About Us

The IMWFN is a network of grantmakers. Occasionally there may be a small grants pool available to support the work of nonprofits in the region that is relevant to the IMWFN mission. Notification of any such available funds and guidelines for applications will be disseminated through our network of funders and friends and posted on this website. We do not accept proposals for funding at other times. In addition, due to limited staff resources, we are not able to respond to nonprofit organizations'  inquiries or requests for funding support from the IMWFN and its member organizations.

Our Work is Just Beginning

The Intermountain West is dynamic and fast-growing, a region of great beauty and promise, myth and legend, but its geography and “go-it-alone” western philosophy have made it difficult to unite disparate communities around the common issues. The Intermountain West Funder Network is a unique opportunity for funders to join together to engage residents in strengthening their communities, support research and learning, and build a philanthropic community that will leverage funding and support for one of the nation’s most iconic and fastest-growing regions.

We welcome all funders with an interest in the Intermountain West to the table. Your expertise and support can help shape a regional collaborative model adapted to the unique needs of the area.

Mission

The mission of the Intermountain West Funder Network (IMWFN) is to inspire and expand funding and philanthropic leadership to engage people in strengthening communities and serving as good stewards of natural resources. The IMWFN is committed to supporting authentic community engagement that leads to environmentally sustainable, socially equitable, and economically prosperous regions and communities.

Geographic Focus

The Intermountain West Funder Network’s focus is on the eight-state region of Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico.  In addition, we recognize that Eastern Washington, Oregon, and California have many geographic and topographic similarities with their neighboring states to the east and resource challenges in the eight-state region are heavily impacted by what happens in these states. Therefore, when applicable, we will also focus on the eastern portion of Washington, Oregon, and California.

Background

The Intermountain West, with its iconic landscapes, high quality of life, recreational opportunities, and seemingly endless possibilities, has been the fastest growing region of the United States for much of the past decade. As a result of the rapid transformation of communities and the landscape, the region is home to some of the most significant growth and development issues in the country.

The Intermountain West Funder Network was created in 2009 by the Funders’ Network for Smart Growth and Livable Communities, PACE – Philanthropy for Active Civic Engagement, the Orton Family Foundation, and the L.P. Brown Foundation. These organizations share a deep commitment to engaging residents in the decisions that matter most to their communities, and all of them share a desire to engage funders in improving neighborhoods and communities throughout the Intermountain West. 

The Intermountain West Funder Network (IMWFN) has been designed to create a forum to share information, learn together, and catalyze action among funders who share an interest in the region and in how communities are mobilized to address the issues resulting from changing growth patterns and demands on the landscape. Through the Network, funders are learning from each other about the issues, possibilities, and breakthroughs.  They are engaging in discussions about priorities and leverage points. Through meetings and other communication venues the prospect of partnership funding and collaborative projects that increase the impact of any individual foundation is enhanced.  The ultimate goal for the Network is a group of funders who can work together and with their nonprofit, public, and private sector partners to address local and regional growth and development issues on the ground through effective and innovative approaches to community engagement in the Intermountain West.

The IMWFN is Supported by

• Funders’ Network for Smart Growth and Livable Communities
• George B. Storer Foundation
• Lincoln Institute of Land Policy
• L.P. Brown Foundation
• Orton Family Foundation
• PACE - Philanthropy for Active Civic Engagement