Boise City Department of Arts & History – America 250 Grant

Boise City Department of Arts & History – America 250 Grant is sponsored by City of Boise Department of Arts & History. Supports creative public‐space or cultural projects within Boise that engage residents—potential to integrate AI to teach everyday skills through public art or installations.

Boise Visual Chronicle (BVC) A brief overview of the settlement, structure and naming of our city. From the valley's Indigenous peoples, to early settlers and modern-day residents, learn more about the people who have shaped Boise. Explore Boise's historic sites, cultural hotspots and unique natural setting.

Learn more about the history of municipal government in Idaho's capital city.

Browse Digital Collection City Council Meeting Minutes Guide to the Archives and Finding Aids Saving places of cultural significance, that shaped Boise - past and present The Erma Hayman House represents the history of the River District and is now home to exhibits dedicated to cultural education The James Castle House was the home and work place of the titular artist, and now home to the James Castle Residency Immerse yourself in our rich cultural community at Cultural Site events Cultural Ambassador Program Supports the cultural and creative community, acting as Boise's honorary representative to the world, engaging international audiences through public expression of culture We are intentional with our investments, to support sustain and grow a thriving cultural scene in Boise Boise Airport Wall Surface 3D Public Art Boise City Writer-in-Residence James Castle House Residencies Mayor's Awards for Excellence in Arts & History Guide to Applying for Grants Other Grant Opportunities Learn more about Boise City Department of Arts & History Arts & History Commission The advisory body for the department and appointed by the Mayor Contact: Makenzi Dunstan, Grants & Outreach Manager | mdunstan@cityofboise.

org , 208-608-7793 The America 250 Grant supports creative projects that engage Boise residents with the stories, ideas, and legacies of the United States' 250th anniversary while inspiring fresh perspectives on our shared future.

Artists, educators, historians, cultural organizations, and community groups, whether emerging or established, are invited to develop projects that explore inclusive and meaningful perspectives on America’s past and future through arts, history, or culture-based activities.

Projects can draw on themes presented in the American Association for State and Local History’s 250th Anniversary Program Field Guide including Unfinished Revolutions, Power of Place, We the People, American Experiment, and Doing History to spark exhibits, performances, publications, community conversations, and other creative or cultural projects. See a summary of these themes in the application questions section .

Through this grant, we encourage applicants to create opportunities that deepen understanding, foster dialogue, and engage Boise residents in a meaningful, multi-faceted commemoration and celebration of America 250 aligning with the City of Boise’s vision of a City for Everyone.

The America 250 Grant provides funding for individuals and organizations in established and emerging cultural fields to create projects that benefit Boise residents and contribute to the City of Boise’s commemoration and celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.

Eligibility & Requirements Timeline & Review Process 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. 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 April and September 2026. 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.) 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 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). The guaranteed funding available for the America 250 Grant is $30,000 to be distributed among selected projects.

Funding amounts will vary based on the number and scope of applications received, and not all applicants are guaranteed an award. Applicants may apply for the following amounts of funding: Funding requests may not exceed 50% of the total project expenses, as outlined in the Budget Excel sheet in the Attachments section of the application. For example, if your total project expenses are $4,000, you may request up to $2,000.

Please note that, depending on available funds, the award you receive may be less than the amount requested. The following types of organizations, projects, and requests are not eligible for funding. This list is not exhaustive, so please contact staff if you have any questions about eligibility.

Ineligible Individuals or Organizations Government agencies at the city, county, state, or federal level (Nonprofit “Friends of” groups ARE eligible.) Organizations that already receive significant in-kind support from the City of Boise, such as use of a city-owned facility. You, your organization, or community group resides or operates outside of Ada, Boise, Canyon, Elmore, and/or Gem County.

You are a City of Boise employee proposing a project that could fall within your regular scope of work. Projects focused on general operating or seasonal support (Grants must fund a specific project or event.) Public art projects (e.g., sculptures, murals, traffic boxes, etc.) (Contact Public Art staff for related opportunities.)

Projects expecting or implying that the City of Boise will add materials to its collections, assist with or manage any part of the project, or provide ongoing care or maintenance of the result of the project. Projects advocating for or against a religion or political group. Fundraising events, capital campaigns, or endowment funds.

Expenses such as personal education, training, professional development, travel, emergencies, loans, software, website domains, or buying equipment. Salaries or staff positions. Rent or operating costs for your own space.

Lobbying or political activities, including efforts to influence elections. Capital improvements such as building renovation, construction, or real estate purchase. Applications are evaluated on the following criteria (46 points total): Community Benefit (8 points) : Your project 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. Alignment with City of Boise and A&H Department Vision/Mission (8 points) : Your project demonstrates alignment with the priorities of the City of Boise and the Department of Arts & History.

It builds positive relationships that help create A City for Everyone and reflects the Department’s mission to cultivate a distinct sense of place that honors Boise’s rich past, diverse communities, and unique natural setting. Alignment with the themes of America 250 (4 points) : Your project thoughtfully connects to the themes of America 250.

It encourages inclusive, relevant, and locally rooted perspectives that invite reflection, participation, and a sense of shared belonging around this anniversary. Quality (8 points) : Your application includes your relevant experience or community support (such as support from partners and collaborators) to execute your project.

You also present a clear overview of how you intend to use awarded funds, and it realistically aligns with the scope and timeline of your project. Accessibility (8 points) : 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) 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. Management (8 points) : Your project demonstrates strong planning and organizational capacity. It identifies the people responsible for managing the project.

It also details logistics such as permits, venue reservations, timelines, intended audience, and evaluation methods. A complete and balanced budget is included. Special Considerations (2 points) : 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 requested a draft review.

Timeline & Review Process Application Opens: December 2, 2025 Application Closes: January 16, 2026 Selection Panel Review: January – February 2026 Applicants Notified & Awarded: March 2026 Grant Funded Projects Occur: April – September 2026 Final Reports Due: Within 30 days of completion of the project, but no later than September 30, 2026 The review panel, consisting of Arts & History Commissioners and community members with expertise in Boise’s arts, history, and culture, 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 particular application. Information Session & Support Learn more about this grant and how to submit your best application. The virtual information session was recorded and available to watch online.

Information Session - Watch Recording If you have questions about your project, consult with Makenzi Dunstan, Grants & Outreach Manager. 30-minute meeting times are offered during the following days and times. BOOK A MEETING Mondays, 10:30 a.

m. – 1:30 p. m.

Thursdays, 9 a. m. – 11 a.

m. Fridays, 10 a. m.

– 12 p. m. You can also request feedback on a completed draft version of your application.

Draft reviews are completed on a first-come, first-served basis. Please give staff one (1) week prior to the application due date to review. Staff cannot guarantee a thorough review if you submit your draft after that time, due to time constraints.

Create or log in to an existing account on Euna Grants (f. AmpliFund). America 250 Grant - APPLY NOW If possible, we recommend using a shared organizational email address to ensure multiple team members can access and manage the account as needed.

If you have any issues logging in, creating an account, or accessing a pre-existing account, please email support@amplifund. zendesk. com .

Basic application instructions can be found in this tutorial video from Euna Grants . I/My organization meet the Basic Eligibility Requirements as outlined in the Grant Guidelines. If you are unable to check all the boxes below, we suggest adjusting your proposal before moving forward with the application.

My project centers arts, history, or culture-based activities. My project is free or low cost ($20 or less per person) and/or clearly provides scholarships or financial aid to participate. This application is being completed by an individual, a representative of an organization, or as a representative of a nonprofit Friends group associated with a government agency that operates within Ada, Boise, Canyon, Elmore, and/or Gem County.

My project will take place within Boise City Limits. My project or program will occur sometime between April 2026 and September 2026. My project meets the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards regarding physical accessibility to venues.

My project 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. My application includes a balanced budget using the provided template. Select all that are characteristics of your application/organization.

Please select all that apply. I/My organization either: 1) consulted with Arts & History Grants Program Manager about this proposal, 2) attended one of the Grant Information Sessions or later watched the recorded session or 3) obtained a draft review from Arts & History staff. I/My organization is a first-time applicant.

Please provide a brief description of your project. Please identify specifically how you will use the requested funds. Which category best describes your project or program?

Please select all that apply Collaborative or Innovative Production Which America 250 theme(s) most closely aligns with your project. Please select all that apply. Unfinished Revolutions: Encourages reflection about ongoing change & how foundational ideals (freedom, justice, democracy) are still “works in progress.

” Power of Place: How geography, local stories, landscapes, and communities shape identity, memory, and historical meaning. We the People: A focus on telling inclusive stories, considering who is included / excluded in narratives; community voices; project might include participatory approaches. American Experiment: Framing the U.S. as an ongoing experiment in governance, democracy, rights; embracing both aspiration and contradiction.

Doing History: How history is made today: who gets to tell it, what voices are heard, and using historical practice as part of civic engagement / education. Elaborate on how your project connects to the America 250 theme(s) you selected.

Describe how this project or program supports the City of Boise's vision to create A City for Everyone and aligns with Arts & History's mission to cultivate a distinct sense of place that reflects Boise’s rich past, diverse communities, and unique natural setting. Describe how your project will provide value or benefit to Boise residents. Describe your intended audience(s) for this project.

Explain the marketing and promotional strategies you will use to reach them. List all key individuals involved in this project or program, including artists, historians, cultural experts, and project manager(s).

For each person, provide: Their name and role in the project Whether they are paid or volunteer A 1-2 sentence summary of their relevant background and experience Optional: Upload additional materials such as resumes or bios in the Attachments tab. Describe how your project will be accessible and affordable to participants.

Include any accommodations or services you plan to offer, such as those related to hearing, vision, physical accessibility, language translation, transportation, or cost (e.g., scholarships, free admission, or sliding-scale fees). Estimate how many people you expect to be involved with AND attend your project or program at the various price levels. Free or low-cost ($20 or less per person) is most appropriate for this grant program.

# of People involved with Production # of People Attending (Audience Members and/or Participants) - FREE Access # of People Attending (Audience Members and/or Participants) - Paying $20 or less Per Person # of People Attending (Audience Members and/or Participants) - Paying $20. 01 - $30. 00 Per Person # of People Attending (Audience Members and/or Participants) - Paying $30.

01 to $40. 00 Per Person # of People Attending (Audience Members and/or Participants) - Paying $40. 01 and higher Per Person What kinds of legal, licensing, insurance, or other project management details do you expect you will need to address?

Provide a timeline of key tasks related to your proposal. It may help to organize by time frames (such as monthly) or by category (such as planning, production, promotion, evaluations, etc.). Describe how you will measure the success of your project or program and determine whether it achieved your intended goals.

If awarded, grant recipients will be provided additional information on next steps for managing their grant and how the Boise City Department of Arts & History supports the promotion of grant-funded projects. Recipients can anticipate completing the following documentation if awarded: W-9 Form: You will need to include your Taxpayer Identification Number (either an individual social security number or an employer identification number).

Signed City of Boise Agreement: A contractual agreement to indemnify the City of Boise against all liability and indicate recipient’s full acceptance and assumption of responsibility for all federal, state, local, and venue legal responsibilities related to the project included but not limited to liability insurance, workers' comp insurance, permits, and taxes.

Invoice: Recipients will submit an invoice within 30 days of notification of awarded funds for 100% of the funded amount. Total amount invoiced must equal the approved amount listed in the notification letter and in Euna Grants (f. AmpliFund).

Acknowledgement & Recognition Requirements: Grant recipients must credit both the City of Boise and the Department of Arts & History in printed and digital materials associated with their grant funded activities. Final Report: Submitted within 30 days of completion of the grant funded program or project but no later than September 30, 2026.

This report must include at least five (5) high-resolution photos that the City of Boise can use without restriction for promotion purposes. PDF format of grant information Boise Visual Chronicle (BVC) A brief overview of the settlement, structure and naming of our city. From the valley's Indigenous peoples, to early settlers and modern-day residents, learn more about the people who have shaped Boise.

Explore Boise's historic sites, cultural hotspots and unique natural setting. Learn more about the history of municipal government in Idaho's capital city.

Browse Digital Collection City Council Meeting Minutes Guide to the Archives and Finding Aids Saving places of cultural significance, that shaped Boise - past and present The Erma Hayman House represents the history of the River District and is now home to exhibits dedicated to cultural education The James Castle House was the home and work place of the titular artist, and now home to the James Castle Residency Immerse yourself in our rich cultural community at Cultural Site events Cultural Ambassador Program Supports the cultural and creative community, acting as Boise's honorary representative to the world, engaging international audiences through public expression of culture We are intentional with our investments, to support sustain and grow a thriving cultural scene in Boise Boise Airport Wall Surface 3D Public Art Boise City Writer-in-Residence James Castle House Residencies Mayor's Awards for Excellence in Arts & History Guide to Applying for Grants Other Grant Opportunities Learn more about Boise City Department of Arts & History Arts & History Commission The advisory body for the department and appointed by the Mayor Let us know how we can help!

Send us a message and we'll be in touch!