When the Safety Net Frays: Idaho at a Crossroads.
When the Safety Net Frays: Idaho at a Crossroads.
By Blossom Puamohala Johnston, CEO, Idaho Partners for Good
Idaho is in a moment of truth. Federal funding cuts to healthcare, housing, food assistance, and recovery services—combined with declining individual giving and looming tax hikes on philanthropic foundations—are converging into what could become a humanitarian crisis for Idahoans. The math is stark: nearly one-third of Idaho nonprofit budgets come from government sources, over $643 million annually. If philanthropy tried to fill that gap, it would have to give 3-4 times what it does now.
The outcome of inaction? Tens of thousands of Idahoans already on the edge could fall through the cracks:
A mom in Rexburg skipping a cancer screening.
A diabetic in Caldwell rationing insulin.
A child in Coeur d’Alene going to bed hungry.
A tenant in Twin Falls evicted into homelessness.
This is not theoretical—it’s happening now.
The Pressures We Face:
Our philanthropic listening sessions this year revealed a sobering reality:
Foundation leaders are overwhelmed by the surge in funding requests—some nearly double historic levels.
Nonprofits are being asked to do more with fewer resources, often without the infrastructure to sustain it.
Even the most committed funders admit they cannot fill the gap left by government cuts alone. And, they are wondering if it is their responsibility to do so.
Despite the gravity, there is a glimmer of hope: a growing appetite for collaboration, innovation, and cross-sector problem-solving—if we have the courage and coordination to act, together.
What’s at Stake:
Without swift, coordinated action, Idaho could see:
40,000 losing Medicaid, plus 35,000 losing marketplace insurance.
27,000–40,000 losing SNAP food assistance.
Increased relapse rates as recovery programs close.
A sharp rise in evictions and homelessness.
Behind every statistic is a face, a family, a future. This is not just a funding gap—it’s a test of our values as Idahoans.
The Call to Action
This moment demands that every sector step forward to act:
Our Crew (Nonprofit & Philanthropic Leaders)
Join us for a public discussion on Mon. Aug 25 at noon to learn more, share the reports and the data, align strategies, and help pilot collaborative funding models.
Lets double-down on funding capacity, not just programs—staffing, systems, and leadership are the backbone of impact.
Help us Share the real stories—we need to humanize the numbers so donors and policymakers understand what’s at stake.
Policy Makers
Protect and consider increasing state funding for healthcare, housing, and food security.
Rescind proposed federal excise tax increases on foundations because it will reduce their grantmaking amounts to nonprofits.
Extend and/or reform the Child Tax Credit to reach Idaho’s most vulnerable families.
Funders
Increase general operating support and fund cross-sector partnerships and cooperatives.
Invest in innovation—new delivery models, mergers, and shared services that stretch every dollar.
Use your convening power to bring businesses, nonprofits, and civic leaders to the same table.
The future of Idaho’s safety net depends on whether we treat this as a passing storm or a turning point. Let’s choose the latter. Together, we can cushion the blows, reimagine solutions, and build a more resilient Idaho.
This is the time to lead boldly. This is the time to act.
Contact Idaho Partners for Good to join the coordinated response:
info@IdahoPartners4Good.org | (208) 391-5389 | idahopartners4good.org