Member Highlight: Idaho Guard & Reserve Family Support Fund

Created in 2004 at the direction of then Governor Kempthorne and the then Adjutant General of the State of Idaho, the Idaho Guard & Reserve Family Support Fund, Inc. was formed as a Mission-Readiness fund; service members who are worried about their family's immediate financial needs are less focused on supporting and defending our state and country.

​Originally called the Soldier & Family Relief Fund, it was created just as Idaho’s 116th Cavalry Brigade Army Guard members were preparing to deploy to Iraq for the first time, which for some created a financial hardship for their families. With a generous grant from the Katherine Albertson’s Foundation, the Fund was able to immediately assist Idaho Army Guard Members and their families.

The name was changed after the 116th returned in 2005, recognizing the need to provide emergency financial assistance state-wide for all of Idaho’s Guard and Reservist Service Members, and currently serves Idaho Army National Guard, Idaho Air National Guard, Idaho Army Reserves, Idaho Navy Reserves, and Idaho Marine Reserves by providing grants and zero interest loans.  The Fund pays for rent, utilities, food, gas, medical emergency travel, and much, much more. Since its inception, the Fund has distributed over $1.5 million to Idaho Guard Members and Reservists and their families and remains a vibrant and necessary part of the military community.

​The Fund maintains self-sufficiency by redistributing repaid loans, receiving donations from the Idaho Income Tax Form 40, the Combined Federal Campaign, United Way, special events, and individual contributions.  As you prepare to do your 2016 Taxes, be sure to consider donating part of your return!