Idaho Lottery Bucks for Books Award Program
The Idaho Lottery Bucks for Books Award Program funds Idaho elementary school libraries to buy high-quality, age-appropriate books that improve student literacy and access to diverse reading materials.
Funder: Idaho Commission for Libraries
Due Dates (Anticipated): August 2026 (application open) | September 2026 (application close) | October 2026 (submission close)
Funding Amounts: $1,000–$3,000 per award; total annual funding typically ~$50,000–$71,000 statewide.
Summary: Supports Idaho elementary school libraries in purchasing high-quality, age-appropriate books to improve student literacy.
Key Information: Only publicly funded Idaho elementary schools that have not previously received this award are eligible.
Description
The Idaho Lottery Bucks for Books Award Program, administered by the Idaho Commission for Libraries in partnership with the Idaho Lottery Commission, provides financial support to Idaho’s publicly funded elementary school libraries. The grant is designed to address chronic underfunding of library collections, enabling eligible schools to purchase high-quality, age-appropriate books for students to read at school and take home. The goal is to increase literacy and ensure all children have access to diverse and engaging reading materials. Funding is made possible through Idaho Lottery proceeds and is distributed competitively each year.
