FUNDING & GRANTS

The Idaho Out-of-School Network provides resources and funding opportunities for organizations and individuals who are working to provide quality educational and enrichment experiences for children and youth during after-school and non-school hours. Whether you run a homework help program, a sports league, an arts and crafts workshop, or any other type of out-of-school program, we are here to help you find the support you need to make a positive impact in your community. Explore our site to learn more about the grants and other funding options available, and don't hesitate to reach out to us with any questions or to share your own experiences and insights.

Choose a Grant Type
ION AWARDS

Idaho Learns Everywhere shows the statewide partnership of the Idaho Commission for Libraries, Idaho STEM Action Center, and Idaho Out-of-School Network to address unfinished learning through ARP ESSER funding opportunities.

SCHOOL YEAR ENRICHMENT (SYE) GRANT

Applications are closed

The School Year Enrichment Grant is intended to address unfinished learning and improve the quality of out-of-school time (OST) opportunities across Idaho for youth in grades K-12. The grant is dedicated to supporting organizations that provide evidence-based programming that delivers academic, social, and emotional learning for students. This funding supports Local Education Agencies (LEA), and Community-Based Organizations (CBO) that operate out-of-school time (OST) programming during the 2023 and 2024 school year.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (Click here to download)

TMC Maxi Grant funds have been allocated and the application is closed.

Recipients will receive notification of awards by mid-July.

THINK MAKE CREATE (TMC) MINI GRANT

TMC Mini Grants are not available at this time.

IDAHO AWARDS

NAGEL FOUNDATION GRANT

Southwest Idaho Only

Description: The Nagel Foundation supports qualified 501(c)(3) charities in southwest Idaho in the areas of basic needs, education, and youth programs. The selection of grant recipients is based primarily on need.

Award Amount: Varies

Deadline: October 31

AWARD/CONTEST

Voya Unsung Heroes Program

Description:The Voya Unsung Heroes® program awards grants to K–12 educators in the U.S. for innovative classroom projects that enhance student learning. Grants must be used to support the proposed project within the school and cannot cover indirect costs or administrative fees. Each year, 50 finalists receive $2,000, and three top winners receive additional awards of $5,000, $10,000, or $25,000. The program is open to full-time educators, including teachers, principals, and paraprofessionals, at accredited public or private schools.

Award Amount: $2,000-$50,000

Deadline: April 19 2025

SUMMER LEARNING AWARDS

The NSLA recognizes outstanding summer programs, models, digital applications, and systems that demonstrate excellence in accelerating academic achievement and promoting healthy development for young people. The awards are given annually
There are two types of Summer Learning Awards:
• The New York Life Foundation Excellence in Summer Learning Award, defined by its rigorous application and selection process, has recognized enrollment-based programs employing staff who work directly with youth.
• The NSLA Founder’s Award presented by the New York Life Foundation recognizes informal programs and other non-traditional forms of summer learning innovation that are critical to serving the needs of schools, families, and children.

Check NSA website for application deadlines

ACCELERATOR AWARDS

Applications for the 2024 Lewis Prize for Music are now closed. Accelerator Awards recognize Creative Youth Development music organizations seeking to influence youth-serving systems so all young people have access to learning, creating, and performing experiences that reflect their culture and identity.

Multi-year awards of $500,000 are made. By applying for the Accelerator Awards, organizations are also eligible for funding ranging from $15,000 to $75,000.

Go to website for more information or To sign up for notification when the application opens again.

NATIONWIDE CALL FOR STUDENT PERFORMING ARTISTS

The U.S. Department of Education is seeking student performing artists (such as bands/marching bands, choirs, color guards, dancers, drumlines, poets/spoken word artists, soloists, theatrical performers) currently enrolled in institutions of elementary, secondary, or post-secondary education or accredited trade schools, who exemplify resilience, and excellence and are interested in showcasing their talent, virtually or in-person, at internal and external Department-hosted events, as well as awards and recognition ceremonies, and professional development trainings that support the Department’s programs, priorities, and initiatives and social media campaigns. No formal training or experience is necessary.

GARDEN/AGRICULTURE

4-H GRANTS AND AWARDS

Description: National 4‑H Council grants give young people and adults the opportunity to take on issues critical to their lives, families, and communities. Youth and adults work together to design the project, write the proposal, and evaluate funded projects. The grants are offered to 4‑H programs in local communities, counties, and states.

Grant deadlines are determined in conjunction with our funding partners. Once a particular grant is announced, grant proposals are normally solicited for a four- to eight-week period. Grants are awarded to 4‑H Extension groups and are not available to individuals.

IDAHO BOTANICAL GARDEN DONATION REQUESTS

Description: The Idaho Botanical Garden is pleased to support local organizations, nonprofits, and Treasure Valley schools through redeemable event vouchers or Garden memberships. The Idaho Botanical Garden focuses on fulfilling requests with an emphasis on community building, cultural arts, education, and environmental stewardship.

Award Amount: Varies

Deadline: One month prior to the date of the event.

IDAHO FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION FOREST EDUCATION GRANT

Description: The Idaho Forest Products Commission invites proposals for projects that help youth learn more about Idaho's trees, forests and forest products. Special consideration will be given to projects that get youth out in a forest; in contact with a logger, forester or other natural resource worker; or into a facility that grows trees, or processes or uses wood products (e.g. sawmill, paper mill, furniture maker, building site, lumberyard, box maker, etc.).

Award Amount: $250

Deadline: Applications accepted year-round

SEED MONEY GARDEN GRANTS

Each year, SeedMoney offers challenge grants to food garden projects through a 30-day crowdfunding challenge running from Nov 15 to Dec 15. Our grants are open to all types of public food garden projects (youth gardens, community gardens, food bank gardens, etc.) regardless of their location.
Deadline to Apply: November

WHOLE KIDS FOUNDATION GARDEN GRANT PROGRAM

Whole Kids Foundation knows that the more kids know and feel connected to their food, the more curious they become about how things grow or taste, and the more willing they are to try new foods. This is why they believe in edible garden learning spaces! Their Garden Grant program provides a $3,000 monetary grant to support a new or existing edible educational garden at either a (1) K–12 School (2) 501(c)(3) Non-profit working in partnership with a K–12 school (3) 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Deadline to Apply: March

GRANTS FOR YOUTH

Karma for Cara Foundation Microgrants

Description: Microgrants are available to youth aged 18 and under to fund community service projects such as community gardens, rebuilding playgrounds, helping senior citizens, etc.

Award Amount: $1,000

Deadline: Quarterly: January 1, April 1, July 1, October 1

Eligibility: Kids aged 18 and under

Contact: k4microgrants@livingclassrooms.org

 

Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots Mini-Grant

Description: Apply for a mini-grant to complete a service campaign for people, animals, or the environment.

Award Amount: $200

Deadline: Several deadlines throughout the year

 

Project Learning Tree Greenworks Grant

Description: This grant is for environmental service-learning projects that link classroom learning to the real world. Students will implement an action project they help design to green their school or to improve an aspect of their neighborhood's environment.

The projects partner students with their whole school, local businesses and/or community organizations, and provide opportunities for student leadership. The funds can be used by students to implement recycling programs at their school, conserve water and energy, establish school gardens and outdoor classrooms, improve a forest, or restore a natural habitat.

Youth Service America Grants

These grants support expanded opportunities for students in afterschool programs –  particularly those from low- and moderate-income communities – to learn civic and 21st Century skills by leading community service or service-learning projects, with many grantees planning activities for 9/11 Day of Service, MLK Day of Service, and Global Youth Service Day.

GENERAL

The Aim High Two-Year Grant offers $100,000 to 15 nonprofit organizations serving middle school youth from low-income families, with a focus on reducing chronic absenteeism and supporting the transition to high school. Eligible programs must have an annual budget of at least $500,000 and demonstrate strong attendance, community partnerships, and holistic, impactful programming. Organizations in 13 priority states, including Idaho and West Virginia, receive additional consideration. The grant runs from August 2025 to August 2027 and is highly competitive, with only 6% of applicants funded in 2024.

The Pincus Family Foundation offers grants to nonprofit organizations that align with its mission to improve the lives of children, their families, and communities. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $50,000 and may support general operations, specific programs, or projects in one of four priority areas: Creative & Performing Arts, Education, Health & Wellness, and Play & Recreation. Applications begin with a Letter of Interest (LOI), and selected organizations are invited to submit a full proposal. Grants may be one-time or multi-year, and applicants must demonstrate sustainability and alignment with the Foundation’s goals.

Oriental Trading Company offers donation support for events hosted by nonprofit organizations, with a focus on improving the lives of children and youth. Priority is given to programs in education, youth development, healthcare, and human services. Eligible applicants must include a 501(c)(3) determination letter, and public schools and school districts are also welcome to apply.

The Ash Grove Charitable Foundation provides grants to public charities focused on capital building and renovation projects in areas such as environmental preservation, STEM education, trade skills, community gathering spaces, and human services like shelter. Grants typically range up to $25,000 for capital projects and up to $5,000 for program support. Priority is given to organizations operating in states where Ash Grove has a presence, including Idaho, Kansas, and Texas. Applications are reviewed quarterly, and applicants must provide detailed project descriptions, budgets, and organizational documentation.

The Charlotte Martin Foundation offers grants to nonprofit organizations focused on enriching the lives of youth and preserving wildlife and habitat, with a strong emphasis on serving rural BIPOC communities. For 2025, funding priorities include youth education, culture, athletics, and climate-related initiatives. Grants may be used for general operating support, and two open cycles are available: May 1–June 1 and September 1–October 1. The foundation primarily supports work in the Pacific Northwest and encourages applications from organizations addressing systemic inequities in underserved communities.

The Idaho Future Fund provides grants that typically range from $10,000 to $20,000 intended to support gaps in educational programs (preschool through 12th grade) that gravely affect the quality of education students receive in Idaho. Focus areas include Preschool Scholarships, Charter Schools, Public Schools/Public School Libraries and Supplemental Educational Programs.

HEALTH/FITNESS

U.S. Soccer Foundation Safe Places to Play Grants

Description: The U.S. Soccer Foundation wants all children across the country to have the opportunity to play outside, particularly soccer. To that end, the Safe Places to Play grant seeks to transform unused community spaces into recreational havens for young people in underserved communities. Grants are intended to help organizations and communities cover the material costs of building those spaces in the categories of lighting, irrigation, construction, surfacing, and enhancement. Interested applicants must first submit a letter of interest before being asked to formally apply.

Award Amount: Varies

Deadline: 3 grant cycles per year

 

Adidas Corporate Giving Grants

Description: Adidas Group focuses on projects that address education, children and youth, sports within a social context, and preventive health activities. The group offers cash grants as well as in-kind donations of services and equipment. Previous grants were used to fund after-school literacy, service-learning initiatives, sports programs for underserved and economically challenged urban communities, and before-school physical activity programs for children aged 5 through 12.

Award Amount: Varies

Deadline: Rolling

Eligibility: US nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and schools.

Let's Play Imagination Playground Grants

Description: KaBoom! supports organizations that build playgrounds for children and youth to ensure they have the opportunity to lead an active and healthy lifestyle. KaBoom! grants support community-inspired projects that engage the larger community in all aspects of project planning and playground build execution. Let’s Play Imagination Playground Grants encourage creativity, communication, and collaboration in play with a collection of custom-designed, oversized blue foam parts. Imagination Playground allows children to turn their playground into a space constantly built and rebuilt by their imagination.

Award Amount: Varies

Eligibility: Municipalities, schools, and child-serving nonprofit organizations

Contact: apply@kaboom.org

The School District Opioid Recovery Grants support public school districts in developing or adopting evidence-based programs that address the impact of the opioid crisis on students. Funding can be used for initiatives such as mental health services, restorative practices, extended learning opportunities, and curricular modifications. These grants aim to help districts implement sustainable, trauma-informed strategies that promote student recovery and academic success. Only public school districts are eligible to apply.

Award Amount: $500,000

All Kids Play offers youth sports grants to help children from low-income families access recreational sports opportunities. These grants cover registration fees, equipment, and other costs associated with participation in organized sports. Eligible applicants must be U.S.-based families with children aged 5–18 who qualify for financial assistance. The program prioritizes equitable access to sports and encourages applications from underserved communities.

Award Amount: Undisclosed

The REI Cooperative Action Fund provides grants to nonprofit organizations working to make the outdoors more accessible, inclusive, and equitable. Funding supports initiatives that connect historically excluded communities to nature, create culturally relevant outdoor spaces, and promote the health benefits of time spent outside. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits aligned with the Fund’s mission to ensure everyone can enjoy the outdoors. Thanks to REI Co-op’s support, 100% of public donations go directly to grantees

Award Amount: Undisclosed

LITERACY

IDAHO COMMISSION FOR LIBRARIES GRANTS & FUNDING

Description: The Idaho Commission for Libraries is a great resource for libraries and schools. They offer many different grants throughout the year. Check back regularly for new grant opportunities.

Award Amount: Varies

Deadline: Varies

MULTI-CATEGORY

GENERAL YOUTH PROGRAM GRANT

Description:The DanPaul Foundation is providing funding up to $15,000 to nonprofit programs that directly serve the health, education, development, and welfare of the world’s youth.

Award Amount: Varies

Deadline: Varies

SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL

Grinnell College Innovator for Social Justice Prize

Description: The Grinnell College Innovator for Social Justice Prize honors individuals who have demonstrated leadership in their fields and who show creativity, commitment, and extraordinary accomplishment in effecting positive social change.

Award Amount: $100,00- half to the winning individual and half to their organization

Deadline: Usually October of each year

Contact: sannings@grinnell.edu; 641.269.4940

 

STEM

INL cultivates Idaho’s education landscape by leveraging partnerships and resources to grow science, technology, engineering and math opportunities for all. The program seeks to align future workforce needs with STEM education in Idaho.

Award Amount: $750 - $300,000

Contact: Adrienne Petrovic (208) 526-1544

The Idaho STEM Action Center offers grant funding to statewide nonprofit and public education organizations that align with its mission to prepare Idaho youth for STEM opportunities. Programs must clearly support well-defined learning goals and take place within one year of funding. The initiative prioritizes efforts that contribute to building a diverse, STEM-powered workforce to drive Idaho’s economic future.

Award Amount: Varies

Various STEM Learning Funding Opportunities

Description: This site contains current funding opportunities from the US government's National Science Foundation.  Programs  seeking to advance new approaches to and evidence-based understanding of the design and development of STEM learning opportunities for the public in informal environments; provide multiple pathways for broadening access to and engagement in STEM learning experiences; advance innovative research on and assessment of STEM learning in informal environments; and engage the public of all ages in learning STEM in informal environments should search for awards here.

 

 

 

The Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence honors outstanding skilled trades teachers in U.S. public high schools. Open to educators in fields like carpentry, welding, HVAC, and transportation mechanics, the prize supports those who teach hands-on trades that build, repair, and maintain essential structures and systems. Applicants must be current faculty at a U.S. public high school. The 2025 application deadlines are May 2 for Round 1 and July 11 for Round 2.

Award Amount: $2,000-$50,000

JOIN THE SEARCHABLE DIRECTORY OF YOUTH PROGRAMS

List your youth program for free on ION's searchable online database.
Families and youth are looking for out-of-school time options now.

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