Best Grants for Museums in Idaho

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

Nonprofit and NGO programs using technology for crisis response, education access, or economic empowerment in Idaho can apply for Cisco Systems Foundation’s Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Museums with tech-enabled initiatives serving mostly economically underserved audiences may be eligible, with applications accepted year-round starting with a brief LOI.

Idaho museums, educational institutions, government programs, and eligible nonprofits can seek funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives that fit State Farm’s focus areas. Focused on community safety and resilience, State Farm Companies Foundation invites applicants whose projects address issues like disaster preparedness, financial literacy, STEM education, or neighborhood revitalization to apply through its Good Neighbor Citizenship company grants.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

Library and museum staff in Idaho seeking professional development can apply for continuing education funding to attend conferences, enroll in library science or leadership courses, or host group training. With a mission to build library capacity, Idaho Commission for Libraries provides support using federal LSTA funds from IMLS.

Tax-exempt nonprofits in Idaho and select eastern Oregon counties can receive funding for health, human services, education, culture and arts, civic projects, environment, recreation, and other community needs. Idacorp Employee Community Services Fund supports organizations such as museums and cultural institutions that demonstrate strong community impact, sound management, and broad local support.

Organizations such as nonprofits, schools, social enterprises, and public entities in Idaho working on education, children’s health, or family economic stability for urban low-income youth can apply for Michael & Susan Dell Foundation support; awards more than US $50,000 for project implementation or scaling. Programs must operate in the U.S. and align with the foundation’s mission and values.

Idaho museums and accredited cultural charities can seek funding for humanitarian, educational, community, environmental, and contemporary arts projects that promote sustainable development and engage local partners. Focused on impactful, high-quality initiatives, La Roche invites proposals that may involve its expertise, logistics, and employee participation in arts, science education, and community development.

Nonprofits and humanitarian organizations working on health, education, or disaster relief in Idaho or globally may be eligible for support from the Semnani Family Foundation. The foundation funds initiatives such as healthcare access, child and women’s health, literacy, and humanitarian aid, which could benefit museum-based community and educational programs.

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 Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

Public bodies, community-based nonprofits, and federally recognized Tribes in rural Idaho can use these USDA Rural Development grants to build, purchase, or improve essential community facilities, including museums and libraries. Funding can also cover equipment and related project costs, with priority for smaller, lower-income communities under 20,000 residents.

Museums and other cultural nonprofits in Idaho can receive up to US $750 to plan and deliver public humanities programs such as exhibits, discussions, and local history projects. Idaho Humanities Council provides Action Grants for projects using history, literature, and related humanities fields to engage out-of-school adult audiences in open, public events.

Museums, herbaria, and other not-for-profit institutions in Idaho conducting mycological research or education can apply for the Stuntz Mycology Fund; awards More than US $1,000 for eligible projects. Funding supports equipment, supplies, analytical services, travel for fieldwork or conferences, educational materials, and fungal herbarium expenses focused on Pacific Northwest fungi.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

Idaho 501(c)(3) organizations working in areas like community enhancement, arts, education, health, and historic preservation can seek support for programs serving the Treasure Valley. Focused on broad charitable purposes, Bews Foundation invites eligible nonprofits, including museums and cultural institutions, to request grants of more than US $10,000 for general or project-based needs.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

Museums and other eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Idaho can apply for M J Murdock Trust’s Strategic Project: Program & Staff Grants; awards more than US $50,000 for new or expanding programs and related staff on a three-year declining basis. Projects must primarily benefit the Pacific Northwest and fit priorities like arts, education, community services, or research.

Idaho 501(c)(3) museums and other public charities running literacy, reading, writing, or STEM/STEAM education programs can apply for grants of US $500 - US $5,000. Grants from Bessie Minor Swift Foundation help Ada and Canyon County organizations expand direct-service educational enrichment, especially small, local programs with limited fundraising capacity.

Idaho museums and other informal education organizations can seek funding for K-12 STEM learning projects that support workforce development in Idaho. Focused on STEM and workforce preparation, Idaho National Laboratory invites informal educators such as museums, community groups, after-school programs, and libraries to apply for its Innovation in STEM Grant, awarding US $15,000 to one project.

Public, school, tribal, or academic libraries in Idaho can use this grant to fund summer STEM outreach materials or presenters, with awards of US $500. Grants from Idaho Commission for Libraries help expand hands-on STEM activities, increase children’s access to books, and reduce summer learning loss for underserved youth.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with youth, community, food security, or environmental programs in Idaho and across the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, and Singapore can seek True Inspiration Awards grants to expand their impact. Chick Fil A Foundation provides US $30,000 - US $350,000 to support underserved youth, families, housing, hunger relief, and environmental stewardship projects, which may include museum-based initiatives.

Idaho nonprofit organizations leading strong cross-sector community partnerships can access national recognition and funding through the Community Partnership Award, honoring work that addresses significant social issues. Grants from Mutual of America Foundation help U.S. nonprofits whose collaborative models improve lives, demonstrate measurable impact, and can be replicated or scaled, including museum-led partnerships.

Nonprofit organizations helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant can apply for Gupta Family Foundation’s grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $250,000 for humanitarian and social service programs. U.S. 501(c)(3)s and qualifying foreign charities, including those operating in Idaho, may be eligible if they are small, non-sectarian, and highly mission-driven.

Grants from PacifiCorp Foundation help Idaho museums and cultural organizations fund arts festivals, cultural heritage, exhibits, and other visual and performing arts projects. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, educational institutions, youth organizations, and cultural enrichment groups in PacifiCorp’s Idaho service counties, with awards up to US $10,000 for arts and culture activities.