Grant Opportunities
The Idaho Commission for Libraries offers grants to school, public, academic, tribal, and other special libraries throughout the year. Funds may be used in a variety of ways to help libraries best serve their communities.
2025/2026 Grant Opportunities
The following grants open on a yearly, recurring basis. Look for upcoming opportunities here!
The Bucks for Books Grant awards elementary school libraries between $1,000 to $3,000 to buy library books and increase access to reading materials for Idaho students. Submit applications August-September, 2026.
The Connecting Communities Digital Access Program provides Windows devices and accessories to eligible entities. Grantees train Idahoans on cybersecurity and digital skills, and Idahoans who complete the training keep the device. Submit applications in late 2025.
Continuing Education Grant opportunities assist Idaho library staff to build their capacity to best serve their communities. Grants are available in the areas of first-time conference attendance, library science courses, leadership development, and group training and range from $250 – $5,000. Submit applications throughout the year.
The Creative Aging Grant provides $2,000 to Idaho public libraries to support artist-led workshops designed to enhance the well-being, social connections, and quality of life of older adults. Participating libraries will build connections with organizations serving older adults, arts organizations, and teaching-artists. Applications will be available again in 2026.
The Digital Access for All Idahoans Monetary Subgrant provides $10,000 to $150,000 for eligible entities to do digital access work. Suggested subgrant activities include hiring digital navigators to provide local and regional in-person support, creating and hosting digital skills and cybersecurity training opportunities, and providing technical support and low-cost devices. Submit applications for round two of funding in late 2025.
E-rate and EOR provide funding that, when combined together, can fully cover the cost of a public library’s internet service costs.
The Kindergarten Readiness Grant of up to $10,000 supports libraries in getting more Idaho preschool-aged children ready for kindergarten. Submit applications July – August, 2025.
School libraries have the opportunity to expand their reading selection by purchasing books with the School Library Access Grant. Awards range from $1,000 – $5,000. Submit applications January – April 2025.
The $500 Summer STEM Grant aims to increase summer learning opportunities in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math. Submit applications January – February 2026.
The Tech Refresh program provides new computers to public and tribal libraries for in-library use or circulation. Libraries will choose from laptops or desktops to best suit their needs and provide their communities with digital skills and cybersecurity training. Submit applications in late 2025.
A $1,000 grant to support libraries in building their capacity to serve those who are unable to read standard-print books due to a visual impairment, blindness, or other perceptual or physical disability. Submit applications January 2026.
The Welcoming Libraries Grant for $1,000 supports libraries as they work to make materials, programs, and spaces more welcoming and accessible to all children. Submit applications October 2025.
One-Time Grants
The ICfL offered the following grants on a one-time, or non-recurring, basis. At this time, they are not anticipated to open again for new applicants.
This competitive grant funds facilities improvements and capital projects that expand or enhance a library’s facilities and ability to serve their community. This includes construction costs. Projects must jointly enable work, education, and health monitoring. Grant recipients may apply for a second round of reduced funding February 1 – March 15, 2025.
The Summer Intern Grant of $1,500 offers libraries the opportunity to hire, train, and mentor an intern, using grant funds to pay the intern’s wages or stipend. Grants were awarded March 2024.
Questions? Contact Us:
If you have questions about grants offered by the Idaho Commission for Libraries please contact Jamie Thill, Grants/Contracts Officer, at jamie.thill@libraries.idaho.gov, (208) 639-4153.