Compared to other states, there are far fewer foundations based in and exclusively committed to Idaho. Nevertheless, Inside Philanthropy has profiled numerous Idaho funders in our Northwest funding guide, including the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation. This is the philanthropic legacy of Joe and Kathryn Albertson, who met in a college chemistry class at The College of Idaho. The Albertsons founded the Albertson’s grocery store chain, which is headquartered in Boise and has thousands of store locations across the U.S.
To help you get to know this locally focused grantmaker, here are three important facts to know about the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation.
1. There are three distinct focus areas
The Albertson Foundation has three very specific issue areas that it supports. It is “committed to making Idaho an exemplary model for innovative learning, a destination for accessible world-class recreation and the most desirable state for life after the military.”
Education-related grantmaking involves exploring new approaches for learning and supporting educational leaders. The foundation’s recreation grantmaking involves support for Idaho athletes, public parks and making outdoor recreation accessible for everyone. One of the funder’s most significant gifts supported the 41-acre Kathryn Albertson Park in the City of Boise.
A niche funding area for the Albertson Foundation is making Idaho a desirable place to live for veterans coming out of the military. It supports job opportunities for veterans, programs that honor fallen heroes and utilizing the leadership qualities of the veteran population to benefit the state.
2. It’s all about Idaho
The J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation is solely dedicated to the state of Idaho and supporting opportunities there. Recent grantees include the All-Day Kinder Initiative, Boise Bike Park, Boise Water Park and IdahoED Trends. Grantmaking is largely centered on the Boise metro area, although some grants reach more rural and remote parts of the state as well.
3. Unsolicited requests are not welcome
Unfortunately for local grantseekers, the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation is not very accessible to nonprofits without established personal connections. The foundation doesn’t accept unsolicited grant requests and only provides grant opportunities through initiative work within its three focus areas. However, nonprofits may reach out to the foundation’s team with general questions or to introduce an organization or program. The foundation is run by a sizable team of nearly 20 professionals, as well as a board of approximately nine members.