Best Travel and Tourism Grants in Idaho

Nonprofit organizations in Idaho focused on tourism promotion can seek funding to support regional travel and convention marketing programs. With a mission to strengthen tourism, Idaho Department of Commerce provides Idaho tourism groups with support for marketing plans, cooperative campaigns, digital outreach, and partnerships that increase overnight stays and showcase the state’s scenic attractions and tourism assets.

Grants supporting ecotourism, conservation, and restorative economies in Idaho and other U.S. regions help nonprofits and public entities advance biodiversity and nature-based solutions. Grants from Biophilia Foundation help organizations focused on private land conservation, ecosystem restoration, and environmentally responsible tourism, particularly in the arid Southwest and Chesapeake Bay, with awards of US $5,000 - US $25,000.

Timothy S.Y. Lam Foundation

The mission of the Timothy S.Y. Lam Foundation is to support research, education, and training within the hospitality industry by bestowing scholarships and grants to those seeking careers or advancement in the hospitality industry; funding education programs that promote the hospitality industry; and awarding research grants to those interested in blending academia with practical industry know-how. 

Primary Goals: To support the professional development and academic advancement of the hospitality industry by continuing to support the foundation’s current programs, promote recipients, maintain positive working relationships with associations, and provide support to underserved communities with individuals pursuing hospitality education, training, and job advancement. 

In 2024, TSYLF introduced new initiatives to support and empower underserved communities and underprivileged and underemployed individuals. We invite all hospitality associations, students, research teams, and professionals to explore how the Timothy S.Y. Lam Foundation can support your educational and professional endeavors in the field of hospitality. 

Research Grants

Grantmaking Focus

The foundation supports programs that are practical and directly benefit the hospitality industry. Of particular interest are efforts that apply rigorous academic research to solve practical hospitality issues. All grants are measured on the direct results of improved efficiency and efficacy for the hospitality industry. The Foundation emphasizes activities in the following areas and organizations that work in the following areas:

• Research programs that improve employment possibilities and career advancement for those entering or incumbents in the hospitality industry.
• Research programs that enhance efficiency in the hospitality industry.
• Articles or textbooks that contribute to the comprehensive body of knowledge and/or promote industry practices, standards, and ethics.
• Practical and applicable research projects with immediate benefit to the hospitality industry.

Grants are payable to the organization or institution and not to an individual.

Grant funding is dispersed in two payments. One payment will be made upon award approval and the second will be made once the research grant report has been submitted.

Research Grant funding should be used for the following:

• TSYLF funds should be used for research facility overhead and general maintenance.
• TSYLF funds can be used for reasonable software, computer systems or programs to organize, track and store data.
• TSYLF funds can be used for tangible research items such printed documents, writing utensils, books, office supplies or related tools and materials needed to document research and practical observations.
• TSYLF will fund equipment or materials used for hands-on training such as cleaning, and sanitation supplies, safety items or other personal protection, furnishings found in hotels, restaurants or other hospitality related facilities being used to observe applicable productivity or conditions.
• TSYLF funds can be used to obtain proper permits for conducting research or staging a practical observation or production space.
• TSYLF funds can be used be used for creating resource material and related distribution costs to hospitality professionals, businesses and educators.
• TSYLF funds can be used for support materials or services for hosting focus groups, interviews or other activities related to the research topic.
• TSYLF funds should be used wisely for reasonable and cost-effective accommodations for staff, research team and subjects such as meals, travel or lodging.
• TSYLF funds can be used for reasonable mileage or transportation fees for research subjects, team and special advisors.
• TSYLF funds can be used for reasonable travel accommodations related to research topic data collection.
• TSYLF funds can be used for reasonable compensation to the research team for their time in collecting, analyzing and organizing data related to the funded research topic.
• TSYLF funds can be used for reasonable compensation to the research subjects.
• TSYLF funds can be used for expenses related to community engagement.
• TSYLF funds can be used for fees related to attending a hospitality event that aligns with the funded research topic.

Students pursuing tourism or hospitality-related majors who are from Bucks County and attending an accredited college, university, or trade school may be eligible for scholarships that support travel and tourism careers. Visit Bucks County Foundation’s program may benefit Idaho-focused tourism initiatives through students planning to work in this field.

Students pursuing aviation or hospitality degrees in Idaho can receive scholarship support for higher education costs. Grants from The Columbus Foundation help U.S.-based tourism and travel-related students cover tuition through the NetJets Scholarship, offering US $25,000 awards to full-time students with strong academics and an interest in business aviation and hospitality careers.

American Indian and Alaska Native undergraduate juniors and seniors in tourism, gaming, financial, or hospitality fields, and graduate students in business or gaming/hospitality-related fields, studying in Idaho or elsewhere in the U.S., can receive need-based support from the Wells Fargo American Indian Scholarship. Grants from Native Forward Scholars Fund provide US $2,500 - US $5,000 per academic year for full-time study.

The FY26 Bureau of Land Management Invasive and Noxious Plant Management program focuses on preventing and controlling invasive species that threaten public lands and native plant communities. These invasive plants impose significant economic burdens and disrupt ecosystems. The program aims to enhance detection, rapid response, and education on invasive species, while also promoting rehabilitation efforts and biological control to protect valuable resources on public lands.

Idaho nonprofits and other 501(c)(3) organizations focused on health, education, or community services can access funding through Labcorp Charitable Foundation to support local programs. Grants may benefit initiatives like food pantries, healthcare for underserved populations, STEM education, and preventive health efforts that strengthen community wellbeing and visitor experiences.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving Southern U.S. communities can seek funding for programs addressing poverty relief, families and children, education, health, disaster relief, veterans, animal welfare, or nature and wildlife conservation. Focused on tangible impact, Robinson Foundation invites established organizations to propose single-year projects that may also support ecotourism or tourism-related community needs in Idaho’s peer regions.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on housing, jobs, hunger, arts, environment, or community development can apply for sponsorship support, including Idaho tourism-related initiatives that strengthen local communities. With a mission to advance economic mobility, Bank of America Charitable Foundation provides U.S. nonprofits with regional sponsorships that enhance economic, social, and cultural life.

Idaho tourism and ecotourism nonprofits can access funding through Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation to develop storytelling projects that highlight their real-world impact. Registered 501(c)(3) organizations, or aligned for-profits, working in preservation, education, wellness, or environmental conservation may be eligible for awards of more than US $50,000 to share their stories.

Idaho nonprofits with strong community partnership initiatives can access recognition and support through the Mutual of America Foundation’s Community Partnership Award. This national U.S. competition honors exemplary collaborations among public, private, and social sector partners that address significant social issues and can be replicated, which may benefit organizations whose tourism or ecotourism work depends on cross-sector cooperation.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Idaho 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on basic needs, community development, cultural enrichment, or volunteer-driven programs can apply for Ameriprise Community Grants. Focus areas include hunger relief, shelters and supportive housing, financial literacy, workforce readiness, and arts access. National organizations and groups in key Ameriprise employee centers may receive additional consideration.

Educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies in Idaho can apply for State Farm Companies Foundation’s Good Neighbor Citizenship grants to support safety, education, and community development initiatives. Projects such as community safety, neighborhood revitalization, workforce preparation, and financial literacy that also strengthen local tourism economies may be eligible.

Nonprofit organizations in Idaho can seek funding for community-based programs, including cultural institutions, environmental and wildlife protection, and youth or senior services. With a mission to help impactful organizations, Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation provides U.S. nonprofits with US $1,000 - US $20,000, which may benefit tourism, ecotourism, or related community initiatives.

Focused on basic needs and economic mobility, Nordstrom invites Idaho 501(c)(3) nonprofits to apply for unrestricted grants of US $5,000 - US $20,000. Eligible organizations serve youth and families with food, shelter, clothing, or workforce development in communities near Nordstrom store locations, and tourism-related nonprofits with such programs may be eligible.

Organizations working on education, health, or family economic stability for low-income urban children and youth in Idaho and across the U.S., India, or South Africa can apply for Michael & Susan Dell Foundation grants; awards more than US $50,000 for project support or scaling. Eligible entities include nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, governments, and related organizations.

Idaho 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting children, education, or health and human services can seek monetary funding for community programs that demonstrate measurable outcomes. Costco Foundation supports initiatives serving children and families where it does business, so Idaho organizations with tourism-related youth or community services may be eligible to strengthen local visitor and resident experiences.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.