November 2025 News Brief
Join the 2026 Grants Volunteer Team!
We’re excited to kick off the 2026 Grants Cycle and invite you to be part of this rewarding and impactful experience!
Each year, WRWF receives inspiring applications from nonprofits across the Valley—and we need dedicated members like you to help shape where our collective giving goes next. 💚
This year’s process is easier, simpler, and more convenient than ever, with a clear evaluation form, streamlined discussions, and flexible options to participate in person or remotely. The volunteer commitment is about 10 hours between January and April. If you are ready to be a part of something exciting (and VERY rewarding), please complete this form and let us know your availability for the 2026 Grant Cycle:
👉 Click here to join or learn more
Thank you for being part of WRWF and supporting our collective giving. Together, we are transforming the Wood River Valley, one grant at a time. 🌟
If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please reach out — we’d love to chat about this rewarding opportunity!
With WRWF gratitude,
Jori Potiker – jorip123@mac.com
Carolyn Larsen – carolynklarsen@gmail.com
2026 Grant Co-Chairs
WRWF Member in the news
and an important highlight
🎉 WRWF Member Tricia Swartling Named Idaho’s Nonprofit Leader of the Year!
We’re cheering loudly for our very own Founding WRWF member Tricia Swartling, CEO of The Advocates, who has been named the 2025 Nonprofit Leader of the Year by the Idaho Community Foundation (ICF)!
For more than 30 years, Tricia has led with heart, vision, and unstoppable energy—transforming The Advocates from a small volunteer hotline into a powerhouse organization that provides safety, healing, and hope across four Idaho counties. Under her leadership, the nonprofit has grown from a modest $65,000 budget to a thriving $3.8 million operation with 52 dedicated staff members offering shelter, transitional housing, legal advocacy, early learning, and prevention education.
Tricia’s creativity and determination have fueled many remarkable milestones: opening the area’s first shelter in 1999, launching The Attic thrift store (a local favorite!), and most recently breaking ground on the THRIVE Center for Safety and Healing—a major expansion that will add transitional housing and nearly double early learning capacity for local families.
Beyond her professional achievements, Tricia is known for her collaborative leadership, generous mentorship, and her steadfast belief that strong communities are built on compassion and connection. As the Idaho Community Foundation’s Steve Burns shared, “Her work reminds us that every Idahoan deserves safety, dignity, and opportunity.”
Tricia will be celebrated at the Gem Ball featuring the Idaho Philanthropy Hall of Fame on November 20, 2025, in Boise.
Please join us in congratulating Tricia —a shining example of leadership, heart, and WRWF spirit! 💚
Learn more about the Idaho Community Foundation’s Gem Ball »
Information you need to know!
We are sharing this important update from The Spur Foundation on tax changes impacting charitable donors next year. Many thanks to Spur for their quick summary and for sharing with us.
The newly enacted One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) introduces significant tax changes for high-income taxpayers starting in 2026, including new limits on the deductibility of charitable contributions. These changes create added complexity and may reduce the tax benefits of giving, especially for donors who give below a newly imposed 0.5% AGI floor or fall into the highest tax bracket, where deductions will be capped at 35%. If you’re considering a large charitable gift, it may be wise to revisit your timing and strategy before year-end to take full advantage of the current tax rules.
Timing, structure, and the type of giving vehicle you use can all influence your impact and tax outcome. A donor-advised fund (DAF) may be a helpful tool for this kind of front-loaded giving, offering flexibility in how and when you support your favorite causes. We encourage you to speak with your philanthropic, financial, or tax advisor to explore the strategies that align best with your goals and circumstances.
Event Recap
The team at The Peak at Zenergy once again welcomed the Wood River Women’s Foundation for our October 9 Meet & Mingle. Just about 30 women enjoyed a lovely autumn evening beside the pool, catching up with friends and meeting new members and guests. President Jeannie Shroads welcomed everyone and encouraged attendees to get involved in the upcoming 2026 grants cycle – emphasizing the critical role the Grants Committee plays in advancing the mission of the Wood River Women’s Foundation.
Our featured grantee speaker was Sonya Wilander, executive director and founder of Men’s Second Chance Living (MSCL) in Hailey. Sonya began her career with the Blaine County Drug Court, where she spent 10 years witnessing a critical gap in services for men in the community. Motivated to make a difference, she founded MSCL in 2018. Since then, the organization has grown to include two sober living homes and two transitional living units, supporting up to 20 men at a time as they work toward lasting sobriety and reintegration into the community. Sonya spoke passionately about the impact of WRWF’s grant funding and expressed heartfelt gratitude for the Foundation’s support.
A special shout-out goes to the Membership Committee’s Meet & Mingle team — Leslie Jiranek, Sheri Johnnie, and Camie Johnson — for hosting such a lovely event offering members an opportunity to connect and guests an opportunity to hear about WRWF’s mission! Additional thanks to WRWF Board member Susie Zachman, who leads WRWF Grantee Engagement, for arranging our inspiring guest speaker, Sonya Wilander.
Upcoming Events
Date: Thursday, Dec 18th
Time: 4:00pm -6pm
Location: Home of Patti Zebrowski and Roland Wolfram
120 Highlands Drive
Sun Valley, ID 83353
Let’s wrap up a spectacular 20th anniversary year together! 🎁
Fee: $35.00
Date: Thursday, Feb 5th
Time: TBD
Location: TBD
Join us for the Wood River Women's Foundation 7th Annual State of the Valley Community Forum
Date: Thursday, Feb 26th
Time: TBD
Location:
Sun Valley Culinary Institute
211 N Main Street
Ketchum, ID
Save the date for this signature WRWF Member event!
Fee: Free
Sending a warm welcome to our new members:
NEW MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
I am a licensed therapist at Carbonate Recovery Center in Hailey. I graduated in 2024 with my Masters in Social Work from Boise State University. I also have degrees in Political Science and Communication. I work with adolescent and adult clients in the Wood River Valley navigating substance use and other mental health challenges. I specialize in supporting families and at-risk youth. I use preventative approaches that help individuals to reduce the likelihood of developing more serious mental health issues later in life.
I am deeply passionate about helping others and making a meaningful impact in my community. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my dog, all things nature, and shopping. I am looking forward to getting to know all of you.
Grantee Spotlight
We wanted to share a quick update on what the Women’s Foundation is making possible. Last week, Meghan Christie and I from the Wood River Land Trust’s development team met with our counterparts at The Hunger Coalition, Krista Felton and Caroline Willis. Together, we exchanged learnings around events and CRM management.
We enjoyed lunch in The Hunger Coalition’s Community Kitchen and had a meaningful discussion about how our teams can support one another with knowledge sharing and best practices (photo attached). This kind of collaboration is a great example of what Wood River Women’s Foundation grants make possible among our local nonprofits.
Thank you for helping foster these connections!
You are welcome Meg, Meghan, Krista and Caroline!! Thanks for sharing 😀
Grantee Events
SVCI Dancing Fundraiser
Step onto the dance floor and experience the joy of ballroom dancing with the Sun Valley Culinary Institute! ✨ Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or just looking to try something new, this event is the perfect way to connect, move, and have fun. Bring a partner or come solo—everyone is welcome! Join us for an evening filled with music, rhythm, and community spirit. Don’t miss the chance to learn new steps, meet new friends, and create unforgettable memories. 💃🕺
Trailing of the Sheep – Volunteer Recruitment
WE NEED EWE! JOIN THE FLOCK!
From Laura at Trailing of the Sheep:
The volunteer sign-up calendar for the 2025 Trailing of the Sheep Festival is now “live” with many positions to choose from again this year. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this one-of-a-kind cultural celebration that brings our community together – all while having fun!
THANK YOU, Sponsors!
We are grateful for our sponsors and extend a hearty WRWF thank you to Graybird Foundation, Zions Bank, UBS, and Panache!
THANK YOU TO OUR contributors