When Idaho’s kids need help, there are a special group of people out there ready to step up. They do not wear capes or masks or fly in at the last second. They are humble, everyday Idahoans who believe kids are more than their trauma and that is why they choose to give to charities like Idaho Youth Ranch.

I support Idaho Youth Ranch because I believe that all people have a basic need to be encouraged and to feel loved.   Knowing that there are people who care and are willing to help can make all the difference.   We do this through parenting, teaching and mentoring.  We can also do this through giving of our resources to help the programs provided through Idaho Youth Ranch flourish and succeed.  This is such a difficult time in our world and I realized that by social distancing some of us have a little more disposable income, money that we are not spending on vacations, theater, restaurants, or whatever we had filled our lives with.

One of the unique things about giving to Idaho Youth Ranch is the tax credit the state of Idaho makes available to resident taxpayers who donate to our organization.

Did you know that, in 2018, charitable giving decreased by roughly 6% in the first quarter compared to the same quarter the year before? Year-over-year data showed that new donors decreased by 12% as well. Why is this? Tax reform. A lot of people found themselves in a lower tax bracket, meaning their take-home pay increased, and their standard deduction was much more of a temptation than making itemized deductions.

We are honored to announce that Idaho Youth Ranch was nominated and selected as the recipients of a $10,000 grant from The CarMax Foundation. We are so honored and grateful to receive this generous grant that will help provide support and healing to Idaho’s most vulnerable children.

We'd like to give a HUGE thank you to our wonderful friends at erstad ARCHITECTS who generously donated $2,200 to Idaho Youth Ranch after winning a charity bocce ball tournament.

To promote National Foster Care Awareness, we wanted to share some information you can use to get involved. Centered around youth advocacy, the Idaho Youth Ranch works with families and children to ensure they have access to the help, resources, and education they need to positively change the trajectory of their life. With nearly 1,800 children living in the Idaho foster care system, it’s never too late get involved by giving back!

With changes in tax laws in 2017, many Americans are left wondering how they can reach their philanthropic goals without compromising their tax benefits. There are several options that will help you do both. 

Do you remember the person in your life who gave you a chance at success?

You can be that person for Idaho kids this Thursday, May 7. Join us for Idaho’s biggest one-day, state-wide fundraising event—Idaho Gives!