Idaho Grants

The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses in Idaho for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements. Eligible entities include agricultural producers with at least 50% income from agricultural operations and small businesses in rural areas, meeting specific criteria. The program supports a range of projects, including biomass, geothermal, hydropower, wind, and solar energy systems, as well as energy efficiency upgrades. Applications are accepted year-round, with specific deadlines for fiscal years 2023 and 2024.

This funding supports Idaho businesses in expanding their workforce and retraining employees to meet economic growth needs, ultimately fostering job creation and skill development.

The Idaho Water Resource Board (IWRB) offers grants for flood management, including stream channel repair, improvement, flood risk reduction, and flood prevention. These grants are competitive and statewide, available to flood control districts, drainage districts, irrigation districts, canal companies, municipalities, counties, and other public entities. Applicants must show evidence of flood damage or risk and outline proposed repairs or improvements. Applications are accepted annually until the first Friday of June, with the next deadline on June 7, 2024. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual deadline: 1st Friday of June

This funding opportunity supports Idaho businesses and organizations in developing training programs to address workforce challenges and skill gaps, ultimately promoting job creation and economic mobility in the state.

The Idaho Water Resource Board (IWRB) was allocated $75,000,000 by the Idaho legislature in 2022 for grants to address water sustainability, improve aging water infrastructure, or support flood management. These grants are for new projects or phases aimed at repairing, maintaining, replacing, or improving infrastructure that supports irrigation water delivery, storage, drainage, treatment, and use of water for irrigation. Municipal drinking or wastewater systems are excluded. The process includes proposal submission, review, and IWRB approval. Applications are due by August 2, 2024. Grant renewed every year.

This grant is designed to support the implementation of Idaho's Science Standards approved in 2022, emphasizing a shift towards inquiry-based learning in science education. By encouraging students to think and act like scientists, the grant aims to foster a deep understanding and application of scientific principles, processes, and content. Eligible applicants include nonprofit corporations that have been incorporated or registered in the State of Idaho for at least one year prior to the project application. The total award amount for all projects under this program is set at $24,100. Key dates for the program include the opening of applications on July 17, 2023, the application deadline on September 15, 2023, by 5:00 pm MST, and the notification of awardees by approximately October 13, 2023. The project period concludes on May 26, 2024, with a final report due by June 23, 2024.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations and government units in Idaho to create arts education projects that enhance K-12 learning experiences through effective educational strategies and artistic engagement.

This funding opportunity supports established arts organizations in Idaho that engage the community through public arts programs, promote education, and maintain high standards of artistic excellence.

This funding opportunity supports emerging nonprofit arts organizations in Idaho that provide public arts programming and seek to enhance community engagement and access to the arts.

The Southwest Idaho Legacy Organization (SILO), established in 1976, is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Caldwell and the surrounding areas within Canyon and Owyhee Counties. By offering financial support for community projects, SILO aims to empower residents to make meaningful improvements in their neighborhoods. Since its inception, the organization has been instrumental in funding initiatives focused on community development, health, education, and more, using monies accrued from the sale of the Caldwell Memorial Hospital. SILO welcomes grant applications for projects that promise to benefit the community. Grant renewed every year. Grant annual deadline: September 30th

The Idaho Department of Commerce and the Idaho State Department of Agriculture offer the Idaho Online Global Program Awards to support Idaho small businesses in international export marketing initiatives. The program aims to increase the number of small businesses that export, the value of exports, and exploration of new trade opportunities.Overview Individual awards of $9,000 are available for eligible activity occurring between September 30, 2024 – September 29, 2025. Only one application will be accepted per round. Multiple rounds are dependent upon the availability of funds. 20% cash match required. For every authorized $100 you spend you will be reimbursed $80. Reviewing and scoring processes are highly competitive. Watch our overview of the program here. Watch a testimonial from a previous recipient here. Receive a free website and SEO performance report here. Eligible activities for Online Global Program Design and development of website, with an international focus Website translation, search engine optimization (SEO), and localization services Mobile App integration, creation, and updates to support sales Webstore setup and/or maintenance costs Translation of marketing media, including audio and video Set up to receive and/or process online payments and orders Costs associated with selling on platforms such as but not limited to: Amazon Services, Walmart Marketplace, Alibaba Inc., FlipKart, Rakuten Cybersecurity protection to support exports

This program provides financial assistance to rural communities in Idaho for infrastructure projects that promote economic development and job creation.

The Forever Idaho Regional Grant Program is now accepting applications, with a focus on providing general operating grants to organizations working in areas such as Family Homelessness and Basic Needs, Mental and Physical Health, Educational Opportunities, Access to Services, and Community Benefit. Priority will be given to organizations operating within these areas of impact. If awarded, funds can be used for various direct and indirect costs related to the organization's activities, including payroll, rent, utilities, supplies and equipment, project costs, capital improvements, and programmatic needs. Applicants will be asked to self-select the specific Area of Impact in which they are working.

The Idaho GEM Grant Program (IGG) provides assistance to rural communities for the planning and implementation of economic development projects. The program is open to any rural community with a population of 10,000 persons or less. Applications must be submitted by a city, county or tribal government. As of 2005, a community is no longer required to be a designated “Gem Community” to be eligible for an Idaho Gem Grant. Idaho Gem Grants are focused on job creation and retention. Awards are limited to the hard implementation costs of economic development projects. Examples of eligible projects include water and sewer infrastructure for new a business, remediation of slum and blight conditions blocking business development, and matching funds for the creation of assets with a high certainty of aiding future economic development efforts.

GOALS OF THE IDAHO WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT TRAINING FUND (WDTF): Increase the economic mobility of Idahoans through training that leads to wage gains and retention. Provide timely assistance to businesses while shifting focus to broader talent pipeline development strategies that serve multiple employers. Support growth of the economy by assisting employers with job creation and integration of technology, specifically through the development of skills in their existing and/or new employees. Provide a return on investment to Idahoans as evidenced by increased wages, job creation, capital investment, retention of Idaho's workforce, credential attainment, and/or customer satisfaction (employer and trainee). Promote innovation in talent development. Encourage replication of best practices in talent pipeline development. Idaho can help you find people—the right people—and we’ll even reimburse you to train them. It’s a win win: you’ll build a qualified, capable team, and your employees will see the benefits of committing to your business for the long haul.

Businesses that invest a minimum of $500,000 in new facilities and create at least 10 new jobs paying $40,000 annually plus benefits may qualify for a variety of incentives.The Idaho Tax Commission oversees this incentive. Interested businesses should complete an 89SE tax form prior to filing taxes for the year in which credits are requested. This incentive does not have a formal application but simply requires the filing of tax documentation.

This state-funded program provides financial support to small cities, counties, and tribal communities in Idaho for infrastructure and economic development projects that promote job creation and growth in rural areas.