Best Library Grants in Idaho

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.

The Idaho Commission for Libraries offers Continuing Education Grants aimed at enhancing the skills of library staff in Idaho. These grants, funded by the Library Services and Technology Act, support various educational activities including First-time Conference Attendance, Library Science Courses, Leadership Development, and Group Training. Eligible applicants are encouraged to submit their applications at least 30 days before their event. This initiative helps libraries better serve their communities.

Idaho Power Company is dedicated to enhancing community well-being through financial and in-kind contributions that support various local initiatives. Their approach emphasizes accountability while balancing the needs of their customers and shareholders. The organization focuses on health services, education, arts, civic engagement, environmental stewardship, and diverse community support. Idaho Power aims to foster inclusive practices and timely responses to contribution requests, ultimately enriching the quality of life in the regions they serve.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

The Bews Foundation Grants support charitable organizations in Idaho's Treasure Valley, focusing on various sectors including education, health, community enhancement, and the arts. Grants up to $10,000 require a simple letter, while larger requests must follow a formal application process. The foundation prioritizes local initiatives and will not accept applications for services outside the Treasure Valley, ensuring that funds directly benefit the community.

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 F.M., Anne G., and Beverly B. Bistline Foundation Fund, managed by the Idaho Community Foundation, supports arts initiatives in southeastern Idaho. Founded by Beverly Bistline, the fund honors her commitment to the arts and aims to enhance community engagement through educational programs and performances. Grants typically range from $3,000 to $10,000, focusing on both public arts education and opportunities for local artists, thus fostering a vibrant cultural landscape in Bannock, Bingham, Bear Lake, Caribou, Franklin, Oneida, and Power counties.

The Idaho Humanities Council's Action Grants support programs that engage with history, culture, and literature, fostering public conversations. With grants up to $750 awarded monthly, the focus is on projects that connect with Idaho’s diverse communities. Eligible applicants include government entities, museums, and nonprofits, with a preference for first-time organizations and those serving underserved groups. Notably, the grants cannot be used for advocacy or art creation, ensuring a focus on humanities-based initiatives.

The Region 4 Professional Development Awards for 2025-2026 foster the growth of health information access and data science skills among network members. This funding supports diverse projects such as workshops, conferences, and educational activities aimed at enhancing the professional capacity of individuals affiliated with NNLM Region 4. By encouraging proposals that address the needs of underrepresented communities, the awards aim to improve health information services and access across the region.

The Idaho Commission for Libraries offers the E-Rate & Broadband Grant Program, which helps public libraries cover internet service costs. Libraries can receive significant discounts on eligible services through the E-rate program, with state reimbursements available for the remaining costs. Timely submission of invoices is crucial for eligibility. This funding opportunity is vital for enhancing digital access in Idaho's libraries, ensuring they can provide essential online resources to their communities.

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 Bessie Minor Swift Foundation Grant supports programs that enhance literacy and educational enrichment in communities served by Swift Communications. Grants are available to nonprofit organizations focused on developing literacy skills, STEM education, and interdisciplinary programs for children and youth. With funding ranging from $500 to $5,000, the foundation prioritizes initiatives that foster active citizenry and provide direct service to underserved populations.

The INL Family and Community Engagement Grant aims to support nonprofit and publicly funded organizations in hosting community events that promote STEM education and career opportunities. Grants of up to $750 are available for initiatives that can focus on specific subjects like math or science, or celebrate STEM more broadly. This initiative is part of Idaho National Laboratory's commitment to inspire the future STEM workforce and engage families in educational practices.

The Innovation in STEM Requests for Proposals, offered by Idaho National Laboratory, aims to bolster STEM education by providing up to $30,000 for projects that align with INL's mission and workforce development needs. The initiative emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, inviting proposals from educational institutions and organizations that strive to inspire Idaho's future STEM workforce. Each project is evaluated individually, ensuring a broad impact on K-12 education and innovation.

The Summer STEM Grant, administered by the Idaho Commission for Libraries, offers $500 to up to 70 libraries to enhance STEM outreach during summer. This initiative aims to provide engaging hands-on STEM activities for underserved youth, improve access to books, and reduce summer learning loss. Eligible libraries must conduct outreach activities for at least five weeks and submit a summary report of their engagement and experiences. This grant fosters innovative programming beyond typical library services.

The Bayer Fund Health & Wellness Grant Program aims to support organizations that provide education and resources for patients and caregivers facing cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Grants focus on assisting communities, particularly the African American population, in managing these health issues. Funding covers educational services, disease awareness, and access to care, with all activities to commence post-funding decisions. Eligible organizations must hold a 501(c)(3) status and operate within 55 miles of Bayer sites.

The Idaho Future Fund Grant is designed to bridge educational gaps for preschool to 12th grade students in Idaho. Established by an anonymous couple, it focuses on enhancing educational programs, supporting preschool access, charter schools, public schools, and supplemental educational initiatives. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $20,000, and applicants must possess 501(c)(3) nonprofit status or be public educational institutions in Idaho.

The Idaho Commission for Libraries is offering mini-grants to enhance school library access for elementary and secondary students. These grants aim to support schools that lack resources for students to check out books, especially crucial as educators work to recover learning lost during the pandemic. Research links strong school library collections to improved academic achievement, making funding essential for fostering literacy and providing students with the reading materials they need.

The Idaho Humanities Council (IHC) offers Major Grants to support programs that leverage history, culture, and literature to foster public dialogue. These grants, ranging from $1,000 to $7,500, require a draft submission a month before the final application. The IHC aims to engage out-of-school adults by promoting local humanities projects that explore the human experience, support cultural organizations, and facilitate conversations across Idaho.

The Bonner County Fund for Arts Enhancement provides funding to enhance artistic programs in Bonner County. It supports initiatives that focus on education, creativity, and community engagement, encouraging projects that demonstrate the value of the arts in promoting critical thinking and economic vitality. Eligible applicants include 501c3 organizations, public educational institutions, and government entities. The fund prioritizes collaborative projects with educational components and community support, aiming to enrich the cultural landscape of Bonner County.

The Bonner County Human Rights Task Force Fund, established in 1992, promotes equality and human rights through community education and advocacy. Grants of up to $8,000 support projects that celebrate diversity and enhance human rights. Eligible applicants include local organizations, educational institutions, and government entities committed to these ideals. Projects should engage the community and focus on non-discrimination and cultural diversity, contributing to the rich fabric of Bonner County.

The Pacific Power Foundation offers Community Enhancement and Environmental Respect Grants to support nonprofit organizations in the Pacific Power and Rocky Mountain Power service areas. Since 2019, the foundation has contributed over $13 million to promote community resilience, affordable housing, and environmental conservation. Eligible candidates include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and educational institutions. Grants aim to address local needs while ensuring responsible environmental stewardship, enhancing community vitality, and fostering sustainable development.

The Perc H. Shelton and Gladys A. Pospisil Shelton Foundation Advised Fund, part of the Idaho Community Foundation, supports charitable initiatives in Valley County. Established by McCall residents, it prioritizes organizations with 501(c)(3) status, public educational institutions, and government entities. Grant applications are accepted annually until September 1, with decisions made each October. This fund reflects a commitment to enhancing the quality of life in Idaho through responsive and inclusive philanthropy.

The Kindergarten Readiness Grant by the Idaho Commission for Libraries aims to enhance the readiness of preschool children for school by partnering local libraries with school districts and communities. This grant provides funding to ensure that families have access to early literacy resources and activities. By increasing library card access and fostering partnerships, the program targets underserved children, promoting greater third-grade reading proficiency. Grants range from $1,000 to $10,000, supporting impactful literacy initiatives.

The Idaho Humanities Council offers Research Fellowships to foster scholarship in the humanities, targeting scholars with a minimum of a Master's degree in relevant disciplines. These fellowships support research time and resources, encouraging presentations to both academic and public audiences. Eligible projects can originate from any humanities field, with an emphasis on public engagement. The program seeks to enhance understanding of diverse human experiences through research and public discourse.

The Idaho Commission for Libraries, in partnership with the Idaho Lottery Commission, offers the Bucks for Books Grant to support elementary school libraries in Idaho. With many schools facing budget constraints, this program provides funds ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 to help purchase age-appropriate books. This initiative aims to enhance reading resources for students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, ensuring they have access to essential reading materials that support their academic growth.

The Community Facilities Grant Program in Idaho offers essential funding to support the development of vital community facilities in rural areas. This program aims to enhance public services such as healthcare, education, and safety. Grants can cover construction, purchase, and improvement of facilities, prioritizing smaller communities with lower median incomes. Eligible applicants include public bodies and non-profit organizations, ensuring that funds address the specific needs of rural populations effectively.