Free Family-Friendly Community Art Workshops Teton Arts was the successful recipient of $1,000 in our 2017 Fall Competitive Grants process. This award plans to sponsor two free, Saturday family art workshops per month throughout the year. These workshops will be designed to engage parents and children together in a meaningful art experience. In addition to reaching a broader community base for the specific workshop experience, Teton Arts hopes these events generate further interest in ongoing art programs and available scholarships.…

TCISAR Headlamps Through the 2017 Fall Competitive Grant cycle, Teton County Idaho Search and Rescue was the beneficiary of a $750 grant to supply headlamps to their members in good standing for future rescue missions. TCISAR approved to provide personal protection equipment to its Members in Good Standing (MIGS) in the coming year. As an organization, they want to ensure that their trained rescue members are provided with 24hr Summer/Winter Backpacks ready with all essential items to be used in the…

Edger Equipment for Kolter Ice Arena Maintenance The Community Foundation of Teton Valley was pleased to award a $2,000 grant to the Teton Valley Foundation for the purchase of an edger for the Kolter Ice Arena during our 2017 Competitive Fall Grants cycle. The Kotler Ice Arena reaches almost every demographic in the valley by providing affordable, subsidized winter recreation in a covered, dry space both during the day and night. As operations at the Kotler Ice Arena continue to increase…

Trail Data Collectors The Community Foundation of Teton Valley supported a 2017 Fall Competitive Grant of $3,710 to Teton Valley Trails & Pathways for the purchase of Trail Data Collectors. Trail counting devices help TVTAP collect valuable data regarding trail and pathway usage. These counters will collect user data on groomed winter trails, paved pathway networks and on hiking, biking, and horse trails within and surrounding Teton Valley. Accurate user data is essential to making sound management decisions and understanding…

Recycling Education Video The Community Foundation’s Youth Philanthropy students awarded $500 to Teton Valley Community Recycling to create a short video to add to the collection at the Geotourism Center and to use for school programs. The video will highlight the detrimental environmental impact improperly-disposed solid waste wreaks on our beautiful wild lands and streams. It will also provide information on proper disposal of recyclables in Teton Valley. Since the establishment of a Recycling Center at the Driggs Transfer Station…

Teton Valley Trumpeter Swan Nesting Project Students of the Community Foundation’s Youth Philanthropy program awarded $500 to purchase a Trumpeter Swan as part of the Teton Regional Land Trust’s long-term initiative to restore the nesting population of Trumpeter Swans in Teton Valley. Once educated on the subject, students agreed that Trumpeter Swans are a culturally significant species that remains a conservation priority throughout the west. The Land Trust’s project goals are to bolster the nesting population of Trumpeter Swans in…

Tool Library Students of the Community Foundation’s Youth Philanthropy program awarded $925 to the Valley of the Tetons Library to develop a “library of things” or a Tool Library.  This unique section of the library will allow patrons to use items that they might normally have had to purchase.  A Tool Library allows patrons to check out or borrow tools, equipment and “how-to” instructional materials, functioning as a shop that is free of charge as a form a community of sharing. …

Saving Lives with CPR The Community Foundation’s Youth Philanthropy students awarded $500 to the Teton Valley Hospital Foundation towards new CPR equipment. Students recognized that Teton Valley Hospital is the only hospital serving Teton Valley and becomes the first line of defense for people with emergent healthcare needs. It’s important that hospital staff be fully trained in CPR and the nuances of treating all ages. As the hospital grant explained, it is crucial that hospital staff maintain the most current…

Helmets for Girls Lacrosse Students of the Community Foundation’s Youth Philanthropy program awarded $975 to Teton Valley Youth Lacrosse Association to purchase 13 girls helmets for the start of the 2018 season. While helmets can be a controversial subject, Teton High School students are aware of the very real risks associated with concussions. US Lacrosse currently allows players to choose whether or not to don a helmet; however, as the game evolves into a faster sport, concussions are on the…

Strategic Planning Project – $5,000 At the Community Foundation, we believe in growing programs from the inside out. This often requires local nonprofits to implement focused strategic planning efforts. This spring, we awarded Family Safety Network with a grant for $5,000 to fund expanded community service efforts. Over the last 12-18 months, Family Safety Network has seen an increase in clients served per month from 25 to 35 or more. Annually, the organization serves 250-300 clients who are victims of…

Teton River Recreation & Economics Assessment – $4,950 In Teton Valley, our community treasures public river access for fishing, boating and recreation. River recreation represents a significant economic slice of our community’s income. Increased use has put a strain on residents’ experience and enjoyment of the resource. Teton County experienced the greatest growth of any county in the state from 2006 to 2016, according to the Idaho Department of Labor. River-based recreation is a main draw to the region. Economic…

Tetonia Elementary School Greenhouse – $2,000                              A garden is a grand teacher. It teaches patience and careful watchfulness; it teaches industry and thrift; above all it teaches entire trust. — Gertrude Jekyll  At the Community Foundation, our core value is to promote a culture of giving. It is often said that a garden is a gift that never stops giving. In our rural community, we know the value of locally grown produce, and the lessons this process can teach our…