Selection Criteria

IWCF seeks to fund carefully planned and skillfully executed projects, programs, services, or items that address critical needs in Southwestern Idaho.

  • IWCF funds services in the following southwest Idaho counties: Ada, Adams, Boise, Camas, Canyon, Elmore, Gem, Owyhee, Payette, Valley and Washington (Idaho Department of Health & Welfare Regions 3 & 4).
  • IWCF may disburse funds to nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, educational institutions, government agencies, and tax-exempt religious entities.
  • Funds can be distributed over one or two years, but we do expect the money to be spent in the year it is received.
  • We are seeking creative approaches to community challenges, and a plan for sustainability beyond IWCF funding.
  • Click here for FAQ on Grants and IWCF.

Funding Interest Areas

In the 2024-2025 Grants Cycle, IWCF will be accepting proposals in six specific interest areas (applicant must select the interest area in which to apply):

  1. Cultural Arts: Visual and performing art (music, dance, visual, traditional crafts, film, public art, performance, etc.) and humanities for all ages, abilities, and income levels, especially underserved populations.
  2. Education: All ages and all forms of learning (mentoring, childcare/preschool, instructional or equipment upgrades, pilot projects, early learning, literacy, and enrichment).
  3. Environment: Regional environmental issues (flora, fauna, land, air, water) such as resource  and wildlife conservation, mitigation, reclamation, parkland improvements, or environmental education.
  4. Financial Stability: Poverty, homelessness, housing, self-sufficiency,  work/job training, and unique, rarely-offered programs targeting underserved populations including referral services, food/clothing collection/distribution, case management, mentoring programs.
  5. Health: General health care, domestic violence, child abuse/parenting, substance abuse, suicide, disabilities, and wellness or recreation programs.
  6. Rural Communities: Addresses critical needs in towns and unincorporated areas with a population less than 30,000. Organizations which are based in urban areas, but provide services in rural areas, may apply, but the services covered by the grant request must be delivered exclusively in rural areas.

Funding Minimums and Schedule

IWCF considers funding requests for a minimum of $20,000 up to a maximum of $30,000 for all six interest areas. Projects may be funded over one or two years. We expect IWCF funds to be used during the year that you receive them.

IWCF is not able to fund:

  • Organizations with less than $50,000 in annual revenue

  • Endowment and Scholarship Funds for a nonspecific program or individual

  • Individuals

  • Fundraisers

  • Undesignated sponsorships

  • Undesignated annual fund contributions

  • General operating costs not associated with the specific grant request

  • Ongoing costs of a program or operation that is not an expansion or a new program

  • Undesignated capital campaign contributions

  • Funds to be re-granted or passed through to a non specified individual or group selected by the grantee

  • Requests designated to influence government officials/lobbying

  • Requests that require participation or membership in any faith-based organization

  • Applications currently being funded (Organizations may apply again 12 months after their End-of-Grant report has been filed and approved.)

  • Incomplete nor late applications

Timeline for grant process:

  • Application Open: October 2, 2024 – Apply Here!
  • Virtual Nonprofit Education and Q&A Session: November 4, 2024 Register when it opens
  • Application Due: Tuesday, January 7, 2025
  • Grants Committee Reviews Applications: January 2025 – March 2025
  • Site Visits: February/March 2025
  • Membership Ballot: March 2025
  • Organizations Notified: April 2025
  • Grants awarded: May 2025

Insights into IWCF Grants

Insights Into IWCF Grants: Education Session for Nonprofits

Insights Into IWCF Grants: Education Session for Nonprofits – Rural Communities