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Forever Idaho 2026 Grant Cycle

About the Forever Idaho Grant Program

The Forever Idaho Grant Program is funded through the generosity of donors who recognize 
that the needs within communities and among nonprofits are constantly changing and who 
have entrusted ICF with the flexibility to forever meet those evolving needs.  

This program awards general operating grants. If awarded, funds may be used for any direct 
or indirect costs related to the organization’s activities, including payroll, rent, utilities, supplies 
and equipment, project costs, capital improvements, and/or programmatic needs. 

Deadlines

Eastern Region Cycle (Deadline June 15): 
Open to applicants from Bannock, Bear Lake, Bingham, 
Bonneville, Butte, Caribou, Clark, Custer, Franklin, 
Fremont, Jefferson, Lemhi, Madison, Oneida, Power, and 
Teton counties. 

Northern Region Cycle (Deadline June 15):  
Open to applicants from Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, 
Clearwater, Idaho, Kootenai, Latah, Lewis, Nez Perce, and 
Shoshone counties.

South Central Region Cycle (Deadline August 15):  
Open to applicants from Blaine, Camas, Cassia, Elmore, 
Gooding, Jerome, Lincoln, Minidoka, and Twin Falls 
counties. 

Southwestern Region Cycle (Deadline August 15):  
Open to applicants from Ada, Adams, Boise, Canyon, 
Gem, Owyhee, Payette, Valley, and Washington 
counties.

*You may apply for the region in which your office is located and/or any region in which you are 
serving residents in that area. 

Anticipate Award Notification

  • East & North: September
  • South Central & Southwest: November  

Applications Reviewed By ICF Regional Councils

The Regional Councils are made up of volunteer community members from each region. They 
are chosen based on their community knowledge, leadership, and their previous involvement 
in the social sector in their respective communities. Regional Councils make grant 
recommendations, and the final awards are approved by ICF’s Board of Directors. 

Grant Amounts

The maximum request amount is $25,000, though most grants will range between $3,000
$8,000.

Eligibility for Funding Consideration

The Idaho Community Foundation makes grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charities under 
IRS Code Section 170 and governmental entities including public schools.  

Please read below for additional context, as applicants will be asked to self-select the Impact 
Area in which you are working:

  • Arts & Culture
    • Keeping Idaho’s arts and cultural activities vibrant and vital 
  • Community Benefit
    • Building trust and social cohesion
    • Supporting and developing community leaders
    • Economic development and community building
  • Educational & Economic Opportunities
    • Increasing access to early childhood education and childcare
    • Strengthening K-12, afterschool, and summer learning programs
    • Addressing college affordability and access
    • Providing training for promising careers
    • Bolstering support for entrepreneurs and small business owners 
  • Environment & Animal Welfare
    • Addressing environmental concerns that affect animals, both wild and domestic
    • Improving land use and preserving access to the outdoors
    • Protecting waterways, forested areas, and air quality
    • Creating and beautifying public spaces 
  • Health and Wellness
    • Supporting mental and physical health and wellness
    • Caring for Idaho’s aging population
    • Ensuring health equity and food access
  • Housing Stability
    • Promoting access to safe and stable housing
    • Igniting investments in affordable housing
    • Enabling home ownership

Grant Reporting

As part of our ongoing commitment to trust-based philanthropy, Forever Idaho grants do not 
require a final report. We trust our partners to use funding in the ways that best serve their 
communities. Instead of traditional reports, we welcome stories, photos, or updates to support 
our ongoing learning about your organization. 

Application Process

To apply, log in to your ICF portal account and click on Opportunities. Select the Forever Idaho 
grant cycle for your respective region. 

Questions

Please email Grants@idahocf.org or call (208) 342-3535. For technical assistance, please email 
ApplicantPortal@idahocf.org.

 

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