Have you ever tried to start a movement with very few resources?

Most people would call that risky. Some might even call it crazy. So why would we do it?

Because we believe it is the right thing to do and Idahoans are worth it!

Over the past year, we have spent a lot of time listening to nonprofit leaders, faith communities, local officials, businesses, funders, and everyday Idahoans. We heard a common concern: as government funding shrinks and community needs continue to grow, more families are finding themselves in difficult situations with fewer places to turn for help.

To be clear, we support efforts to reduce government waste and improve efficiency. But the reality is that significant changes can create unintended consequences. Families, seniors, veterans, and working households often feel those impacts first. At the same time, nonprofits, the organizations helping hold communities together, are being asked to do more with less.

When we spoke with philanthropic foundations across Idaho, we heard another important message: philanthropy alone cannot fill the gap.

So if our government can't do it alone, and philanthropy can't do it alone, what will?

The answer is simple and historically relevant in Idaho: neighbors helping neighbors.

That idea became the foundation for Our Idaho: Neighbor-to-Neighbor (N2N).

The movement grew out of conversations sparked by our 2025 report, Reimagining Giving in a Shifting Landscape and When the Safety Net Frays. Former First Lady Patricia Kempthorne challenged us to keep listening and to bring people together around solutions. In response, we convened five statewide listening and learning sessions involving more than 100 leaders from across sectors. Together, they helped shape the guiding principles and four strategic pillars that now serve as the foundation of Our Idaho: Neighbor-to-Neighbor.

Last week, we officially launched the movement with the support of many outstanding Idaho leaders and organizations.

Mayor of Garden City, Idaho, Bill Jacobs and Jay Multanen.

Garden City Mayor Bill Jacobs became the first mayor in Idaho to sign the Our Idaho Proclamation, establishing a community standard that encourages residents to look out for one another and strengthen the fabric of their neighborhoods.
Kelley Packer and the Association of Idaho Cities provided a platform at their annual conference for a discussion on The Art and Science of Cross-Sector Collaboration. Special thanks to panelists Debbie Kling, Mindi Anderson, Bill Rauer, Blossom Johnston and moderator Jay Multanen for helping advance this important conversation.
TheIdaho Housing and Finance Foundation invited us to test the Mayor's Housing Challenge with Youth Advisory Council members from across the state. These young leaders offered thoughtful feedback that helped strengthen and improve the challenge before its broader launch.

Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council at the Association of Idaho Cities Annual Conference, for Idaho Housing and Finance Foundation youth workshop.

This is only the beginning. We believe every Idahoan has a role to play. Whether you're an individual, business owner, church leader, government employee, civic club member, or nonprofit volunteer, there are practical ways to help strengthen the safety net in your community.

Our focus is especially on supporting Idaho's ALICE families-those who are working hard, doing everything right, yet still struggling to make ends meet. Many have never needed assistance before and may not know where to turn when challenges arise.

If you would like to get involved, we'd love to hear from you. Email info@idahopartners4good.org to learn more about the Mayor's Housing Challenge, community engagement opportunities, or ways to support the movement.

And one final request: help us spread the word. Add your name to the Our Idaho editorial or take the proclamation to your mayor and make your voice part of a growing movement dedicated to strengthening communities through the simple but powerful idea that neighbors still matter.

Because the future of Idaho won't be built by government, nonprofits, businesses, or philanthropy alone. It will be built by all of us—neighbor to neighbor.

And this is how YOU can help!

Become a part of the movement, Neighbor-to-Neighbor: We have a goal of 250 signatures!

SIGN THE EDITORIAL