INSPIRE, UPLIFT, SERVE
We spotlight extraordinary Idahoans while creating pathways for students to succeed in the trades and strengthen our communities.
Our Mission
Inspire Excellence is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Boise, Idaho, with a two-fold mission:
- To celebrate Idaho’s unsung heroes at the annual Inspire Excellence Awards Luncheon, where we honor those who Inspire, Uplift, and Serve.
- To support Idaho youth through our Teens 2 Trades program, which provides emergency funds for students at the College of Western Idaho and tool grants for those entering the trades—made possible through our partnership with D&B Supply and DeWalt.
Inspire Excellence
Each year, we host the Inspire Excellence Awards Luncheon to shine a spotlight on Idahoans who Inspire, Uplift, and Serve.
Teens 2 Trades
Through Teens 2 Trades, students at the College of Western Idaho receive emergency support and tool grants to begin careers in welding, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and more.
T 2 T Golf Tournament
An annual golf tournament event hosted to raise funds that directly support Idaho students pursuing careers in the trades.
About Us
Our Mission
Inspire Excellence highlights extraordinary Idahoans while investing in the next generation of Idaho’s workforce. Through the Inspire Excellence Awards and the Teens 2 Trades Golf Tournament, we raise funds that directly support Idaho students pursuing careers in the trades. 100% of funds raised stay in Idaho.
Over the past five years
We’ve honored more than 50 unsung heroes and raised over $250,000 to help students at the College of Western Idaho and provide essential tools for young people pursuing welding, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and other trades.
Our kids are our future
Creating pathways to success in the trades is our passion.
Programs
Inspire Excellence Awards
The Inspire Excellence Awards Luncheon to shines a spotlight on Idahoans who Inspire, Uplift, and Serve. Honorees are recognized with a three-minute video telling their story, a commemorative award, and a $1,000 donation to the nonprofit of their choice.
Nominations are open on our website, and awardees are selected by our Board of Directors.
Teens 2 Trades
The Teens 2 Trades program provides:
- Emergency Funds for students attending the College of Western Idaho.
- $500 Tool Grants for students pursuing careers in the trades. Grants are awarded quarterly, and certificates can be redeemed at D&B Supply for tools from partners like DeWalt.
The program is sustained through the annual Teens 2 Trades Golf Tournament, hosted by KTVB legend Mark Johnson.
Stories & Impact
At Inspire Excellence, stories are at the heart of what we do. Over the years, we’ve seen firsthand how these programs change lives—students gaining the tools they need to enter the trades, heroes receiving long-overdue recognition, and communities strengthened through generosity.
At every event, students share their gratitude and stories of transformation—reminders that the work we do truly makes a difference.
you can support our mission by:
Award luncheon sponsorship
Sponsorship of this unique event features a delicious lunch, and the opportunity to watch a short professionally created video about each of the award winners.
Award Nomination
Annually, our organization requests that the public nominate those who uplift, serve, and inspire others in their life to receive an Inspire Excellence Award. 7-9 winners are chosen, and presented with their award at the IE Awards Luncheon.
T 2 T Golf Tournament
Raise funds for Idaho’s youth while enjoying an incredible day of golf at this year’s Teens 2 Trades Golf Tournament!