Annual Grant Program
2027 Applications Now Open
Application Opens: May 1, 2026
Application Closes: June 16, 2026
Information Sessions: May 5, 12–1 p.m. - Virtual via Zoom (Register) | May 12, 6–7 p.m. - Library! at Collister (no registration required)
Contact: Makenzi Dunstan, email for questions or clarifications by June 9, 2026 | mdunstan@cityofboise.org
FY27 Annual Grant Program - APPY NOW
The purpose of the Annual Grant Program is to help fund meaningful creative projects and programs for Boise residents which supports the Department of Arts & History's (A&H) mission to cultivate a distinct sense of place which reflects Boise's rich past, diverse communities, and unique natural setting by creating opportunities that nurture and sustain Boise's creative economy. We envision the program helping to bring people together and build positive relationships that help create A City for Everyone.
The program operates on a yearly cycle by fiscal year (October 1 through September 30) and offers awards between $1,000 and $5,000 (in $500 increments) with funding awarded reaching $150,000 annually to support people in established and emerging cultural fields with projects designed to benefit the community.
Application
The 2027 Annual Grants Application opens May 1, 2026.
The Department of Arts & History uses the Euna Grants platform for all Grant applications. Need help with creating an account or have other Euna Grants questions? Check out these resources:
- Arts & History Euna Grants Application Tutorial
- Euna Grants Help Desk Email: support@amplifund.zendesk.com
Eligibility & Requirements
You are eligible to apply for this grant if you meet the following criteria:
- You are an individual, organization, or community group that offers arts, history, or cultural-based programming or projects in Boise, Idaho.
- And you, your organization, or community group resides or operates generally within Ada, Boise, Canyon, Elmore, and/or Gem County.
Your project is eligible to be funded by this grant if it meets the following criteria:
- Centers arts, history, or culture-based activities.
- Is free or low cost ($20 or less per person) and/or provides scholarships or financial aid to participate.
- Is completed by an individual, a representative of an organization, or a representative of a community group that operates within Ada, Boise, Canyon, Elmore, and/or Gem County.
- Will take place within Boise City Limits.
- Will occur between October 2026 and September 2027.
- Meets the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards regarding physical accessibility to project venues.
- Complies with the Department of Arts & History Equal Opportunity Statement: Boise City Department of Arts & History does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or disability.
- Includes a balanced budget using the provided template.
- Requested grant funds do not exceed 50% of total project expenses.
Types of eligible projects include:
- Public programs (presentations/lectures, workshops, guided tours, trainings, etc.)
- Events
- Performances
- Exhibits
- Educational experiences
- Collaborations or innovative productions that cultivate the cultural community
- Research, planning, and/or analysis that is available for Boise residents to help strengthen Boise’s cultural base
- Virtual and online versions of the above or other projects, with a clear intent to reach Boise residents
Eligible use of grant funds includes, but is not limited to:
- Artist or contractor fees (such as payment to those creating, performing, or presenting the project).
- Materials and supplies directly needed for the project (such as creative supplies, printing, or equipment rentals).
- Venue or space rentals (as needed for the project).
- Marketing and promotion (such as design, printing, or advertising directly tied to the funded project).
- Accessibility expenses (such as American Sign Language interpretation, captioning, materials in alternate formats such as Braille).
- Documentation (such as photography, videography, or archiving the event/project).
Timeline and Review Process
- Application Opens: May 1, 2026 | 12:00 a.m.
- Staff Assistance Ends: June 9, 2026 | 5:00 p.m.
- Application Closes: June 16, 2026 | 11:00 p.m.
- Applicants Notified: September 2026
After June 16, a review panel, consisting of Arts & History Commissioners and community members, assesses grant applications independently and in coordination with Arts & History staff. This process ensures a fair, equitable, and thorough review and scoring experience.
All review panel members are bound by a conflict-of-interest policy. A real or perceived conflict of interest may arise from any fiduciary, professional, or personal relationship with an applicant that could compromise an unbiased review. In the case of a conflict-of-interest, that panelist abstains from scoring, commenting, or voting on that application.
Your application includes a clear description of how it will benefit Boise residents and strengthen our cultural community. Your application explains why the project is meaningful, who it will reach, and how you plan to connect with your intended audience. Please note that projects with smaller audiences can still provide significant community value.
Your application demonstrates alignment with the priorities of the City of Boise and the Department of Arts & History. Your project seeks to build positive relationships that help create A City for Everyone and reflects the Arts & History’s mission to cultivate a distinct sense of place that honors Boise’s rich past, diverse communities, and unique natural setting.
Your application demonstrates that you are well-prepared to carry out the proposed project. It includes relevant experience and/or meaningful community support (such as partners and collaborators) that position you for success. You provide a clear and realistic overview of how awarded funds will be used, and the proposed approach aligns with the scope, timeline, and goals of your project.
Your application provides a clear and detailed plan for how the project will be carried out. It identifies the individuals responsible for key roles and outlines specific logistics such as permits, venue arrangements, timelines, and intended audience. The application also describes how success will be evaluated. A complete, accurate, and balanced budget is included and reflects the proposed project activities.
Your project ensures that Boise residents can meaningfully participate by being both affordable and inclusive.
- Affordable: Offers free or low-cost experiences ($20 or less per person) and/or provides scholarships or financial aid.
- Inclusive: Anticipates accommodations or services that support access for all participants, such as physical accessibility, language translation, and hearing or vision assistance. Review the City of Boise’s Accessible Events Guide for best practices and guidance on planning for inclusivity.
Additional points may be awarded to first-time applicants, those who attended or watched the information session, or who consulted with Arts & History staff prior to applying or requesting a draft review.
Templates & Resources
Information Sessions
All individuals or organizations applying for funding through the 2027 Annual Grant Program are encouraged, but not required, to attend a grant information session offered by the Boise City Department of Arts & History.
Department staff will walk through the guidelines and answer questions about the application process. The virtual information session will be recorded and uploaded to the website and YouTube for those unable to attend.
