Grant Opportunities

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, 2024.

The Connecting Communities Digital Inclusion Program provides Chromebooks and accessories to public libraries throughout Idaho for the purpose of expanding digital inclusion, equity, and literacy efforts. 

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.

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, 2024.

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 15 – April 8, 2024.

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. Submit applications February 5 –  March 5, 2024.

The $500 Summer STEM Grant aims to increase summer learning opportunities in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math.  Submit applications January 15 – February 29, 2024.

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 8 – January 31, 2024.

This program provides tablets to public school districts throughout Idaho to expand access to e-books and digital resources in the classroom. Awards were made October 2023.

The Summer School Library Grant provides publicly-funded school libraries up to $7,000 to open during the summer months and provide programming for K-12 youth. This funding opportunity aims to address learning loss among students related to the impact of reduced instructional time due to Covid-19. Awards were made November 2023.

The Summer Learning Strategies Grant provides libraries awards up to $30,000 to plan for and expand their summer learning and enrichment programing. This funding opportunity aims to address learning loss among students related to the impact of reduced instructional time due to COVID-19. Awards were made November 2023.

The Summer Support Grant offers libraries $2,000 to expand summer learning and enrichment programs for Idaho’s K-12 youth. Libraries may use the grant to increase the number, type, and quality of summer learning programs offered, purchase learning supplies, acquire summer reading materials, and bring in guest presenters. This funding opportunity aims to address learning loss among students related to the impact of reduced instructional time due to Covid-19. Awards were made November 2023.

Out-of-School Planning Grants up to $15,000 enable libraries to plan for and increase out-of-school learning time for K-12 youth. This funding opportunity aims to address learning loss among students related to the impact of reduced instructional time due to COVID-19. Awards were made October 2023.

Out-of-School Programming Grants of $3,000 enable libraries to increase out-of-school learning programs for Idaho’s K-12 youth. Grant funds may be used to deliver a variety of high-quality, research-based learning opportunities. This funding opportunity aims to address learning loss among students related to the impact of reduced instructional time due to COVID-19. Awards were made October 2023.