ICF awards more than $55,000 to Idaho colleges and universities

Unexpected financial setbacks can derail a student’s education just as graduation is within reach. The Idaho Community Foundation is pleased to announce the 2026 grant recipients of the Student Loan Fund of Idaho Education Fund, which helps Idaho colleges and universities support students facing emergency circumstances that might otherwise force them to leave school before completing their degree. 

A total of $55,043 was awarded to four Idaho higher education foundations this year.

“The final stretch to graduation can be one of the most important and most vulnerable times in a student’s education,” Kent Fogg, director of impact for ICF, said. “When an unexpected expense like a car repair, medical bill or loss of family support threatens a student’s ability to stay enrolled, this fund helps institutions step in at a critical moment. It protects the progress students have worked so hard to achieve and helps more Idahoans cross the finish line.”

The 2026 grant recipients are 

• Boise State University Foundation, awarded $14,543; 

• College of Eastern Idaho Foundation, awarded $13,500; 

• College of Western Idaho Foundation, awarded $13,500;

• University of Idaho Foundation, awarded $13,500.

The Student Loan Fund of Idaho Education Fund supports accredited two- and four-year colleges and universities in Idaho that have a process for identifying students within one academic year of graduation who are facing emergency financial circumstances. Grant funds may be used to help students cover essential needs such as tuition and fees, housing, books and supplies, transportation, medical or dental costs, food and child care. Anyone interested in supporting the fund is invited to contribute online at IdahoCF.org.

By helping students navigate short-term financial emergencies at a critical point in their academic journey, the fund strengthens Idaho’s future workforce and supports students in reaching graduation.