Spotlight: State of Idaho

As part of our spotlight series, GrantWatch opens our eyes and shifts our gaze to find out more about the State of Idaho. Known as the “Gem State” – read below to find out why – it has an abundance of national parks, hot springs, and scenic byways. It’s no wonder that Idaho attracts more than 20 million visitors each year to experience all that Idaho has to offer. It has a wonderful blend of both ‘cosmopolitan’ and ‘small-town friendly’ opportunities to enjoy.

GrantWatch has provided listings of grant opportunities to help with a variety of funding needs throughout the State of Idaho. In addition, GrantWatch offers a list of over 1,600 grants in its Community and Economic Development grants listing category. Beyond that, GrantWatch lists grants that are available to be used to fund national and even international projects and programs.

Enjoy reading about some ‘Interesting,’ ‘Unbelievable,’ and ‘Quirky’ facts about the State of Idaho!

Some Interesting Facts About Idaho

Idaho grows an estimated 1/3 of America’s potatoes.

The longest gondola ride in the world is located at Silver Mountain Resort in Kellogg, Idaho.

A person standing on Heaven’s Gate Lookout in Idaho can see Washington, Montana, and Oregon.

Philo Taylor Farnsworth is one of Idaho’s most famous citizens. While in chemistry class in Rigby, Idaho, he thought of an idea for a vacuum tube that would revolutionize television.

Because there are over 72 different types of gemstones found in Idaho, its nickname is the “Gem State.” Idaho is one of only two places to find garnet gems.

factretriever.com, “26 Interesting Facts About Idaho“

Some Facts You Won’t Believe About Idaho

The Cataldo Mission is the oldest building in Idaho. It was built entirely without nails.

Instead of a New Year’s Eve apple drop, Idaho has a potato drop.

Idaho relocated beavers into the wilderness by dropping them out of airplanes with parachutes in the 1940s.

In 1914, the United States Postal Service banned sending people through the mail after a four-year-old was mailed across the state of Idaho.

factretriever.com, “26 Interesting Facts About Idaho“

Finally – Here are Quirky Facts About Idaho

In Pocatello, it’s against the law to be seen in public without a smile on your face.

In Boise, residents my not fish from a giraffe’s back.

Riding a merry-go-round on Sundays is considered a crime.

Anti-delinquency statutes prohibit juveniles from deliberately stepping on ants.

Idaho law forbids giving another citizen a box of candy that weighs more than 50 pounds.

bing.com, “What Are Some Funny Idaho Facts“

Below is a list of grants and other community development funding opportunities for the State of Idaho.

Community and Economic Development Grants for Idaho

1. Grants of up to $10,000 to eligible Idaho nonprofits to benefit local residents and communities. Funding is for programs serving low- to moderate-income populations, with priority for proposals benefitingunder-resourced communities.
2. There are grants of up to $10,000 to eligible Idaho nonprofits, educational institutions, and government agencies for programs to benefit communities. Funding is for programs in the focus areas of education, community betterment, arts and culture, environment, and safety and wellness. Organizations will also submit requests for small capital funding during any of the four cycles.
3. In addition, grants of up to $25,000 to Idaho nonprofits, government entities, and public schools for a wide range of programs to improve the quality of life in communities throughout the state. Funding is to address community needs of local residents.
4. Grants of up to $50,000 to Idaho city, county, and tribal governments to support a broad range of economic development projects in small rural communities. Applicants will contact program staff prior to applying. Funding is for the planning and implementation of public infrastructure projects to generate job creation and capital investment. This, in turn, will lead to the attraction of new business development and the expansion of existing business operations.
5. There are grants to Idaho cities and counties for projects to improve public facilities/infrastructure. Funding categories include job creation, senior and community centers, public parks, downtown revitalization, and post-disaster. Activities must meet one of the following national objectives: benefit people with low- to moderate-income; prevention or elimination of slum or blight conditions; or address an urgent need. Applicants will be classified as non-entitlement cities.

Additional Idaho Community and Economic Development Grants

1. Also, grants to Idaho small cities, counties, and Tribes for activities and projects to benefit rural communities. The process will include one or more public hearings for review of the application. Funding is for workforce growth and to strengthen the area’s economy by providing new or improving existing public infrastructure systems.
2. Grants of up to $10,000 to eligible Idaho nonprofits, government agencies, and educational institutions for projects to benefit county residents. Funding will be used for public recreation and community beautification projects. Funding goals also include projects that improve the quality of life and/or enhance education, history, and the arts.
3. There are grants of up to $3,000 to eligible Idaho nonprofits, municipalities, public agencies, and school districts to improve the quality of life for residents. Funding is for programs and projects, capacity-building efforts, and start-up operating support.
4. Also, grants to nonprofits and Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) to expand rural business-development. Required registrations may take several weeks to complete. Funding supports the establishment and operation of Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) to assist individuals and businesses in rural areas. Project funds will also be for programs to coordinate services and share information among the centers.
5. Lastly, grants to nonprofits, government agencies, tribal entities, and public housing authorities for neighborhood improvement projects. Required registrations will take several weeks to complete. Funding is to develop plans to revitalize distressed neighborhoods.

The Bottom Line

To conclude, we hope you’ll find your way to experience some of the natural scenic beauty you can find in Idaho!

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Please Note: There is no guarantee by GrantWatch nor the author of grant awards as a result of this information.