Best Grants for Museums in Idaho

The Conservation Partners Grant Program, funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, supports private landowners in implementing regenerative agriculture and conservation practices. By awarding competitive grants, the program facilitates technical assistance for developing management plans and best practices, enabling landowners to maximize the ecological benefits of their lands. This initiative is crucial for enhancing fish and wildlife habitats, addressing pressing conservation issues, and promoting sustainable land stewardship across the United States.

The Hazard Fuels Reduction Grants, funded by the USDA Forest Service, aim to mitigate fire risks on non-federal, non-industrial forest lands. Projects must focus on reducing hazard fuels within 1.5 miles of federal fire mitigation efforts. Key aspects include a federal adjacency requirement, targeted educational initiatives, and no match funding requirements, although leveraging funding is encouraged. This program is designed to complement existing fire management strategies.

The Idaho and Montana Grant Program, managed by the Steele-Reese Foundation, focuses on supporting rural communities through educational, health, conservation, and arts initiatives. Grants are available exclusively to federally tax-exempt organizations serving these areas. The Foundation prioritizes projects that directly benefit low-income and underrepresented populations, emphasizing sustainable community development. Interested applicants should ensure their projects align with the Foundation's criteria, as only select proposals will be funded.

The Silver Family Foundation Grant supports transformative youth development programs aimed at underserved youth aged 5-18 in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. Organizations eligible to apply must be 501(c)(3) non-profits and focus on long-term investments rather than one-time events. The foundation prioritizes mentoring, academic support, and programs that address both educational and emotional needs of youth, aiming to inspire them for future success in college and careers.

The PacificSource Foundation for Health Improvement, a private foundation, is dedicated to promoting health equity since 1992. With a focus on underserved populations in Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and parts of Washington, the foundation supports initiatives that enhance access to healthcare and address health disparities. They provide both one-year and multi-year funding, typically ranging from $10,000 to $50,000, to organizations committed to advancing health equity through diverse community-driven solutions.

501(c)(3) organizations in Idaho and other eligible Intermountain West states can apply for Intermountain Community Care Foundation’s Healthcare Access Grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $50,000 for evidence-based or innovative programs expanding medical, dental, or behavioral health access. Funding may support initiatives addressing mental health, suicide prevention, substance use, and related health disparities.

The Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants in Idaho provide vital support to eligible rural communities in crisis. These grants facilitate access to safe drinking water during emergencies such as floods, droughts, or chemical spills. With funding up to $1 million for new water sources and $150,000 for repairs, the program aims to restore and maintain essential water services. This initiative, managed by USDA Rural Development, encourages partnerships to enhance local resilience and environmental sustainability.

The State Agricultural Best Management Practices Grants, administered by the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, support farmers and ranchers in implementing practices that enhance water quality in Idaho. These grants are funded through state appropriations to promote pollution reduction efforts and require projects to meet specific water quality standards. Eligible applicants must submit a detailed work plan, leverage partnerships, and meet budget conditions, including a 40% match requirement.

The L.B. Research and Education Foundation Grant Program supports U.S.-based nonprofits focusing on innovative education and health solutions for underserved populations. Eligible organizations can apply by submitting a 400-word concept paper, and selected applicants may receive funding ranging from $10,000 to $75,000. The Foundation prioritizes projects that foster critical thinking and creativity, address health disparities, and encourage collaboration. There are no application deadlines, promoting year-round engagement.

What does this program do?

It provides loans and grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) to:

• To help microenterprises startup and growth through a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund.
• Provide training and technical assistance to microloan borrowers and micro entrepreneurs.

What is an eligible area?

• Rural areas outside a city or town with a population of fewer than 50,000 residents. Urbanized areas near a city of 50,000 or more may not be eligible.
• The borrower’s headquarters may be based within a larger city so long as the project service area is located in an eligible rural area.
• The lender may be located anywhere.

Check eligible addresses for Business Programs here.

 What kind of funding is available? 

Grants are available to provide technical assistance to rural micro-entrepreneurs or microenterprises, up to $100,000 annually. Funding at the requested level is not guaranteed, and at least 15 percent matching funds are required.

Loans of $50,000 to $500,000 may be used for establishing a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund managed by the Microenterprise Development Organization. Total aggregate debt is capped at $2.5 million.

The ID Science Education Grant Program, administered by the Idaho State Department of Education, provides matching grants for K-12 STEM education initiatives. With an appropriation of $24,100 for FY2026, this program aims to support the establishment and maintenance of science education programs in Idaho. Eligible projects must demonstrate a commitment to enhancing STEM awareness among elementary and secondary students, requiring applicants to contribute at least half of the funding through financial or in-kind support.

The Western State Fire Managers provide funding to mitigate wildland fire risks within the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) through a competitive process. Emphasizing hazard fuel reduction, education, and monitoring, projects like defensible space creation, shaded fuel breaks, and prescribed fire are eligible for support. Administered by the Idaho Department of Lands, this initiative aims to enhance community safety and environmental resilience against wildfires.

The Facility Planning Grants are designed to assist eligible wastewater and drinking water systems in Idaho by providing financial support for developing facility plans. These grants cover up to 50% of eligible planning costs, with maximum amounts historically set at $45,000 for drinking water and $65,000 for wastewater projects. Interested systems must submit a letter of interest annually between October and January to be considered for funding.

Cambia Health Foundation seeks to improve health care through focused investments in the health care workforce. They aim to expand, diversify, and train professionals to address behavioral health provider shortages. By enhancing both paid and unpaid workforce sectors, Cambia fosters wellness, reduces stigma, and promotes collaborative care models. Their commitment to health equity reflects in their strategic areas of investment, ensuring everyone has the opportunity for better health outcomes.

The Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund (TSAF) empowers tribal communities across the U.S. by promoting renewable energy projects and workforce development. Launched by GRID Alternatives, TSAF provides critical funding for solar initiatives, enhancing energy sovereignty and resilience. Since its inception, TSAF has integrated community participation into its projects, ensuring that tribes can access sustainable energy solutions. By prioritizing education and equity, TSAF supports a transition to a clean energy economy, aiming for a sustainable future for generations to come.

The EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement-Focused Collaborations Program (RII-FEC) aims to enhance research capabilities in eligible jurisdictions by fostering partnerships among government, higher education, and industry. This program supports interdisciplinary teams of researchers to tackle significant challenges in STEM fields, promoting diversity and broadening participation. By integrating Minority-Serving Institutions and early-career faculty from underrepresented backgrounds, RII-FEC seeks to build sustainable STEM capacity and drive impactful discoveries across regions.

The Drinking Water and Wastewater Funding program in Idaho provides financial assistance to eligible systems for planning grants. These funds support the development of facility plans to ensure compliance with state and federal standards. Eligible applicants include counties, cities, and nonprofit corporations for wastewater, and public water systems for drinking water. The number of grants is limited by available funding, with grants covering up to 50% of eligible costs, historically maxing at $45,000 for drinking water and $65,000 for wastewater.

Nonprofit and community organizations improving behavioral health and social connection for older adult kinship or grand-family caregivers in Idaho can seek up to US $50,000 for whole person health programs. Cambia Health Foundation supports initiatives that increase social connection, expand access to mental health services, and reduce barriers to aging well across its four-state region.

The Rosendin Foundation Annual Grant provides financial support to community-focused 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations across various states, aiding initiatives in emotional, occupational, and nutritional health. Grants can reach up to $50,000 and are geared towards organizations that positively impact their communities. However, the foundation does not fund discriminatory practices, political efforts, or religiously affiliated projects, ensuring that support is directed towards inclusive and impactful community services.

Arbor Rising Grant, established in 2010, is a NYC-based nonprofit providing unrestricted multi-year funding and capacity-building support to nonprofits focused on alleviating poverty. The grant process occurs every three years, with the next round in 2025 being invitation-only. Eligible organizations must demonstrate high potential and effective leadership, typically operating on a modest budget. Arbor Rising prioritizes applicants from the NYC metro area while expanding to cover the lower 48 US states.

The Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence: Development Phase (COBRE-D) program aims to enhance biomedical research capacity in IDeA states, which historically receive low NIH funding. By providing critical support for early-career investigators and essential infrastructure, COBRE-D facilitates a long-term vision for institutions. This initiative not only supplements start-up packages for new hires but also establishes research facilities and improves administrative services, paving the way for less-resourced institutions to transition into the COBRE E/S program.

The Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) in Idaho provides crucial funding for nonprofits at high risk of terrorist attacks. With up to $2.1 million available in 2025, individual awards may reach $200,000. The program aims to enhance security through equipment upgrades and training, while fostering collaboration between nonprofits and local government agencies. This initiative is vital for improving community resilience and safeguarding vulnerable populations from evolving threats.

The Sabbatical Research and Education Grant, offered by Western SARE, enables faculty worldwide to collaborate with farmers and researchers in the Western U.S. This program focuses on conducting innovative research and educational outreach in underserved regions, with an emphasis on unexplored topics. Grants up to $75,000 are available for projects spanning one year, promoting agricultural sustainability and community involvement.

Idaho 501(c)(3) organizations improving nutrition security or providing supportive housing services can access funding through Intermountain Community Care Foundation to address social drivers of health. Grants range from US $5,000 - US $100,000 for new or existing, evidence-based programs that strengthen community health and align with Intermountain Health’s mission and priorities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Idaho working on child and family mental well-being can apply for Intermountain Community Care Foundation’s grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $100,000 for evidence-based programs. Eligible projects support children’s mental health, suicide prevention, substance misuse reduction, trauma-informed care, early intervention, and strengthened community behavioral health systems for families.

The WaterSMART Applied Science Grants aim to enhance water management and supply reliability through innovative research and data utilization. By inviting qualified entities to apply for funding, the program focuses on improving hydrologic data access, forecasting capabilities, and modeling tools. This initiative aligns with federal priorities to optimize resources, ensuring water managers can effectively address future demands and adapt to climate challenges, thus fostering resilience in water operations across the nation.

The RMEF Grant Program lies at the core of advancing our mission.

RMEF established the program in 1986 to provide financial and logistical support to projects that align with our priorities and goals. Grant funds raised by RMEF members, volunteers and generous donors from across the country translate into significantly more conservation accomplishment when matched with partner funds. The RMEF Grant Program also aims to build recognition for RMEF’s work, grow engagement, and boost local fundraising efforts.

Governed by clear guidelines and criteria, the RMEF Grant Program seeks to foster meaningful collaborations and long-term impacts in the conservation of natural resources and outdoor traditions. Grant project partners include federal, state, local, and tribal wildlife and land management agencies, private landowners and local stakeholders, sportsmen and women, and conservation organizations, universities, foundations and the outdoor industry. Eligible projects primarily focus on habitat stewardship, land conservation and access, wildlife management, and hunting heritage.

We support organizations recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a 501(c)3 entity, federal, state, local, or tribal government entities, sportsmen’s organizations, or educational institutions. All applicants must have a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) issued by the IRS. RMEF does not offer grants to individuals.

Land Conservation and Access

RMEF conserves critical big game habitat and migration corridors, while expanding and improving public access, including through land acquisitions and voluntary conservation agreements. RMEF's

2026 priorities include:

• Conserving migratory corridors and connecting landscapes through land conservation efforts
• Creating new or improved public access through access easements and agreements and state-run access programs