Idaho Gem Grants

Created by the Idaho legislature in 2001 under the auspices of the Rural Initiative the Idaho Gem Grant Program (IGG) provides assistance to rural communities for the planning and implementation of economic development projects.  

Eligible Applicants

The program is open to any rural community with a population of 10,000 persons or less.  Applications must be submitted by a city, county or tribal government. 

Gem Communities

In 2005, the Idaho Legislature dropped the requirement that applicants to this program have a “Gem Community Certification” and maintain active “Gem Community Status”. Thus, the program is now open to any rural community meeting the eligibility criteria.

Eligible Activities

Idaho Gem Grants are limited to the hard implementation costs of economic development projects. Some examples of eligible cost items include: construction materials, new and rehabilitative construction, architectural and engineering services; and property acquisition.

What We Fund

Job creation and retention are the primary objectives of the IGG program. Grants up to $50,000 may be awarded to eligible communities for the purpose of developing assets directly connected to private sector job creation. Some examples of successful IGG projects include water and sewer infrastructure for new a business, remediation of slum and blight conditions blocking business development, and matching funds for the creation of assets with a high certainty of aiding future economic development efforts. The range of eligible projects is broad.  Applicants are encouraged to first discuss their project with a member of the Idaho Department of Commerce Business Development Team before starting your application. While Grants may be awarded for a maximum of $50,000, the Department will be looking favorably at applications demonstrating fiscal responsibility and conservatism.

What We Won't Fund

Idaho Gem Grants may not be used for ongoing overhead, operating costs, or staff costs. IGG funds shall not be used for the construction, rehabilitation, or operation of active churches, schools, general government facilities, jails or state facilities; nor shall they be used for political activities.  And we don't fund grant administration.

Application Deadlines

In the past, Idaho Gem Grant Applications were accepted year round.  Due to this year's limited funding we are establishing a firm fixed deadline for submitting applications.  The deadline for submitting Idaho Gem Grant applications will be 5 P.M. Monday March 19, 2012.  Applications postmarked on or before March 19, 2012 will be accepted as well.

Additional Information

All potential applicants are encourage contact the Idaho Department of Commerce Business Development Team prior to preparing and submitting an application . Questions may be directed to the business development specialist assigned to your region or to Mr. Jerry Miller PCED, 208-334-2650 ext 2143.