Priest River Community Foundation
Priest River Community Foundation (PRCF) has a long history of helping individuals and families with basic necessities, providing scholarships to students and honoring the history of Priest River. Since 2007, the PRCF has raised over $120,000 through special events to support various projects and charitable organizations in West Bonner County.
In August of 2012, the Priest River Community Foundation was invited to join the Idaho Community Foundation as an affiliate. Through the partnership, PRCF established an endowment (legacy) fund creating a forever source of funds for “our children, our home”. We invite you join us in creating a legacy, ensuring the traditions and heritage of Priest River grow and thrive, forever.
Our Advisory Board
Jean Elsaesser
An accountant by profession, Jean has been a long-time Priest River community member. She recently finished her third and final term on the Board of Directors for the Community Foundation. Jean continues serving as a trustee on the West Bonner Library District and an active member of the Friends of the Library.
Jim Martin (Co-Founder)
Jim was born and raised in Priest River and is a 4th generation Priest River area resident. A graduate of Priest River Lamanna High School in 1986, he received his BA from Eastern Washington University, attended graduate school at Arizona State University and received his Master’s Degree from the University of Montana. Jim has been the Mayor of Priest River for 12 years and is very involved in the community.
Kerri Martin (Co-Founder)
Kerri is a Co-Founder of Priest River Community Foundation. She was born and raised in the Coeur d’Alene area and graduated from Lakeland High School in 1978. Kerri moved to Priest River in 1978 where she worked in retail for 35 years. Kerri is a past- president of the Chamber of Commerce where she has been very involved in the community for the past ten years.
Holly Janhsen
Community member and small business owner, Holly Janhsen has been involved with many community projects doing what she can to help Priest River thrive. Holly worked in the family –run lumber mill for most of her life, starting at the bottom (cleaning bathrooms) and working her way up to bookkeeper and business owner. Holly and her family built a beautiful Event Center in 2014 creating a great addition to Priest River. It’s located on the West end of town and a welcoming site as you enter Priest River. It is “the spot” for weddings, class reunions, and any large group gatherings.
Susie Luckey
Susie is a fourth generation member of the Naccarato family of Priest River. She and her husband, Mike Luckey have four children including two sons and two daughters. They have one grandchild. She is principal of Idaho Hill Elementary School and was awarded the 2018 Idaho National Distinguished Principal. Susie currently leads the Priest River Community Foundation Literacy team, which works to educate and promote literacy in the community. Susie considers the Pacific Northwest to be "God's Country" due to its beauty in every season
Community Grants
The Priest River Community Foundation provides grants for the following:
1. Educational opportunities and activities for local students (ex: bringing the Pacific Science Center from Seattle to our elementary schools).
2. Promoting the history of our community.
3. Supporting the local food bank, Chamber and Historical Preservation.
To apply for a grant, simply download and complete the application. Applications are reviewed monthly for consideration and approval. Click Here for the application.
PRCF Funds
Priest River Community Foundation Administrative Fund - The Priest River Community Foundation Administrative Fund was established to receive and manage contributions earmarked for general operating support. Distributions from the fund will be made to support Affiliate operations.
Priest River Community Foundation Fund - The Priest River Community Foundation Fund was established to receive and manage unrestricted or restricted contributions to support worthy charitable causes and organizations in West Bonner County, Idaho.
Priest River Community Foundation Legacy Fund - The Priest River Community Foundation Legacy Fund was established to receive and manage unrestricted contributions, which will be used to forever support worthy charitable causes and organizations in West Bonner County, Idaho.