them a little extra love.
If you’re looking for an Idaho nonprofit to donate to, I rounded up over 20 of my favorite Idaho nonprofits to support. I’ve donated to all of these organizations in the past—most of them through Idaho Gives—and would happily do it again! I tried to split them by category as best as I could so you can scan the list and find the causes that are most meaningful to you. ❤️
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24 of my Favorite Idaho Nonprofits to Support
Animals
Idaho Humane Society
The Idaho Humane Society is based in Boise and provides animal welfare and adoption services for dogs, cats, and any other pets that come into their care (rabbits, birds, chickens, etc.)! They serve Ada County (Boise, Garden City, Meridian, Kuna, Eagle). I adopted Rosie from IHS, and most of my parents’ cats also came from IHS. Learn more and donate here!
West Valley Humane Society
West Valley Humane Society provides the same animal welfare and adoption services but for Canyon County (they’re based in Caldwell). They don’t get as much support as IHS, so I try to donate to them when I can. I know they take in a lot of animals that are dumped on farmland and other empty spaces out there (😭). Learn more and donate here!
Simply Cats
Simply Cats is a cageless, no-kill cat rescue located here in Boise. I know many people who have adopted their kitties from Simply Cats! Learn more and donate here!
Garden City Community Cats Project
A selfless group of caregivers are maintaining feral cat colonies in Garden City and doing what they can to save cats in the area through the trap-neuter-return program (to prevent more kittens), by providing medical care to sick kitties, and by assisting with adoptions when possible. They ALWAYS need donations, especially of food and other supplies. Learn more and donate here!
Ride for Joy
The Ride for Joy Adaptive Riding Program brings the therapeutic benefits of horses to people with mental and physical disabilities in the Treasure Valley. I volunteered with this program many years ago and loved it! Donations support the care of their gentle herd of horses and development of programs. Learn more and donate here!
Community Aid
The Idaho Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence
This organization’s mission is “to engage voices to create change in the prevention, intervention, and response to domestic violence, dating abuse, stalking, and sexual assault.” They firmly believe that violence is preventable and tirelessly work towards the goal of ending violence against everyone. Learn more and donate here!
Indigenous Idaho Alliance
The Indigenous Idaho Alliance is focused on tribal sovereignty, land back initiatives, and providing mutual aid to our indigenous communities in Idaho. Learn more and donate here!
Equality + Inclusivity
Add the Words, Idaho
With the support of the Idaho Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence, this organization works every legislative session with the goal of getting the Idaho legislature to modify the Idaho Human Rights Act to include LGBTQIA+ people so they are protected from discrimination in housing, employment, and other public accommodations. Learn more and donate here!
Inclusive Idaho
A Black-founded organization, Inclusive Idaho is working towards a more inclusive, accepting state for BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ people, and other minorities in Idaho. They offer DEI training, education, and put together community events. Learn more and donate here!
Food
The Idaho Foodbank
Did you know that 1 in 8 Idahoans are living with hunger? The Idaho Foodbank is working to end food insecurity in all 44 counties in Idaho by providing food and resources to families and communities through local partners. Learn more and donate here!
Boise Farmers Market
The Boise Farmers Market is a seasonal, weekly farmers market that brings local food directly from the producers (farmers/growers) to consumers. Their goal is to build a strong community and local food network. Learn more and donate here!
Healthcare
Planned Parenthood
Planned Parenthood is an important healthcare resource for everyone—and especially for pregnant people. They provide life saving medical care and educational resources. With abortion access under attack here in Idaho, supporting Planned Parenthood and other related nonprofits is more important than ever. Learn more and donate here!
Northwest Abortion Access Fund
Northwest Abortion Access Fund provides monetary support to people in the PNW and Alaska seeking abortions by sending funds directly to the clinic. They also provide travel to and from the clinic and safe accommodations. This is especially important for Idahoans that need to travel across state lines to receive the care they need. Learn more and donate here!
Boise Period Project
Boise Period Project collects menstrual products and puts together packs for people experiencing period poverty. They deliver to homeless shelters and to the community directly. Learn more and donate here!
History
Friends of Minidoka
The Friends of Minidoka works to preserve the history of the Minidoka National Historic Site, remnants of a Japanese internment camp located in the Magic Valley of southern Idaho. Learn more and donate here!
Idaho Black History Museum
Located in the building that housed Idaho’s first Black church, the Idaho Black History Museum is exactly what it sounds like—a museum highlighting and honoring the Black history of Idaho. It’s adjacent to the Idaho State Museum in downtown Boise. Learn more and donate here!
Wassmuth Center for Human Rights
The Wassmuth Center for Human Rights built the Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial located in downtown Boise near the public library. It’s the only Anne Frank Memorial in the entire country! The mission of the Wassmuth Center is to educate and provide resources on the importance of human rights. Learn more and donate here!
Housing
CATCH
CATCH works to provide housing for Ada and Canyon County families in need, specifically focusing on families with children. They also provide resources beyond housing to help get families back on their feet and back to self-sufficiency. Learn more and donate here!
Jesse Tree
Jesse Tree’s mission is to prevent eviction and homelessness in the Treasure Valley by providing immediate rent support for residents in danger of losing their home. They also provide legal support for evictions and so many more other resources related to housing. Learn more and donate here!
Nature + the environment
Nimiipuu Protecting the Environment
Nimiipuu Protecting the Environment honors Nimiipuu (Nez Perce Tribe) traditions in their local community (including carving wood canoes and paddles, something that hasn’t been done in over 100 years until recently) and raises awareness for environmental concerns and tribal sovereignty. Learn more and donate here!
Idaho Firewise
Wildland fires impact Idaho land and residents every single year. Idaho Firewise offers wildfire education programs and information about “firewise” landscaping to folks across Idaho, including youth, natural resource professionals, and people living in areas that could be impacted by fire. Learn more and donate here!
Refugees + Immigrants
Agency for New Americans
The Agency for New Americans provides support and resources to refugees and other new Americans in Idaho. The agency helps our new neighbors integrate into the community and give them the tools to become self-sufficient. Learn more and donate here!
Global Gardens
Global Gardens is a wonderful program for refugees interested in learning to farm. They provide the land, training, and access to the market to sell their food (via a CSA, local markets, and even in grocery stores). Look for and shop the multiple Global Gardens booths at the Boise Farmers Market. Learn more and donate here!
Immigrant Justice Idaho
Immigrant Justice Idaho provides free and low-cost immigration legal services to those in need, including legal defense when folks are threatened to be deported. They also provide immigration educational resources. Learn more and donate here!