Idaho Voluntary Contributions

Idaho Nongame Wildlife Fund

Contributions are used to ensure the conservation and management of nongame wildlife, rare plants, and their habitats in Idaho, to promote greater awareness of and appreciation for species that aren’t hunted, fished or trapped and to increase opportunities to view and enjoy “watchable” wildlife. Donations are used for a variety of projects including studies of rare animals in an effort to better manage them so they don’t become threatened or endangered, educational programs and community projects, development of wildlife viewing sites throughout the state, informational brochures and nongame wildlife newspaper series available to the public and used by teachers. Contact the Department of Fish and Game at (208) 334-2920.

Idaho Children’s Trust Fund/Prevent Child Abuse

Idaho Contributions are used to protect our children, Idaho’s single greatest resource. The Children’s Trust supports work in communities throughout Idaho to prevent child abuse and neglect before it ever occurs. Preventing child abuse ensures the future prosperity of the state, supports communities and enhances healthy child development. Funded programs include family support and strengthening programs, parent education, voluntary home visitation for first-time parents, public awareness of the life-long consequences of child abuse and neglect, child abuse prevention and child safety education in schools. Contact the Idaho Children’s Trust Fund/ Prevent Child Abuse Idaho at (208) 386-9317 or visit www.idahochildrenstrustfund.org.

Special Olympics Idaho

Contributions provide support for year-round sports training and competition for children and adults with developmental disabilities in Idaho. Through sports training and competition, Special Olympics Idaho teaches life skills such as dedication, perseverance and focus, while instilling confidence. With these skills, 50% of Special Olympics athletes are employed while only 10% – 14% of the general population of people with developmental disabilities hold jobs. Donations to this fund will be used to buy sports equipment, uniforms, food, lodging and transportation services for competitions, as well as health screenings, outreach programs and family support systems for adults and children with developmental disabilities. Contact Special Olympics Idaho at (208) 323-0482 or visit www.idso.org.

Idaho Guard and Reserve Family Support Fund

Contributions are used to assist military reservists and their families in order to promote the overall readiness for them to support our state and federal missions. The Idaho Guard and Reserve Family Support Fund (IGRFSF) helps members of the Idaho Air National Guard, the Idaho Army National Guard, the Air Force Reserve, the Army Reserve, the Navy & Marine Reserves, along with their families, when duty calls. The Fund acts as an emergency relief fund and operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. Contact the Idaho Guard and Reserve Family Support Fund, Inc. at (208) 272-4361.

American Red Cross of Idaho

Fund Contributions prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies. This is done through providing food, shelter, clothing, and other help for disaster victims; helping military members and their families before, during, and after their active service; ensuring a safe and stable blood supply for Idaho hospital patients; preparing Idahoans to respond to emergencies through training; and connecting families separated by conflict or natural disasters. Contact the American Red Cross at (800) 853-2570 or visit www.RedCross.org/Idaho.

Veterans Support Fund

Contributions help provide specialized medical/physical therapy equipment for the three State Veterans Homes, support veterans organizations throughout the state, assist homeless veterans programs in Idaho, promote and market the activities of the Office of Veterans Advocacy, develop an ongoing program for nurse recruitment and retention, supplement training for state and county service officers, and create an Idaho division of Veterans Services scholarship program to help veterans fund their education. Contact the Idaho Division of Veterans Services at (208) 577-2310.

Idaho Food Bank Fund

Contributions assist Idaho hunger relief organizations in meeting the demand for emergency food for hungry Idaho families, children and senior citizens. Contributions allow the Idaho Food Bank Fund to provide grants to Idaho nonprofit groups to increase their capacity to provide hunger relief in Idaho. The Idaho Food Bank Fund is a statewide collaboration administrated by the Idaho Foodbank, Catholic Charities of Idaho and Community Action Partnership Association of Idaho. Visit www.idahofoodbankfund.org for more information.

Opportunity Scholarship Program

Contributions help provide need-based scholarship funds to Idaho high school graduates who attend approved higher education institutions within Idaho. This need-based program is built on a shared responsibility model. Students must contribute to cost of attendance and apply for other financial aid sources including federal aid. Awards are renewable for up to four years and are based primarily on financial need with some academic consideration. Students must meet a minimum GPA while completing their studies to be eligible for renewal. For more information about the Idaho Opportunity Scholarship Program, please visit www.boardofed.idaho.gov/scholarship/opportunity.asp.