CAL seeking grant applications

CAL is awarding money again. 

Non-profits with projects that benefit Bonner County should mark their calendars to take part in the Community Assistance League’s next round of grants. On March 1, applications will be available for Community Assistance League’s 2026 cycle of giving.

CAL gives away $200,000 on average in grants and scholarships — monies raised primarily through sales at its upscale retail shop, Bizarre Bazaar. Volunteers run the shop, sorting donations from local residents, pricing, displaying, and helping the many customers who enjoy shopping for a cause. Every item purchased means more money for grants and scholarships.

“The monies we’re able to give back to the community are really from the community,” Joyce Price, CAL president, said. “People donate goods; our volunteers polish them up and price them; and people come into the store and buy them. Bizarre Bazaar annual proceeds are the bulk of the monies we grant to local organizations. Our friends and neighbors here in Bonner are the reason we can continue to do this — and we so appreciate their support.”

Area nonprofit organizations serving Bonner County are invited to pick up an application at one of the locations listed below. Criteria for award evaluation include projects which will have a significant and positive impact on the community, projects which are innovative, and projects which involve important issues. Political, sectarian, or religious programs that are not open to the entire community are not eligible.

Applications will be available beginning March 1 at the following locations:

• The libraries of Sandpoint, Priest River, Oldtown, and Clark Fork

• Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce 

• Bizarre Bazaar, 114 S. Boyer Ave., Sandpoint. 

Applications also may be downloaded from CAL’s website at www.CALSandpoint.org. 

Grant applications must printed — no handwriting, please — and complete. The application submitted must stand alone as the committee will no longer seek additional clarification. It must be returned or postmarked no later than Tuesday, March 31. For additional information, please email the CAL Grants Committee at [email protected].