Economic development is a true gem.
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. As of 2005, a community is no longer required to be a designated “Gem Community” to be eligible for an Idaho Gem Grant.
Eligible Activities
Idaho Gem Grants are focused on job creation and retention. Awards are limited to the hard implementation costs of economic development projects. Examples of eligible 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. Idaho Gem Grants may not be used for ongoing overhead, operating costs or staff costs. Additionally, 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.
Grants of up to $50,000 may be awarded to eligible communities for the purpose of developing assets directly connected to private-sector job creation. While grants may be awarded for a maximum of $50,000, Idaho Commerce will look favorably at applications demonstrating fiscal responsibility and conservatism.
Information and Application
IGG grant applications must be submitted online via the Idaho Commerce grant portal. For account information and new access to the Idaho Commerce grant portal, email grants@commerce.idaho.gov.
All potential applicants are encouraged to contact Idaho Commerce prior to preparing and submitting an application. You may contact the Idaho Gem Grant team at 208-287-3158 or use the form below for any additional questions.
Please review the FY26 Gem Grant Application guide before reaching out to Idaho Commerce. The guide can be found here and additional information on the grant can be found here.