Part 2: Holding the Tension of the Data with Hopeful Hands
The goal is clear: to prevent needless suffering and ensure basic human dignity for tens of thousands of Idahoans.
Last month, I shared insights from philanthropic foundations about how they are preparing for giving in the next few years ([read last month’s article here]).
On Monday, August 25, Idaho Partners for Good hosted a public discussion on Voices from the Field and its companion piece, When the Safety Net Frays. Over 50 philanthropic and nonprofit leaders joined us to identify the key steps our communities can take to brace for what is forecasted in the next 4–12 months.
But, there is also a tension around - how do we hold the forecasted fallout in such a way that it is a catalyst for hope, creativity and innovation? The last thing we need is more doom and gloom, yet neither can we dismiss what is lining up on the horizon. What to do?
What We Heard
The discussion was robust and candid. A few of the most striking comments included:
“Knowing that we're going to go over a cliff without the help from the State of Idaho, is there a strategy in place to start educating legislators on the need?”
“It seems like we need to start with the data, the issues, the challenges we (nonprofits) face and the consequences that might ensue when the services we provide go away. What is the cost to Idaho? What impact will happen to families and children? What is the urgency?”
“Your suggestion about streamlining back-office business practices amongst nonprofits makes sense; seems like a good starting point for strengthening service-delivery efforts of each non-profit.”
For many, it is clear we are in new territory without a playbook. What is equally clear is that leadership cannot come from one sector alone. Nonprofits must step forward alongside business, government, philanthropy, and faith communities—because every one of these sectors has a stake in building thriving communities that prevent needless suffering and ensure basic human dignity.
The Data Behind the Human Equation
From the white paper, we know (in-part) the scale of what’s ahead:
Healthcare & Medicaid: Up to 40,000 Idahoans may lose Medicaid and 35,000 more could lose marketplace insurance. Rural hospitals, in-home care, and provider reimbursements are at risk, with anticipated 2–6% state budget holdbacks compounding the strain.
Food Benefits (SNAP): Of the 136,000 Idahoans currently enrolled, 27,000–40,000 could lose assistance.
Housing: Idaho faces the loss of $500K in HUD grants, alongside increased evictions.
Immigrant Families: New laws eliminate prenatal and food assistance for undocumented families. These are the people that power so many of our industries.
Behavioral Health & Recovery: Roughly $49M in federal health grants are at risk, threatening SAMHSA-supported recovery programs and reducing rural access to mental health services.
These numbers are sobering. But behind each one is a mother, father, child, or elder whose survival and dignity depend on how we respond.
We invite you to be part of the solution!
The Call to Action
This moment requires us to move from discussion to cross-sector coordination:
Businesses: help guide strategy and target funding toward proven solutions.
Faith Communities: rethink your role and engage more fully, help lead initiatives that provide food, clothing, childcare, and recovery support.
Philanthropic Foundations: step up with general operating grants, capacity-building support, and funding for mergers or shared services.
Civic Organizations: mobilize members and train them to maximize their impact in partnership with nonprofits.
State & Federal Government: protect and serve the people of Idaho. Keep outside interests from leading policy decisions. Focus your leadership and advocacy on Idaho’s most vulnerable which is an imperative—otherwise the burden falls on city and county agencies that are under-resourced and ill-equipped to absorb it.
I said it last month, and I will say it again: Behind every statistic is a face, a family, and our future. This is not just a funding gap—it’s a test of our values as Idahoans. If you want to help inform a new playbook based on hope, creativity and innovation to help ensure every Idahoan thrives then join us.
Email: BlossomJ@idahopartners4good.org.