Competitive Grants Program

The Community Foundation of Teton Valley administers an annual Competitive Grant Program that provides funding support to 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government entities, and school districts serving the communities of Teton Valley, Idaho, and Alta, Wyoming. This program reflects the Foundation's mission to promote community vitality and address urgent and ongoing needs through collaborative, mission-aligned projects. Backed by contributions from the Tin Cup Business & Community Challengers, individual donors, and endowed funds held by the Foundation, the program has become a vital source of support for organizations working across various sectors to make a measurable impact on local wellbeing. The Competitive Grant Program is structured to award funds in a single annual cycle, with applications opening in late January and a final submission deadline in mid-February. For the 2026 cycle, applications will open on January 26, 2026, and must be submitted by 5:00 PM on Friday, February 13, 2026. Grant award decisions will be announced on April 2, with funds disbursed during a scheduled awards event on April 16. Successful applicants are required to send a representative to this event to receive funds, execute the grant contract, and participate in publicity photographs. Eligible applicants must either be a qualifying 501(c)(3) public charity, a government agency, or a school district, or be fiscally sponsored by such an entity. All funded work must be executed within Teton Valley, ID or Alta, WY, and must not involve religious activities, debt retirement, political activity, or efforts primarily focused on influencing legislation. Additionally, grant funding may not be used for retroactive purposes, including projects or training already completed. The Foundation encourages proposals that align with pressing community needs and demonstrates openness to projects across diverse sectors such as arts, environment, social services, education, recreation, animal welfare, and civic engagement. Grant funds may be used for a variety of purposes including new or existing programs, pilot initiatives, capital projects, equipment purchases, professional development, strategic planning, and general operating expenses. Larger requests may be considered for projects demonstrating exceptional merit or multi-organizational collaboration. Applications are reviewed by the Foundation’s Grant Committee, which evaluates each proposal based on its clarity, alignment with community needs, methodological rigor, and financial feasibility. Applicants are expected to present a comprehensive and reasonable project budget along with a plan for program evaluation. The proposal submitted becomes the basis of the grant contract, and any changes in use of funds must be pre-approved by the Foundation. Grantees are required to submit a report within 60 days of project completion or by January 31 of the following year, whichever comes first. Extensions of up to six months may be considered in cases of incomplete projects, provided prior approval is granted. Organizations failing to submit required reports or found noncompliant with IRS regulations will be ineligible for future funding. Questions about application status, reporting, or eligibility can be directed to Brian Thysell at (208) 354-0230.

Strong applications demonstrate community need, measurable outcomes, and a comprehensive budget.