WC Humane Society qualifies for grant

Whitman County Humane Society was among 12 charities in Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho to receive a grant from a $1.5 million fund left by a Sandpoint woman who died last year.

The donor, who requested to remain anonymous, was reported to be a retired East Coast photographer who made her retirement home in Sandpoint.

The fund was left in trust to Panhandle State Bank through the bank’s Community Focus Trust grant program. The Humane Society and the 11 other agencies are scheduled to receive grants over five years. The annual grant sums range from $2,600 to $45,000. By the time the fund sunsets in 2016, the $1.5 million will have been distributed, according to trustee Dale Schuman.

The donor’s interest involved causes related to caring for human and animal victims of hardship and neglect.

Community Focus was asked to select agencies that served causes supported by the donor. One of her causes was support for animals.

Proposals were solicited and screened through the Inland Northwest Foundation.

The Humane Society will use the grant proceeds for programs which will have a direct impact on animals. One of those will be providing vouchers for up to $50 to reimburse 77 percent of the costs of spaying or neutering a pet. The grant proceeds will also be used for the Hope Fund which is designated to provide veterinary care for injured or stray animals.

Other grant recipients will be the St. Maries Volunteer Community Clinic, Boys & Girls Clubs of Spokane, St. Vincent de Paul Salvage Bureau, Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery, Women’s Center, Inc., Bonner Community Food Center, Our Place Community Ministries, Post Falls Food Bank, Shoshone County Women’s Resource Center, Priest River Animal Rescue and Transition Programs for Women.