Best Seed Grants for Nonprofits in Idaho

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 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.

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 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 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 Rural Business Development Grants in Idaho aim to support small rural businesses by providing technical assistance and training. Eligible projects must benefit rural areas and can include training, land development, and business planning. While there is no maximum grant amount, smaller requests receive higher priority. These grants are available for rural public entities, including towns and nonprofit corporations, to foster economic growth in rural communities.

The U.S. Department of Transportation is offering funding to establish the Small Business Transportation Technical Assistance Center (SBTTAC) in Region 6. This initiative, part of the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, aims to support small businesses in transportation sectors. The cooperative agreement includes a 12-month base year and two additional option years based on performance, promoting growth and accessibility for local businesses in transportation.

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.

The 2026 Carceral Systems Organizing Grant seeks to support organizations working to eradicate carceral systems, create alternative justice solutions, or pursue system reform by addressing systemic criminalization that disproportionately targets Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) and low-income/poor communities across our five-state region.

We define carceral systems organizing broadly to include all systems that criminalize people’s lives based on race, poverty, gender, immigration status and/or disability. Examples include but are not limited to: 

• Abolition, transformative justice, and alternatives to incarceration
• Ending racial profiling and police brutality
• 'Addressing racial inequities in drug laws
• Child welfare, foster care, child protective services
• Youth incarceration and the school-to-prison pipeline
• Detention and deportation of immigrant communities
• Homeless encampment sweeps and criminalization of survival needs
• Re-entry organizing by and for folks who were recently incarcerated

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.

Columbia Basin Trust

The Trust was created in 1995 to support efforts by the people of the Basin to create a legacy of social, economic and environmental well-being in the Canadian portion of the Columbia River Basin—the region most affected by the Columbia River Treaty.

Mission: The Trust supports efforts by the people of the Basin to create a legacy of social, economic and environmental well-being and to achieve greater self-sufficiency for present and future generations.

Non-profit SMART Grants

Non-Profit SMART Grants support Basin non-profits and First Nations to increase their energy efficiency, generate renewable energy, adapt to the impacts of climate change, and/or reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

There are two streams for this grant: Stream One – Electric Vehicles and Charging Stations; and Stream Two – Renewable Energy and Improvements to Buildings

Stream One – Electric Vehicles and Charging Stations

This stream supports the purchase of one new electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle for use in Basin communities, and/or up to two charging stations.

The U.S. Wildland Fire Service Joint Fire Science Program (JFSP) invites proposals for regional fire science exchanges across nine designated regions in the U.S. This initiative aims to promote the sharing of fire science knowledge and practices over a two-year period. Eligible applicants can focus on regions including Alaska, Appalachians, Great Basin, North Atlantic, Northern Rockies, Northwest, Oak Woodlands, Pacific Islands, and Southwest. Proposals must be specific to one region.

Columbia Basin Trust

The Trust was created in 1995 to support efforts by the people of the Basin to create a legacy of social, economic and environmental well-being in the Canadian portion of the Columbia River Basin—the region most affected by the Columbia River Treaty.

Mission: The Trust supports efforts by the people of the Basin to create a legacy of social, economic and environmental well-being and to achieve greater self-sufficiency for present and future generations.

Non-profit SMART Grants

Non-Profit SMART Grants support Basin non-profits and First Nations to increase their energy efficiency, generate renewable energy, adapt to the impacts of climate change, and/or reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

There are two streams for this grant: Stream One – Electric Vehicles and Charging Stations; and Stream Two – Renewable Energy and Improvements to Buildings

Stream Two – Renewable Energy and Improvements to Buildings

This stream supports solar photovoltaic arrays, energy efficiency retrofits or other building improvements to structures or property.

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 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 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 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 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.

The Intermountain Community Care Foundation aims to enhance healthcare access and promote healthy behaviors among low-income and underrepresented populations in Utah and Southeast Idaho. It funds innovative projects that yield measurable results, focusing on significant and lasting changes in community health. Successful applicants must demonstrate a clear need, include a financial audit, and adhere to specific eligibility criteria. The foundation specifically excludes funding for political campaigns, operational deficits, and large equipment purchases.

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 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

The Department of the Interior's Wildland Fire Service Joint Fire Science Program (JFSP) invites proposals for the FLAMES award, aimed at master and doctoral students in wildland fire studies. This initiative enhances research relevance by connecting students with fire management practices, providing experiential learning opportunities, and fostering mentorship. Students will gain valuable insights into management and policy, preparing them for impactful careers in fire science. The program emphasizes peer-learning and professional development in the context of wildland fire management.

Idaho Urban and Community Forestry (UCF) Grant

$200,000 is available for the 2026-2027 funding year through the Idaho Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program for projects in Idaho communities. Eligible applicants may request a minimum of $10,000 and a maximum of $100,000. All grants will be distributed on a reimbursement basis.

Project types include but are not limited to:

• Tree inventory updates, risk management,
• tree pruning and removal,
• tree planting and replacement,
• workforce development,
• education, and
• training

Intermountain Community Care Foundation

Our mission: Helping people live the healthiest lives possible.

Intermountain Health is the largest nonprofit health system in the Intermountain West. We’re dedicated to creating healthier communities and helping our patients thrive.

Intermountain Health was established in 1975, but our legacy of compassion and care extends well beyond that, going back to the late 1800s and the early 1900s in Colorado and Utah respectively. We have since become a 60,000+ person strong nonprofit health system, with operations in six states across the interior West with a shared vision to be a model health system that inspires the future of health.

Intermountain Healthcare, SCL Health, and HealthCare Partners Nevada have now come together to serve communities in Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming.

Grants

The Intermountain Community Care Foundation awards grants to organizations whose programs align with Intermountain Health’s mission, our national community health areas of focus, and priorities identified through our Community Health Needs Assessment. By supporting evidence-based programs and services that strengthen communities, the Foundation is dedicated to helping people live the healthiest lives possible.

What We Fund

We provide grants to organizations whose programs align with Intermountain Health’s mission, our national community health areas of focus, and priorities identified through our Community Health Needs Assessment.

• Healthcare Access Grants
• Social Drivers of Health Grants
• Child & Family Mental Well-Being Grants
• Utah Education Innovation Grants

Social Drivers of Health Grants

To qualify for Social Drivers of Health grant funding, your program or service must align with at least one of these social drivers of health priorities:

• Improve nutrition security
• Improve stable and quality housing through wraparound and support services

Requirements

• A full and complete financial audit conducted within the last two years. Submission must include the entire audit, including any findings and the auditor's letter
• A copy of the organization's 501(c)(3) designation letter or comparable government designation
• A completed W9
• A completed Supplier Form (a blank copy will be provided in the application)

Additional information

• Applications will be accepted for new or existing programs that clearly address a social driver of health. New programs may include pilot initiatives.
• In Utah and Idaho, applicants can request a total grant award between $5,000 to $100,000 per year for 3 years (up to $300,000 total) for the entire project period. Projects can last between 12 and 36 months and must begin upon receipt of funding.
• In Colorado, Montana, and Nevada, applicants can request a total grant award between $5,000 to $50,000 per year for 2 years (up to $100,000 total) for the entire project period. Projects can last between 12 and 36 months and must begin upon receipt of funding.
• Budget Limitation - A funding request may not exceed 20 percent of an organization’s annual operating budget, e.g., to be eligible for a $50,000 grant, your organization’s annual operating budget must be at least $250,000.
• In general, small equipment and materials, such as jump ropes or cooking utensils are eligible, at no more than a total $5,000 cost, but large equipment, construction, and capital costs are not eligible. Consideration will be given if computer equipment is necessary and vital to the success of the project.

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 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.