The Spokane-based Inland Northwest Community Foundation says a donor has established a $3.5 million endowed fund through that organization that will be used to support youth programs in Eastern Washington and North Idaho.

The new fund is the fourth largest fund established at the Foundation since its founding in 1974.

The donor prefers to remain anonymous, but allowed the Foundation to release this comment: "After talking with the foundation, I thought if anyone can help me with my family's charitable goals, I bet they can. This new fund enables our family to partner with Inland Northwest Community Foundation in a way that allows us to carry out our hope to improve numerous lives throughout the Inland Northwest. The foundation handles the legal and financial details. Our children and grandchildren can take pride in knowing it was our family that made this possible."

Mark Hurtubise, the foundation's president and CEO, says, "People long remember when someone cares enough to do something selfless. These generous acts forever change the way all of us look at the world, even if those who benefit never know the identity of the benefactor. It could be life-altering for the youth who will benefit from this fund. It might even stimulate their desire to give back. This truly is spectacular for the region."

The philanthropic organization serves 10 Eastern Washington counties and 10 North Idaho counties. It currently manages 305 funds valued at more than $68 million and has awarded $38 million in grants and scholarships since its inception.