Selection Criteria

IWCF seeks thoughtfully planned and effectively executed programs and projects that address critical needs in Southwestern Idaho.

  • We prioritize innovative approaches to community challenges, with a clear plan for sustainability beyond IWCF funding.
  • IWCF supports nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, educational institutions, government agencies, and tax-exempt religious entities.
  • Funding is available for programs and projects serving the following Southwestern Idaho counties: Ada, Adams, Boise, Camas, Canyon, Elmore, Gem, Owyhee, Payette, Valley, and Washington (Idaho Department of Health & Welfare Regions 3 & 4).
  • Grants may be distributed over one or two years; however, funds must be spent within the year they are received.

Funding Interest Areas

IWCF accepts proposals in six specific interest areas.  Applicants indicate which ONE of the following six Interest Areas their grant request fits. 

  1. Basic Needs 
    • Case management, food/clothing collection/distribution, referral services 
    • Food insecurity, homelessness, housing insecurity, and self-sufficiency 
    • Mentoring programs, work/job training 
  1. Cultural Arts 
    • Humanities (history, languages, literature, philosophy)
    • Visual and performing art (crafts, dance, film, music, performance, public art, visual arts, etc.) 
  1. Education 
    • All forms of learning (childcare/preschool, early learning, enrichment, instructional, literacy, mentoring) for all age groups
    • Equipment (new and upgrades), educational materials 
  1. Environment 
    • Animal welfare including, but not limited to, adoption and veterinary services
    • Environmental issues (air, fauna, flora, land, water) such as environmental education, mitigation, natural resources and wildlife conservation, parkland improvements, and reclamation
    • Outside recreation including community, park, and school programs and equipment  
  1. Health 
    • General health care, as well as elder care, mental health, substance abuse, and suicide prevention
    • Programs addressing child abuse, domestic violence, the needs of individuals with disabilities, and parenting skills 
    • Recreation and wellness programs 
  1. Rural Communities 
    • Address community needs in population centers with less than 50,000 year-round residents
    • Organizations based in urban areas that provide services in rural areas can apply, but the grant funds must be solely spent for a rural community 

Funding Minimums and Schedule

IWCF considers funding requests for a minimum of $20,000 up to a maximum of $35,000 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.

We do NOT fund:

  • Organizations with less than $50,000 in annual revenue
  • Endowments, fundraisers, annual fund contributions, or sponsorships
  • Undesignated capital campaign contributions
  • General operating costs not associated with the specific program/project
  • Scholarships, stipends, or tuition for individuals not associated with the specific program/project
  • 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 or late applications

Timeline for grant process:

  • Application opens: Late September/October – Link to Application
  • Grant application webinar: October/November
  • Application closes: Early January
  • Applicant site visits conducted: February/March
  • Grant recipients notified: April
  • Grants awarded at the IWCF Annual Meeting: May