Innovia announces $1.2 million in grants

SPOKANE – Innovia Foundation will be awarding $1,205,780 in grants to 133 different organizations in Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho through a Community Grant Program and Arts & Culture Recovery Grant Program.

A spokesperson for Innovia said as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the region, the foundation has made changes to their traditional grant practices. Priorities were given to organizations impacted by COVID-19 and area wildfires, particularly disproportionately impacted communities, along with a separate pool of funding to support Arts and Culture organizations.

"We know that organizations were hit hard in 2020 by the pandemic and wildfires in our region. By providing more flexible dollars and a streamlined grant reporting process, we wanted to make sure that funding would go to those organizations supporting our most vulnerable," said Shelly O'Quinn, CEO, Innovia Foundation.

Grants range from $1,500 to $20,000.

Columbia Basin Allied Arts in Grant County received $3,420 for arts in public schools for Adams and Lincoln counties.

Community Services of Moses Lake in Grant County received $10,000 for food distribution centers serving Adams and Lincoln counties.

In Whitman County, grants include $20,000 to Community Action Center for housing security for people displaced by wildfires. Pine Creek Community Restoration Long-Term Recovery Organization received $20,000 for general operating support, and Regional Theatre of the Palouse received $4,000 for general operating support.