About Us

Mission Statement

It is the mission of Morrison Knudsen Foundation, Inc. to provide one-time assistance for basic necessities to individuals demonstrating appropriate need in Boise/Treasure Valley,  the location of the Foundation’s origin.  The Foundation also provides a limited number of small grants to 501(c)(3)-qualified organizations.

Demographics (who we serve)

Foundation’s board carefully approves over 250 individual applications each year. Over the past 5 years, the Foundation has provided more than $1 million directly to assist needy individuals with basic necessities. Foundation recipient demographics boasts impressive diversity:

  • Over 50% of the Foundation beneficiaries are disabled
  • 14% are veterans
  • 40% are minorities
  • 60% are single heads of household
  • 25% are elderly

Components to Our Giving Program

There are two components to our giving program:

  • One-time grants to assist needy individuals
  • Grants to charitable, non-profit organizations

Eligibility

Individuals

Individuals who demonstrate appropriate need are referred to the Foundation for assistance by non-profit agencies and service providers.  Applicants will complete an application and interview process to determine eligibility.  (see LINKS/RESOURSES for referring agencies)

Organizations  

Qualified organizations must meet the following criteria:

  • Be based in and serve the Boise/Treasure Valley community
  • Meet the definition of at least one of the Foundation’s funding categories described below.
  • Deliver effective, high-impact programs with measurable outcomes and have a reputation of achievement known within the community.
  • Able to identify community needs, provide programs or projects with broad community support and demonstrate that it does not represent unnecessary duplication.
  • Provide appropriate recognition and promote the ideals of the Foundation.
  • Show program capability, sound fiscal policies, responsible financial management, and have a competent Board of Directors involved in the Organization.
  • Qualify as a charitable non-profit organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service tax code

Foundation Funds 4 Categories of Organizations

(In Order of Foundation Priority)

  •  Health & Human Services – Programs and projects that support health care and human services benefiting former MK employees and other members of the public. Support of local non-profit agencies providing relief to the poor, elderly and disabled or solutions for others who are experiencing crisis or trauma, improves quality of life and thus improves the general well-being in the community where we reside and conduct business.
  • Civic and Community – Good Citizenship requires participation in the improvement and management of community life.  Programs and projects that benefit the public at large by unifying the community, solving problems, and enhancing the quality of life with social activities are important to building the diverse, cohesive, and resilient neighborhoods that we enjoy in the Treasure Valley.
  • Education – Education insures the availability of highly skilled, educated individuals to enrich our community. Better education leads to better incomes and fulfills our hope that families will be able to break the cycle of poverty. Funding high-impact programs that further math, science, environment, communications, and technology help build the workforce of the future.  Innovative, cost-effective life skills and parenting programs, short-term trainings with placement opportunities, and financial literacy projects are of particular interest to us and a good fit to our self-sufficiency, one-time assistance funding criteria.
  • Culture & Arts –   Providing performing and cultural art experiences to underprivileged individuals, especially youth and elderly, or bringing these opportunities to under-served communities is our primary focus in this category.

Funding Restrictions

Grants are NOT eligible if they meet any of the following criteria

  • Not tax-exempt under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)3
  • Located outside Boise, Idaho.
  • Political, labor, fraternal organizations, merchant associations, civic clubs, memberships and political organizations designed primarily to lobby.
  • For individuals, i.e. scholarships, trust funds, sporting events, seminars, contests, sponsorships, travel or related expenses, student trips or tours.
  • Organizations that discriminate for any reason, including race, color, religion, creed, age, sex or national origin.
  • Churches or religious organizations for religious purposes.
  • For books, films, television programs and video production, research or feasibility studies, tickets for contests, raffles or other prize-oriented activities.
  • Organizations whose practices are not in keeping with the  Foundation’s commitment to the business code of ethics.