Leading the Way to a Healthier Idaho

Founded in 2001, The Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health, Inc. is a nonprofit private foundation established by Blue Cross of Idaho.
We build local partnerships and collaborate to create sustainable changes that promote health in Idaho. Sometimes this means funding programs and projects driven by local communities. Sometimes this means leading the way with our own initiatives.
But it always means being a catalytic organization, dedicated to transformational — not simply transactional — approaches that will impact Idaho today and for generations to come.
Click here to download our annual report and learn more details about the impact The Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health is having across the Gem State.
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Building a healthier Idaho.

As a catalytic funder, the work of The Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health goes far beyond funding.
The first step is catalytic engagement: We work work closely with communities, partners and prospective grant recipients to clarify the needs, goals and metrics of every effort.
The next step is building partnerships: while we don’t engage in the day-to-day execution of these efforts, we do share our expertise and Rolodex.
The efforts combine to create transformational solutions: lasting, ground-up change that will be felt for years, or even generations, to come.
Learn about our:
funding opportunities and Focus Areas.
Our Foundation has positively impacted thousands of Idahoans since our founding in 2001.

Meet Our Team  Â
Kendra Witt-Doyle, PhD
Executive Director
Kendra Witt-Doyle is the Executive Director of the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health, Idaho’s leading health-focused charitable foundation. A recognized expert on community health, Kendra provides strategic oversight and leadership across the Foundation’s efforts to create a healthier Idaho through innovative, community-led health initiatives.
As an Idaho native and mother of two young boys, Kendra’s passion for improving the health of Idaho’s youth is integral to both her professional and personal life, motivating her to become active in community health organizations and coalitions. Kendra is a first-generation college graduate and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Boise State University; a Master’s in Public Health from University of Texas School of Public Health; and a Ph.D. from University of Texas El Paso.
Deanne Schildan
Business Administration Manager
Deanne is the Business Administration Manager at the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health. She is responsible for the Foundation’s operational systems, processes and policies, as well as cross-functional administrative and project-based support. She has spent more than 30 years working in administrative roles in insurance, high-tech and financial industries. Deanne grew up in eastern Idaho and is proud to have lived her entire life in various parts of Idaho. She is excited to be a part of an organization that is building a healthier Idaho for her three children and two grandchildren.
Courtney Frost
Program Officer
Courtney is a Program Officer for the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health. She leads the High Five initiative, which targets childhood obesity. Courtney works closely stakeholders statewide to create transformational changes that help get kids physically active and create access to healthy foods. Using her experience in health-focused nonprofits, she builds trusted partnerships resulting in sustainable change. Before joining the Foundation, Courtney worked in development at the American Heart Association and National MS Society. Courtney, who is married and has one child, holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Eastern Washington University and a master’s certificate in nonprofit administration from Boise State University.
Nick Jezierny
Communications Specialist
Nick is the Communications Specialist who collaborates with staff and community partners to share news and stories about the Foundation’s work throughout Idaho. Prior to joining the Foundation, Nick worked as a newspaper reporter in Connecticut, Ohio, Texas and Idaho. He most recently was the internal communications specialist at Blue Cross of Idaho. Nick holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism from Ohio University.
Kaylee Wells
Program Coordinator
Kaylee Wells is the Programs Coordinator of the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health. She works closely with the Program Officers to provide logistical support as well as help build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders and community members throughout Idaho. Kaylee was born and raised in Idaho and has spent most of her life in the Gem State. It makes her very proud to work with the Foundation, an Idaho-focused organization. Prior to joining the Foundation, she worked with various health-related organizations in Idaho and Washington State. Kaylee is a Certified Health Education Specialist® and holds a Bachelor of Science in Community Health Education from Western Washington University.
Our Board
Ralph Woodard
Board Chair