SCHOLARSHIPS & GRANTS

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR MEMBERS

Idaho FFA Foundation Scholarship Program - Due Early December

The Idaho FFA Foundation administers more than 40 annual scholarships funded by donors and sponsors, most ranging from $1,000–$2,000. Awards support students pursuing both agricultural and general studies, with specific programs such as Meridian Dairy Days, Idaho Wheat Commission, Dairy West, and others included in one common application.

A large portion of scholarship funds are provided by the Idaho FFA Foundation’s Scholarship Raffle Program. Annually, FFA chapters across the state sell tickets for huge prizes. While not required to apply for the Idaho FFA Foundation Scholarship Program, it is highly encouraged that members strive to help provide funds for this program.

Idaho FFA Foundation Washington Leadership Conference (WLC) Scholarships - Due Early December

The National FFA administers one application for hundreds of sponsor-funded scholarships, with awards ranging from $500–$5,000. More than $2.5 million is awarded annually to members nationwide.

National FFA Scholarship Program - Due Early January

The National FFA administers one application for hundreds of sponsor-funded scholarships, with awards ranging from $500–$5,000. More than $2.5 million is awarded annually to members nationwide.

OTHER SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES - DEADLINES VARY

Eastern Idaho State Fair Scholarships - The Eastern Idaho State Fair provides scholarships to youth who have actively participated in 4-H or FFA at the fair for at least three years. Six $1,500 awards are given annually to students pursuing higher education.

Western Idaho Fair Scholarships - The Western Idaho Fair offers $2,000 renewable scholarships (up to $8,000 total) to high school seniors planning a career in agriculture. Recipients are selected based on leadership, academics, and fair involvement.

North Idaho Fair & Rodeo Foundation Scholarships - The North Idaho Fair Foundation awards multiple $500–$1,500 scholarships annually, with preference given to youth active in the North Idaho State Fair or Gem State Stampede.

County Farm Bureau Scholarships - Many county Farm Bureaus provide scholarships, typically $500–$1,500 each, to Farm Bureau member families. Applicants often include FFA members pursuing agricultural or general college studies.

Local Alumni and Supporters Scholarships - Many alumni and supporters chapters offer scholarships only available to local FFA members. Discuss these opportunities with your advisor to see what options are available.

Three young people at an outdoor event with a blue Polaris off-road vehicle. One girl is sitting in the vehicle, smiling at the camera, while another girl stands next to it with open door, and a young man stands nearby. Tents and clothing stalls are visible in the background.

GRANTS FOR MEMBERS

Idaho FFA Foundation SAE Grants - Due Early December

These $500 grants, sponsored by AgWest Farm Credit, help Idaho students fund new or continuing SAE projects. Forty grants totaling $20,000 are awarded annually.

National FFA SAE Grants - Due Mid-November

National FFA awards $1,000 SAE grants to help students start or expand projects. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and advisor support.

Idaho FFA Foundation Gift of Blue

The Gift of Blue program ensures every Idaho FFA member has the opportunity to own and wear the iconic blue corduroy jacket. Through donor support and the Idaho FFA Foundation, students who demonstrate financial need may apply to receive a jacket at no cost, helping them fully participate in FFA events and proudly represent the organization.

Applications and details are communicated to advisors through the Idaho Ag Ed Listserv. Contact your advisor or the Idaho FFA Foundation to learn more. Donations or sponsorship of FFA jackets are welcomed year-round.

National FFA Student Engagement and Travel Assistance Grants - Deadlines Vary

Some FFA members have financial barriers that prevent them from experiencing all that FFA has to offer. Member Assistance and Experience Grants provide financial support to those members to help reduce travel costs, registration fees and other expenses associated with select FFA programs, conferences and the National FFA Convention & Expo.

GRANTS FOR CHAPTERS

Idaho FFA Foundation Chapter Support - No Application

The Idaho FFA Foundation supports chapters through national travel stipends, state award funding, and special project grants. Funds help offset competition, registration, and equipment costs. There are no applications for these grants. These funds are provided to chapters upon successful participation in state-level competitive events.

Donations or sponsorship to support chapters are welcomed year-round.

National FFA Living to Serve Grants - Deadlines Vary

These grants fund chapter service-learning projects addressing community needs such as hunger, safety, and the environment. Yearlong ($3,000), Semester ($1,200), and Day of Service ($500) grants are available. Idaho FFA chapters can apply for different tiers of funding.

National FFA Grants for Growing - Due Mid-May

Grants for Growing (G4G) is a competitive grant program for middle and high school FFA chapters that are developing and improving project-based or experiential learning opportunities for students. FFA chapters may apply for up to $5,000 through the G4G program, sponsored by Tractor Supply Company (TSC).

GRANTS FOR ALUMNI AND SUPPORTERS CHAPTERS

Nutrien Ag Solutions “Give Back to Your Roots” Grant - Three Annual Application Cycles

These $5,000 grants help Alumni chapters support local FFA chapters with needs such as affiliation fees, curriculum enhancements, and classroom resources.

Tractor Supply Company Legacy Grants - Three Annual Application Cycles

Legacy Grants provide funding to create, strengthen, or partner Alumni chapters. Awards support activities like outreach events, workshops, and chapter development.

GRANTS FOR AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Idaho Quality Program Standards (IQPS) Grants

The IQPS Grants, established by Idaho Code 55.01.04, support the growth and recognition of high-quality Agricultural Education programs.

  • Incentive Grants (up to $10,000 due July 1) reward established programs that meet “Distinguished” standards on the IQPS rubric through a joint evaluation process.

  • Start-Up Grants (up to $25,000; due September 30) assist new or re-established AFNR programs in their first three years of operation. Both grants are competitive, with reapplication opportunities available if programs remain eligible.

Program Quality Initiative (PQI) Grants

The PQI Awards, established by Idaho Code 33-1635, support continuous improvement and recognition of high-quality CTE and AFNR programs.

  • Technical Assistance Grants (reimbursement requests due March 15) help schools and program pathways implement strategies to strengthen standards and improve student performance. Funds may be used for instructional materials, equipment, or professional development, but not for salaries, CTSO costs, or construction.

  • Workforce Readiness Incentive (annual allocations based on April 30 student performance data) recognizes secondary CTE programs with concentrators who demonstrate success on Technical Skills Assessments (TSA), Workplace Readiness Assessments (WRA), and SkillStack® badges. Awards are distributed to LEAs, which must pass funds on to qualifying programs to support teachers, equipment, and workforce experiences.

OTHER GRANT OPPORTUNITIES - DEADLINES VARY

Idaho Agriculture in the Classroom – Mini-Grants - Mini-grants fund classroom projects that promote agricultural literacy and help teachers bring Idaho agriculture topics into daily instruction.

Idaho Forest Products Commission – Jack Buell Forest Education Grant - These small grants (up to $250) help teachers and youth educators create forest-related lessons, field trips, or projects to increase understanding of Idaho’s forests.

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) – K-12 Education Grants - INL provides competitive grants, such as Classroom Grants (up to $2,000) and Innovation in STEM grants, to support hands-on STEM and agricultural education in Idaho schools.

Idaho Community Foundation – Forever Idaho Regional Grants - These grants provide flexible funding (typically $3,000–$8,000, up to $25,000) for public schools and community organizations to support local needs, including educational projects.

Idaho Chapter – American Fisheries Society “Trout in the Classroom” Grants - This program funds aquatics-based education, providing resources for schools to raise trout and teach students about fisheries, ecology, and watershed stewardship.

Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge – Field Trip/Bus Scholarships - Scholarships cover transportation costs for K–12 classes to visit Deer Flat Refuge, supporting outdoor environmental and agricultural education experiences.