Idaho State Historical Society’s Community Enhancement Grant Program 2026

The Idaho State Historical Society (ISHS) administers the Community Enhancement Grant (CEG) program to support local efforts in preserving and interpreting Idaho’s rich history. ISHS is a state agency committed to fostering historical understanding through partnerships, community engagement, and direct project support. The CEG program funds a range of history-focused initiatives including collections management, educational programming, interpretive exhibits, and cultural heritage tourism. Funding is intended to bolster local projects that meaningfully connect Idaho communities and visitors to the state’s historical narratives. Projects may include digitization equipment, oral histories, brochures, exhibit construction, and non-permanent building enhancements. Eligibility is limited to Idaho-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits with missions aligned to history, preservation, or education, as well as tribal, city, and county governments. Each institution may submit only one application per cycle. Applicants must also secure a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) through SAM.gov, which must be active prior to funding. Applications open May 12, 2025, and close July 1, 2025, at 5:00 PM. Awards are reimbursed post-project with all receipts and documentation submitted via the AmpliFund system. A dollar-for-dollar match is mandatory and can include either cash or in-kind contributions such as volunteer labor. Ineligible expenses include staff salaries, indirect costs, and structural renovations. The application requires a narrative, detailed budget, tax-exempt verification, and optional letters of support. The ISHS strongly recommends detailed justifications for all expenses, particularly equipment purchases and interpretive content. Award decisions are typically announced in September, with final reports due May 15, 2026. For questions or to request application revisions before submission, applicants should contact the Grants Manager at [email protected]. All documentation must be retained for three years for potential audit purposes.