Best Private Grants for Nonprofits in Idaho

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 SARE Graduate Student Research and Education Grant Program supports innovative research and educational outreach in sustainable agriculture. Funded by the USDA, it aims to enhance environmental quality, improve profitability for producers, and uplift rural communities. Projects must involve both research and education components, with proposals authored by graduate students collaborating with their advisors. This initiative fosters communication of results to agricultural professionals, ensuring practical applications for sustainable practices in the Western U.S.

The Idaho Community Foundation invites proposals from accredited colleges and universities in Idaho for the Statewide Student Loan Fund. This fund provides financial assistance to students facing unexpected financial challenges within one year of graduation. Each grant recipient will receive a minimum of $5,000 to help cover essential costs such as tuition, housing, and medical expenses. The program aims to support students in completing their education despite unforeseen circumstances.

The Traditional Arts Apprenticeships grant, provided by the Idaho Commission on the Arts, fosters mentorship by pairing experienced artists with apprentices to preserve cultural art forms. Eligible applicants must be practicing artists, at least 18 years old, and U.S. citizens or legal residents. The apprenticeships, lasting up to ten months, must culminate in a public demonstration. This initiative not only supports the continuation of artistic traditions but also strengthens community engagement through the arts.

The Idaho Heritage Trust Grant aims to preserve Idaho’s rich cultural history by providing grants and technical assistance to public organizations. Since its inception in 1989, it has funded over 400 projects with more than $3 million in grants. The trust primarily supports publicly owned historic buildings and artifacts, ensuring that Idaho's heritage is maintained for future generations. Eligibility includes public organizations, while ineligibility excludes privately owned properties.

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.

The Western SARE Professional + Producer Grant Program fosters collaboration between Agricultural Technical Advisors and Producers to promote sustainable agriculture through research and outreach. This initiative aims to improve environmental quality, enhance profitability for farmers, and ensure community well-being. By supporting demonstrations, educational activities, and practical applications, the program seeks to communicate effective sustainable practices to agricultural professionals, ultimately benefiting rural economies and ecosystems.

The Building Foundation Grants by Catholic Extension aim to support essential pastoral and administrative functions in under-resourced communities. These grants provide salary subsidies and operational funding to ordained, religious, and lay ministers, ensuring access to Catholic services. Prioritizing areas with significant financial need, this initiative seeks to sustain the church's presence where it is most critical, enabling continued ministry and outreach for those who may otherwise be underserved.

Catholic Extension provides essential funding to support the construction, expansion, or renovation of churches and community facilities. This initiative aims to meet the facility needs of under-resourced Catholic dioceses across the U.S. By focusing on active projects, Catholic Extension ensures that communities can enhance their worship spaces and support local ministries, ultimately fostering a stronger church community. Funding is available for both minor and major requests, with an emphasis on urgent needs and robust funding strategies.

The Western SARE Professional Development Program Grant supports education and outreach for agricultural professionals. Aimed at enhancing knowledge in sustainable agriculture, it provides funding for projects that train educators and farmers through workshops, conferences, and digital media. With a focus on the environmental, economic, and social aspects of agriculture, projects can last up to three years and receive up to $100,000 in funding. This initiative fosters a 'train the trainer' approach to improve agricultural practices.

The Arts Idaho Entry Track Grant, offered by the Idaho Commission on the Arts, supports public arts programs by nonprofit organizations and local governments in Idaho. This grant aims to enhance artistic excellence, broaden community access, and promote diversity in the arts. Eligible entities must have a minimum three-year program history and demonstrate a commitment to compensating professional artists. Projects that enhance community engagement and reflect Idaho’s diverse culture are prioritized. Grant recipients may later apply for additional funding.

Cambia Health Foundation is dedicated to enhancing healthcare experiences through its RFP, which aims to support older adult kinship and grand-family caregivers. By promoting strategies that strengthen social connections and improve access to mental health services, the foundation seeks to address the unique challenges faced by these caregivers. The initiative encourages tailored proposals that reflect the diverse needs of kinship families, ultimately fostering a more interconnected and supportive community for aging individuals.

The Water and Waste Facility Loans and Grants program aims to provide safe drinking water and waste disposal services to low-income communities on Tribal lands, addressing significant health risks. Eligible applicants include federally-recognized Tribes, state and local governments, and nonprofit organizations. Funding can be used for constructing essential water and waste systems, and while matching funds are typically required, a full grant is possible under certain conditions. Applications are accepted year-round.

The Wilburforce Foundation Conservation Grants aim to enhance the conservation of vital lands, waters, and wildlife in Western North America. By 2025, their vision is to ensure native wildlife thrives across connected landscapes. The foundation supports organizations dedicated to strategic conservation efforts, focusing on habitat security and wildlife linkages. Grants are available to eligible 501(c)(3) organizations and similar entities, fostering initiatives that protect critical wildlife habitats and promote ecological integrity.

The Standard's Corporate Giving Program emphasizes community support and employee engagement, reflecting its foundational mission to enhance financial well-being. Established in 1906, the program focuses on Healthy Communities, Disability and Empowerment, Cultural Development, and Education. With a funding range of $500 to $25,000, it aims to make a substantial impact in the lives of individuals and families facing challenges. The Standard Charitable Foundation, launched in 2006, further extends this commitment by supporting organizations that align with its philanthropic goals.

The INL STEM Impact Grant, honoring former Governor C.L. “Butch” and First Lady Lori Otter, offers $15,000 to support innovative STEM projects in Idaho. This initiative encourages collaboration among educators, businesses, and community partners to enhance K-12 education. The grant aims to foster a sustainable STEM culture and empower future generations by integrating STEM concepts into schools, ultimately impacting students' educational experiences and career paths.

The K-12 Education Grants offered by Idaho National Laboratory aim to enhance STEM education in Idaho. These grants support innovative, student-centered projects to improve learning experiences in the classroom. With a maximum award of $2,000, the funding can be utilized for project materials and equipment, fostering a strong foundation for the future STEM workforce. INL's initiative encourages teachers and administrators to create impactful educational opportunities that inspire students and promote engagement in science and technology.

The Nationwide Fishing Trap Removal, Assessment, and Prevention (TRAP) Program aims to eliminate derelict fishing traps nationwide. Focused on collaboration, it emphasizes standardized data collection, quantifying impacts, and comprehensive data sharing. With an annual budget of up to $1,475,000, the program supports 6 to 15 projects, providing grants ranging from $50,000 to $200,000 for 18-month initiatives. This effort significantly enhances marine resource conservation by reducing bycatch mortality and removing abandoned traps.

In partnership with the National Park Service, Idaho’s Certified Local Government (CLG) program empowers communities to preserve and celebrate their unique histories. Through the CLG program, local governments play an active role in the National Register of Historic Places, gain a stronger voice in federally funded projects, and access annual grant opportunities that support a wide range of local preservation initiatives.In the Certified Local Government Grant program, communities use these grants for a wide range of projects including: surveys, National Register nominations, preservation planning resources, and even some bricks-and-mortar projects.

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 Peter E. Palmquist Memorial Fund Grant provides vital support for research into under-researched women photographers and Western American photographers from the Great Depression era. Open to both individual researchers and nonprofit institutions, this grant emphasizes the importance of quality proposals and the ability to execute projects efficiently. Recipients will contribute their findings to the Humboldt Area Foundation, thus enriching the Peter Palmquist Archive and promoting the legacy of photography history.

The ID Agricultural Conservation Easement Program's Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE) supports landowners in restoring and enhancing wetlands, providing vital habitats for wildlife and improving water quality. NRCS offers technical and financial assistance, with options for permanent or 30-year easements. The program prioritizes applications that enhance habitats for migratory birds and other wildlife, promoting biodiversity and educational opportunities. This initiative plays a crucial role in conservation efforts across Idaho.

The Idaho Educator Externship Program aims to enhance STEM education by providing educators with hands-on experiences in various work environments. Participants will engage in 200 hours of practical learning, interact with STEM professionals, and earn $5000 along with professional development credits. The program is designed to bridge gaps in access to STEM resources and foster relationships between educators and employers, ultimately contributing to a skilled workforce in Idaho.

The i-STEM Summer Institutes Grant Program empowers Idaho educators by enhancing their STEM content knowledge and pedagogical skills. This dynamic, four-day professional development experience focuses on project-based learning, equipping educators with practical tools to integrate STEM into various subjects. Participants receive instructional materials and explore real-world applications, fostering student engagement and interest in STEM. By connecting classrooms to careers, this initiative aims to create vibrant learning communities throughout Idaho.

The Francis Grants, established by Catholic Extension, offer funding for significant events in poor mission dioceses, such as the ordination of new Bishops, anniversaries, or papal visits. These grants also support educational endeavors for Bishops. Named in honor of Francis Clement Kelly, Francis Cardinal George OMI, and Pope Francis, the program aims to strengthen the Catholic faith across the U.S. Since 1905, Catholic Extension has invested over $500 million to assist communities in need.

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 External Collaborative Research Grants by Boehringer Ingelheim support academic and clinical scientists in proposing research studies. These grants facilitate collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim, which may provide intellectual and financial support. Applicants must assume full responsibility for their research while complying with regulatory standards. The funding should cover research costs, excluding salary support for the collaborative partner. Interested investigators must apply online for consideration.