Best Parent-Teacher Organization Grants in Idaho

The First Interstate BancSystem Foundation focuses on strengthening communities by providing grants primarily to nonprofits assisting low- and moderate-income individuals. In 2023, they awarded $9.2 million across their footprint, emphasizing projects with significant community impact. Grants are recommended by local First Interstate Bank branches and are evaluated based on the nonprofit's leadership, financial stability, and community benefit. Areas of ineligibility include individual projects and those that do not demonstrate a substantial community impact.

BIPOC-led nonprofit organizations in Idaho and other Western states can receive funding for youth athletics, culture, and education programs serving ages 6–18. With a mission to increase racial equity and opportunities for youth, Charlotte Martin Foundation provides flexible support, including general operating funds, for rural and school-related programs in its five-state region.

Idaho K-12 teachers, schools, and nonprofits supporting teachers can receive up to US $500 for humanities-related projects such as field trips, teacher workshops, and book purchases in Idaho. Idaho Humanities Council K-12 Grants support curriculum and professional development, with monthly deadlines and a two-week decision period, and require at least 50% cost share.

Idaho K–12 education groups in Catholic school communities can access funding through Catholic Extension to develop and retain promising school leaders. This program supports graduate-level certificates in Catholic school administration, covering most tuition plus travel for an on-campus course, and may benefit parent-teacher organizations collaborating with school principals and diocesan leadership.

Nonprofit organizations, K–12 schools, colleges, and public libraries offering comprehensive family literacy programs in Idaho can seek funding for adult education, children’s education, and parent-child learning time. Dollar General Literacy Foundation supports programs within 15 miles of its stores, with awards up to US $10,000 for eligible sites listed in the National Literacy Directory.

Focused on K–12 STEM education, Project Lead the Way invites Idaho public and charter schools near Nampa to launch new PLTW Biomedical Science courses. Eligible U.S. schools within 50 miles of designated onsemi communities can receive about US $20,000 for participation fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and PLTW Core Training costs.

Public and charter schools within 50 miles of Nampa, Idaho offering or expanding PLTW Biomedical Science courses in 2026–2027 can apply for Project Lead The Way’s ON Semiconductor Foundation grants, with awards of US $10,000. Funding covers PLTW participation fees, required technology, program equipment and supplies, and PLTW Core Training with related travel costs.

Nonprofit organizations in Idaho serving underserved, school-aged youth through long-term, transformative programs can seek funding for mentoring, academic support, and college or career preparation. Silver Family Foundation supports K–12 education and youth development, including general operating and potential multi-year grants from US $15,000 - US $50,000; an LOI is required before proposals.

K-12 schools and related education programs in Idaho seeking to expand or maintain STEM initiatives can access matching funds for science education programs. With a mission to strengthen K-12 education, Idaho State Department of Education provides support for demonstration and other STEM projects that build students’ knowledge and interest, requiring at least half of project costs in cash or in-kind match.

Idaho 501(c)(3) nonprofits and K–12 schools working in health, disability services, or youth education can apply for Albertsons Companies Foundation’s Intermountain funding. Grants support programs like cancer research access, services and inclusion for people with disabilities, and K–12 academic success, which may benefit parent-teacher organizations partnering with local schools.

Idaho K–12 education and youth-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits and schools can access funding for programs in youth education, health and human services, hunger, veterans, and inclusion. Parent-teacher organizations in Albertsons service areas may be eligible for US $2,500 - US $10,000 from the Albertsons Companies Foundation, with biannual deadlines in January and July.

Idaho 501(c)(3) nonprofits running K–12 or youth-focused educational and community programs can seek funding for projects, equipment, salaries, or capital needs. Laura Moore Cunningham Foundation supports cost-effective initiatives statewide, with particular interest in rural healthcare, children’s education, and underserved communities, which may include school-based and parent-teacher organization efforts.

Nonprofit organizations in Idaho working on K–12 education, youth development, housing, financial education, or economic development can apply for Banner Bank’s Community Support Program. Programs serving low- and moderate-income residents, including school-related enrichment and youth leadership efforts outside individual school/PTA structures, may be especially competitive.

Idaho K–12 schools and educator teams seeking to implement innovative STEM projects can apply for this grant supporting collaborative, sustainable STEM education initiatives. Focused on K–12 STEM enrichment, Idaho National Laboratory offers US $15,000 to projects that integrate STEM concepts into schools and demonstrate clear impact on Idaho students, including those led by parent-teacher organizations partnering with community or industry.

Idaho K-12 teachers and school administrators seeking funds for STEM classroom projects can apply for Idaho National Laboratory’s K-12 Classroom Grants, with awards up to US $2,000 for project materials and equipment. Focused on STEM and experiential, student-centered learning, these grants may benefit parent-teacher organizations collaborating on K-12 education initiatives.

Publicly funded K-12 schools, libraries, after-school programs, and educational nonprofits in Idaho can receive up to US $750 to host STEM-focused family or community events and activities. Idaho National Laboratory’s Family and Community Engagement Grant supports efforts that raise awareness of STEM education opportunities and career pathways, including math, science, or general STEM celebrations that engage parents and students.

Informal education organizations in Idaho offering K-12 STEM learning projects can access funding through Idaho National Laboratory’s Innovation in STEM Grant. This US $15,000 award supports projects in museums, community organizations, after-school programs, libraries, and similar settings that strengthen STEM education and workforce development, which may benefit parent-teacher groups partnering on out-of-school initiatives.

The Jack Buell Forest Education Grant, offered by the Idaho Forest Products Commission, aims to enhance forest education for Idaho's youth. Grants up to $1,000 are available for projects encouraging hands-on learning experiences in forests or related facilities. Eligible applicants include teachers and educators working with youth. Applications open on August 1 and close on October 15, with all projects required to be completed by July 31.

Idaho public elementary and secondary schools with dedicated library spaces and paid librarians can access funding to strengthen their library collections and student literacy. Through the Idaho Commission for Libraries’ School Library Access Mini-Grant, eligible schools in Idaho may receive US $1,000 - US $5,000 to expand engaging, up-to-date books that support K–12 learning and reading for pleasure.

Idaho 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public educational institutions seeking to strengthen preschool through 12th-grade education can apply for the Idaho Future Fund Grant, with awards of US $10,000 - US $20,000. Grants from Idaho Community Foundation help Idaho school-based and parent-teacher groups expand preschool access, support charter and public schools, libraries, and supplemental academic programs.

Nonprofit charitable organizations in Idaho can apply for KeyBank Foundation’s grants to support K–12 education, college and career preparation, workforce readiness, and community development initiatives, with awards ranging from US $10,000 - US $25,000. Grants from KeyBank Foundation help parent-teacher and school-related groups advance academic success, financial literacy, and equitable, affordable housing in their communities.

The Measurement and Evaluation Honor Award recognizes exceptional contributions by a SHAPE America professional towards the Measurement and Evaluation SIG's mission. This prestigious accolade celebrates those who advance health and physical education practices, inspiring educators to enhance student well-being. Eligibility requires current membership in SHAPE America and the Measurement and Evaluation SIG, ensuring that only dedicated professionals are honored. This award embodies the commitment to fostering excellence in educational environments, ultimately aiming to prepare all children to lead active, healthy lives.

The Measurement and Evaluation Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes a distinguished SHAPE America professional who has significantly impacted measurement and evaluation in health and physical education. This prestigious award highlights the importance of scholarly achievement and the influence of national standards in enhancing educational practices. It aims to honor those who have dedicated their careers to improving the quality of health and physical education, ultimately promoting healthier lifestyles for students across the nation.

The National Girls and Women in Sports (NAGWS) Legacy Award, established by SHAPE America, honors exemplary contributions to increasing opportunities for women in sports. This annual award recognizes current SHAPE America members who submit impactful proposals related to women's sports, with a monetary prize of $1000. The award will be presented at the National Convention & Exposition, with a special deadline of November 1st. Nominations can include various initiatives aimed at empowering women in sports.

The Measurement and Evaluation Graduate Student Award, offered by SHAPE America, aims to support graduate students specializing in psychomotor measurement and evaluation. This scholarship assists with professional expenses, ensuring candidates can focus on their studies. Eligible applicants must be current SHAPE America members and pursuing relevant master's or doctoral degrees. The award prioritizes those who have completed their first year of study, promoting excellence in health and physical education across the U.S.

The OneAmerica Financial Community grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations focused on education, workforce development, safety, wellness, and community vibrancy. With a commitment to making a difference, OneAmerica aims to transform lives through strategic philanthropy. Their initiatives include disaster relief, arts support, and civic engagement, fostering resilient communities. By investing in meaningful change, they build a foundation for shared success across the country, ensuring that community needs are met and future generations thrive.

Our Story

The IBMA Foundation was created by the International Bluegrass Music Association in 2007 with a bequest from the Richard Barnhart estate. Mr. Barnhart was a musician from northern Virginia who loved bluegrass and wanted to support educational programs for children. Since the beginning, our goal has been to support bluegrass-music-related educational, literary, artistic and historic preservation activities.

In our early years we produced Discover Bluegrass, an educational video that has been used in thousands of classrooms and libraries around the world. We have hosted dozens of teacher workshops and artist trainings. We created a bluegrass lesson plan competition and provided a network for leaders of after-school bluegrass programs.

Our project grants, which now total $25,000 a year, support bluegrass-related initiatives throughout the world. We also fund Bluegrass in the Schools Mini-grants ($7,000/year) which help schools to hire bluegrass bands for school programs. The Rosenberg Bluegrass Scholar Award recognizes excellence in academic research. Six college scholarships are granted for students working in various areas of the bluegrass music industry. The Arnold Shultz Fund supports increased participation of people of color in bluegrass music with grants that total $30,000/ year. Fletcher Bright Memorial Grants for Young Musicians (age 18 and younger) help young people go to bluegrass music camps and workshops, take lessons, and purchase educational materials. 

Bill Breen Bluegrass Youth Education Fund

The Bill Breen Bluegrass Youth Education Fund was initially financed by friend and colleague, Susie Stephenson. The fund is an option for donors who want to help young people experience and learn to play bluegrass music. Instead of funding a specific scholarship or grant, the Breen Fund will be used by the IBMA Foundation where needed most, in a variety of ways that benefit individuals age 21 and younger. Based in Chicago, Illinois, Bill was an Associate Professor and Professor of Finance at the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University from 1971-2002, going on to serve as Chairman of the Finance Department and Head of Doctoral Studies for the Kellogg School. In addition to playing the banjo, Bill was an avid sailor and fly fisherman, and he never met a dog he didn’t like. His friends and family say it’s fitting that a man so passionate about the banjo, bluegrass music, and education is memorialize with a bluegrass youth education fund.