Transparency
Nothing to hide
Whether you're asking for help or giving it, you deserve to know exactly who we are, how decisions are made, and where every dollar goes. Here it is.
Legal status
Where we are today
Rooted is brand new, and we'd rather tell you exactly where we stand than overstate it. We update this timeline at every step.
- September 23, 2026
Board formed
Founding board met in Boise and adopted our bylaws, mission, crisis assistance policy, and conflict of interest rules.
- In progress
Idaho nonprofit incorporation
Filing our Articles of Incorporation with the Idaho Secretary of State.
- Next
Federal tax ID and bank account
An EIN from the IRS and a bank account in Rooted's name with two authorized signers.
- Next
IRS 501(c)(3) application
Applying for recognition as a tax exempt charity.
- Next
Online giving opens
Once our bank account is open, we'll start accepting gifts online.
Accountability
Who's responsible
Rooted is governed by a volunteer board. No board member is paid, and no board member, or their family, can receive assistance from Rooted.
| Board member | Role |
|---|---|
| Sandon Simms | President |
| Alaina Westman | Secretary |
| Jennifer Lordes | Treasurer |
Stewardship
How donations are handled
These rules come straight from our bylaws, and every board member agrees to them in writing.
- Every gift goes into one shared crisis fund. Donors can't direct gifts to a specific person.
- Funds are held in a bank account in Rooted's name, with two authorized signers.
- Any payment over $500 needs approval from two officers or the full board.
- Assistance is paid directly to landlords, utilities, stores, and providers, not handed out as cash.
- Board members are unpaid volunteers. Only reasonable, documented expenses can be reimbursed, with board approval.
- Our books are reviewed every year by someone other than the Treasurer.
- Every donor receives a written acknowledgment of their gift.
Fairness
How requests are reviewed
Every request is judged by the same written eligibility guidelines, never by who you know.
Same rules for all
Decisions follow our written policy, never race, religion, gender, orientation, disability, or politics.
No conflicts
Two board members decide. Anyone with a personal connection to the person asking steps aside.
Quick answers
Within 3 business days, or 24 hours when there's an urgent deadline.
A second look
If a request is denied, the person can ask the full board to reconsider once.
Where the money goes
Real bills, paid directly
We don't vaguely "give people money." Approved assistance is paid straight toward a specific emergency need, up to these limits.
| What we pay for | Up to |
|---|---|
| Rent or deposit | $1,500 |
| Utilities | $500 |
| Food or grocery cards | $300 |
| Emergency lodging | $750 |
| Transportation or car repair | $1,000 |
| Medical or prescription costs | $750 |
| Total per household, per 12 months | $2,500 |
Our board reviews these limits every December.
Impact
Our results, as they happen
We haven't made our first grant yet. After our first fundraiser, we'll post our totals here and keep them updated, including real stories shared with permission.
Total given to the crisis fund
Households helped across the Treasure Valley
Dollars paid, broken down by rent, utilities, food, and more
Want to see our bylaws, crisis assistance policy, or conflict of interest policy? Email help@rootedinidaho.org and we'll send them.