Best Public Infrastructure Grants in Idaho

Idaho Department of Commerce

We empower business success and support Idaho’s vibrant communities for the state’s current and future prosperity.

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Idaho Department of Commerce plays a pivotal role in revealing new opportunities, solutions and innovative possibilities to maximize Idaho’s potential and empower its future. We foster economic growth, quality job creation and innovation while supporting businesses and communities statewide.

Rural Community Investment Fund (RCIF)

The Rural Community Investment Fund (RCIF) program provides funds to rural areas in support of economic expansion and job creation. Created by the Idaho State Legislature in 2001, this state-funded grant program is a component of the Rural Initiative.

The intent of this program is to provide state funded block grants to benefit rural communities and areas by providing or improving public infrastructure systems that enable communities to retain or create jobs.  

Eligible RCIF activities include

• Construction or expansion of public infrastructure or publicly regulated utilities or infrastructure; acquisition of land or real estate by an eligible grantee or sub-recipient for purpose of leasing to a business; and new construction, reconditioning, or remodeling of an industrial or commercial building owned by an eligible grantee or sub-recipient for which the building will be leased to a business.  

• Applications will be evaluated on their impact to distressed areas, benefits of the project, community support, and the project’s feasibility. A public hearing is required to be held before submission of the application. Applications will be accepted four times a year – the third Monday in March, June, September and December. Applications are evaluated by staff and the Economic Advisory Council (EAC).  

Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM)

The Idaho Office of Emergency Management is part of the Idaho Military Division. IOEM is the state’s emergency management agency tasked by Idaho code with providing assistance to the 44 counties and four Tribes in managing man-made and natural disasters in the state. Key to the agency’s role is developing and updating the state’s Emergency Operations Plan. This detailed all-hazards plan establishes a framework for managing disasters in Idaho, and develops mechanisms for state support to state, local, and tribal emergency managers. The Idaho Response Center (IRC) is housed within IOEM and is a central hub for coordination efforts and situational awareness during a disaster. IOEM ensures that partner agencies, are trained and prepared to assist in managing disasters.

IOEM guides the State of Idaho in effectively preparing for, protecting against, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all hazards.

Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Grant

The BRIC program (formerly Pre-Disaster Mitigation) is designed to promote a national culture of preparedness and public safety through investments that protect our communities and infrastructure and foster resilience. Eligible entities: Tribes, state agencies, local jurisdictions, special taxing districts that adopted a currently approved hazard mitigation plan. An eligible entity may apply on behalf of businesses or citizens. BRIC is a nationally competitive annual grant opportunity through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) which awards planning and project grants and provides opportunities for raising public awareness about reducing future losses before disaster strikes.

Idaho cities and counties under 50,000 residents can receive grants up to US $245,000 for public infrastructure and community facilities, including senior and community centers. Idaho Department of Commerce’s CDBG program funds construction, rehabilitation, and expansion projects that benefit low- and moderate-income residents and address slum, blight, or health and safety concerns.

Incorporated cities and counties under 50,000 in Idaho can apply for Idaho Department of Commerce’s Community Development Block Grant Job Creation funds, awarding up to US $500,000 for public infrastructure or publicly regulated utility projects that enable new jobs. Public infrastructure initiatives benefiting low- and moderate-income residents may be especially competitive.

Incorporated Idaho cities and counties under 50,000 residents can seek funding to develop or improve public infrastructure that benefits low- and moderate-income residents. With a mission to support community development, Idaho Department of Commerce provides grants for sewer and water systems, streets, fire stations, accessibility upgrades, and related public facilities projects.

Andersen Construction Foundation

Established in 2015, our Foundation was created to intentionally steward and grow our commitment to community service. From the beginning, an endowment was formed to ensure meaningful, sustained giving for the long term. Guided by the belief that service is part of who we are, we have contributed volunteer time, funding, and resources to community organizations and build projects in the places we call home—including Portland, Eugene, Seattle, and Boise—as well as through hands-on initiatives across the country and internationally.

As our organization has grown, our approach to giving back has grown with it. The Foundation now provides a central way for employees across our family of businesses to engage in philanthropy and volunteer efforts. Through this structure, we continue to support the communities where we live and work, reinforcing a long-standing commitment to service.

Andersen Foundation Grant

We fund build-related projects and sponsor community events in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Applications for project grants and event sponsorships are accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed by our local giving committees. 

Grants are awarded in the $2,500-$10,000 range for construction repairs and infrastructure needs. Applicants must have 501(c)3 status.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Idaho with established budgets can seek funding for workforce skills, youth development, and community accessibility projects through RBC Foundation USA. Grants may support job readiness training, internships, financial well-being, or capital improvements that make community spaces more inclusive and environmentally sustainable in areas served by RBC Wealth Management.

Federally recognized Indian Tribes working on public infrastructure in Idaho and nationwide can seek funding to plan, design, construct, rehabilitate, or inspect unsafe or aging bridges. Focused on bridges in poor condition or with low load capacity, the Federal Highway Administration program supports improvements to BIA/Tribally and non-BIA/Tribally owned TTP bridges.

Researchers and research institutions in the U.S. conducting quasi-experimental evaluations of social programs and policies can apply for funding from Arnold Ventures. Grants support rigorous causal studies in areas such as public infrastructure, higher and career education, workforce training, reproductive health, and public finance, which may benefit Idaho-focused public infrastructure research projects.

Very small, financially distressed rural communities planning water or waste disposal infrastructure can get funding for feasibility studies, preliminary design, and technical assistance nationwide, including Idaho. Focused on predevelopment for public water, sewage, solid waste, and stormwater facilities, USDA Rural Development support may benefit local governments, nonprofits, and tribes working on public infrastructure projects.

Public infrastructure and transportation policy organizations in Idaho can seek funding for U.S.-focused research, data, and policy analysis on transportation systems and project delivery. With a mission to improve lives through evidence-based solutions, Arnold Ventures supports work on capital investment reform, cost control, permitting, procurement, and related transportation governance issues, with awards up to US $200,000.

Friends of NRA

Friends of NRA is the National Rifle Association’s premier fundraising program, supporting the future of shooting sports. Since day one, Friends of NRA has been a 100% grassroots effort fueled by a united front to secure the Second Amendment and raise money for the shooting sports.

Committee volunteers are appointed to State Fund Committees to make recommendations for local grant funding in areas such as youth education, women-focused clinics, law enforcement training, hunter safety, range improvement, firearms and marksmanship training and safety. Recognizing the impact American youth has on the future of the shooting sports, State Fund Committees frequently recommend grants for youth programs, allocating the most significant portion of monies to this vital area.

Grant awards fund activities and support programs in the United States to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those in the shooting sports, and to educate the public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context.

Friends of NRA: Capital Improvement Grants

Any request to support a project that seeks to improve a facility is considered a capital improvement. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Range improvements
• Berm improvements
• Clubhouse/Classroom facility improvements
• Shelter structures/covered firing lines/pavilions
• Road improvements
• Commercial-grade trap machines (see section regarding trap machines, below)
• Any other permanent improvement to an organization’s property or facility

The Grant Program considers requests for certain trap machines to be a capital improvement to the facility. Specifically, requests for commercial grade trap machines that have a capacity of 300 clays and up.

The Impact Aid Discretionary Construction Grant Program (84.041C) offers $19M in funding to Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) to address urgent school facility needs. This initiative supports repairs, renovations, or replacements required to maintain safe educational environments. Grants cover projects that improve accessibility in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and ensure that facilities meet health standards. The program aims to enhance learning conditions by responding effectively to emergency situations.

About Boeing

A leading global aerospace company and top U.S. exporter, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Our U.S. and global workforce and supplier base drive innovation, economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing is committed to fostering a culture based on our core values of safety, quality and integrity.

The Employees Community Fund (ECF) of The Boeing Company

One of the largest employee-managed funds of its kind in the world, the Employees Community Fund (ECF) of The Boeing Company has empowered employees to make a greater impact by pooling their tax-deductible donations for more than 60 years. Employee-led grantmaking committees at 20 Boeing sites provide combined employee donations to nonprofits in their communities through ECF grants.

Charitable or educational organizations can apply for grants from the Employees Community Fund (ECF) of The Boeing Company.

Puget Sound Chapter

The Employees Community Fund (ECF) of Boeing Puget Sound is a pooled fund consisting of recurring payroll contributions from generous Boeing employees. It funds local nonprofits that help thousands of families and individuals in the Puget Sound region where Boeing employees live and work.

ECF focus areas

ECF makes grants to 501(c)(3) Health & Human Service nonprofits such as food banks, job-training programs, shelters, transitional housing, mental health services, and low-income medical clinics. ECF seeks the direct client benefit of each grant to ensure that our employees’ contributions directly help those in need.

ECF funding criteria

ECF has two distinct grant categories – Supporting Grants and Capital Campaign Grants.

ECF of Boeing Company: Puget Sound Chapter Supporting Grants

Consideration is given to nonprofits/agencies that are performing well and are seeking to upgrade, replace or modify elements of their infrastructure.

• Supporting grants cannot exceed $50,000. The requested amount cannot be more than 10% of an agency’s gross annual revenue.
• Supporting grants will be considered only for agencies benefiting residents in the Puget Sound Region.
• Supporting grants help agencies continue to effectively provide services through enhanced direct client benefit by aiding them in procuring and/or paying for items such as:
  • Equipment (ex. office, kitchen, industrial, furniture, etc.)
  • Vehicles used to support clients and/or transport food and/or goods (cost of vehicle and accommodations, tax, and licensing only; operating expenses, such as insurance, fuel, etc. is not allowed)
  • Phone systems
  • Cell phones for direct client use
  • Remodels and/or renovations (must hold at least a 10-year lease or own the building)
  • Purchase or construction of new buildings
  • Computers or tablets for direct client benefit and/or use
  • Software for direct client benefit and/or use (ex. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device)
  • Information Technology expenses, without which procured tools would not work
  • External improvements for client safety (i.e. security system, exterior lighting, improved ADA accessibility, new or refinished pavement or concrete)
• Supporting grants which are accepted must be spent as approved within nine (9) months.

The Affordable Rural Cooperative (ARC) Energy Program, initiated by the Rural Utilities Service (RUS), aims to enhance rural electric systems through substantial funding of approximately $175 million. This initiative focuses on increasing emission-free nuclear power and improving transmission infrastructure efficiency, promoting long-term reliability and affordability. Eligible entities include electric cooperatives serving rural areas and their subsidiaries. The program aligns with the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to achieve significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, thus fostering a sustainable energy future.

The BJA FY 2026 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR)—Formula Grants Program aims to support states and local governments in enhancing their DNA analysis capabilities. By providing funding for existing crime laboratories, this initiative seeks to increase the processing capacity for DNA samples, thereby reducing the backlog in forensic DNA analysis and ensuring timely entry into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). Applications are due by November 5, 2026.

The Prioritization Process Pilot Program (PPPP) Competitive Grant Program, funded by the DOT Federal Highway Administration, offers up to $26 million for innovative transportation planning in FYs 2024-2026. Grants of up to $2 million will support the development of transparent, data-driven prioritization processes for project selection in transportation plans, ensuring that funded projects deliver public benefits and meet community needs.

The Technical Assistance and Training Grant Program by the USDA's Rural Utilities Service provides funding for essential technical assistance and training aimed at resolving water and waste management issues. This program supports applicants in preparing loan and grant applications, enhancing the operational efficiency of water systems, and ensuring compliance with best practices in facility management. However, grant funds cannot be used for duplicating existing services or for capital expenditures.

Idaho public infrastructure and community-serving organizations can seek grants supporting health, sustainability, economic opportunity, and community development projects. SC Johnson Giving supports U.S.-based 501(c)(3) charities and government entities, with emphasis on communities near its major operations, for initiatives like public infrastructure, environmental conservation, public health, and community revitalization that improve local quality of life.

Local governments and community-based nonprofits in small to mid-sized U.S. cities, including Idaho, can apply for Smart Growth America’s Community Connectors program to plan and deliver temporary street safety pilot projects, with awards up to US $25,000. Teams must jointly apply and focus on repairing harms from dangerous or divisive arterial roads.

Nonprofits, government entities, and tribal organizations working on community traffic safety and public infrastructure in Idaho can apply for US $50,000 - US $200,000 to implement evidence-based, innovative road safety projects. The National Safety Council’s Road to Zero Coalition supports U.S. projects that reduce traffic fatalities, address mobility disparities, and advance Safe System approaches.

Idaho public agencies such as state and local governments, counties, Tribal governments, transit agencies, and port authorities can access funding through the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) program for major surface transportation infrastructure projects. Administered by the US Department of Transportation, this U.S.-wide program offers up to US $25,000,000 for multi-modal, multi-jurisdictional projects with significant local or regional impact.

The Creation & Development Fund, administered by the National Performance Network, supports the creation and mobility of artistic works that promote racial and cultural justice. It fosters collaboration between artists and communities through financial support, enabling artists to develop meaningful relationships and present their work. The fund emphasizes equity, access, and the importance of public engagement, ensuring that diverse voices are represented while addressing systemic injustices in the arts.

The M J Murdock Charitable Trust offers the Strategic Projects: Program & Staff Grants to support nonprofits in the Pacific Northwest. These grants focus on capacity-building for mission-driven projects and infrastructure investments. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to community flourishing, with funding available for new programs or expansion of existing ones. The Trust prioritizes initiatives that align with its strategic goals, fostering sustainable nonprofit growth and impact in the region.

The EA Infrastructure Fund Grant supports projects that enhance effective altruism by improving access to talent, capital, and knowledge. With grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $200,000, it welcomes applications from individuals, nonprofits, and academic institutions worldwide. However, individuals must ensure their projects conclude by August 31, 2025. The fund aims to amplify the impact of direct charitable work and foster a community committed to effective altruism principles.

The OpenAI A People-First AI Fund supports U.S.-based nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, focusing on AI literacy, community innovation, and economic opportunity. It aims to enhance public understanding of AI, promote participatory design in AI applications by communities, and expand access to meaningful work through inclusive practices. Organizations at all stages of AI adoption are encouraged to apply, especially those addressing the needs of traditionally marginalized populations. This initiative emphasizes equitable distribution of AI benefits.