For more than five decades, Hope House has been a place of healing for children facing some of life’s most difficult circumstances.

Founded in 1972, the residential program has served more than 700 youth, many experiencing complex trauma, failed adoptions, and severe emotional challenges. Hope House offers something increasingly rare: a long-term, family-centered environment where children can rebuild trust, stability, and hope.

For decades, the Boise Sunrise Rotary (BSR) Club and its foundation has been one of the Hope House’s most dedicated partners—supporting them through financial contributions, volunteer service, mentorship and much more. By 2023, however, Boise Sunrise Rotarian leaders recognized that protecting the mission for the future would require a different kind of investment.

A Mission Worth Protecting.

Like many founder-led organizations, Hope House had grown around the leadership of its inspirational founder, who had guided and protected the organization for more than fifty years. Her dedication and vision had built an extraordinary residential campus, but much of the institutional knowledge and decision-making rested with this one person. At the same time, the organization’s operations had grown increasingly complex.

The Boise Sunrise Rotary Foundation (BSRF) recognized that sustaining the mission would require strengthening the organization itself, not just its programs. Rather than pursuing short-term solutions, the foundation chose to invest in a capacity-building partnership designed to prepare Hope House and its founder for the next chapter.

A Systems-Based Approach.

The Boise Sunrise Rotary Club and Foundation invited Idaho Partners for Good (IP4G) to work alongside Hope House leadership, board members, and staff to guide a multi-phase process focused on long-term sustainability since the founder was now in her eighties. Rather than imposing solutions, IP4G worked collaboratively with the founder and the board at Hope House to design a pathway that respected the organization’s culture and mission. The work unfolded in four phases.

Building Trust and Readiness

The first phase focused on the founder’s leadership transition as well as the organization’s succession plan. There was a great need for a formal development plan for the board. Executive coaching supported the founder in developing her transition plan, while the board received training on succession planning and governance responsibilities. Staff provided input during this stage via the organizational diagnostic tool (ODT). This work created the foundation of trust necessary to design the right-sized plan for meaningful organizational change.

Understanding the Organization

The second phase focused on assessing Hope House’s operational systems. Financial reviews, governance assessments, and operational evaluations helped identify areas where systems could be strengthened. During this period, a medical emergency involving the founder highlighted the importance of strong board leadership and succession planning. With the support of IP4G, the board stepped in, gaining confidence in its role guiding the organization’s future.

Building Systems for the Future

The third phase focused on strengthening the infrastructure needed for long-term sustainability. Together the partners:

● Documented more than 80 standard operating procedures.

● Modernized financial and administrative systems.

● Expanded membership and strengthened board governance.

● Engaged staff in building the path toward the organization’s future.

Staff members became active participants in the transformation process, helping ensure that the changes supported the mission rather than disrupting it.

Laura Brown, Boise Sunrise Rotary Club “the hurdle was so high we thought it might be impossible to breach, at first. IP4G brought strong, on-going communication, they came in under budget for most of the phases and their team cared deeply about the people at Hope House. Oh, and the documenting of SOPs was BIG, too!”

Preparing the Next Chapter

The final phase focused on leadership transition. An interim executive director was provided by IP4G to guide the organization during the transition period. As the work progressed, the board and staff saw the value of this leadership and asked the interim director to remain permanently.

At the same time, the founder began shaping a new role as Hope House Ambassador, allowing her to continue contributing her relationships and experience while supporting the organization’s future leadership.

A Stronger Future Today.

Hope House is better positioned than ever to serve more vulnerable youth. The organization now has:

● Successfully transitioned the Founder that led the organization for 50+ years.

● Strengthened governance skills and expanded board leadership.

● Modernized the financial and operational systems.

● Developed a sustainable staffing and organizational structure.

Most importantly, Hope House is once again prepared to expand its impact and welcome more children who need a place to heal and grow!

A Model of Effective Philanthropy

The Boise Sunrise Rotary Club and Foundation’s decision to invest in organizational capacity—rather than only program funding—demonstrates an important lesson for philanthropy.

Strengthening the systems that support mission-driven organizations ensures that impact can endure far beyond any single leader.

By partnering with Hope House and Idaho Partners for Good, the Boise Sunrise Rotary Club helped protect a 50-year legacy as well as their decades-long investments while ensuring that future generations of children will continue to find hope, stability, and opportunity.

For more information contact Idaho Partners for Good CEO Blossom Johnston, BlossomJ@idahopartners4good.org.