District of Idaho

The mission of the United States District and Bankruptcy Courts for the District of Idaho is to provide an impartial and accessible forum for the just, timely and economical resolution of legal proceedings within the jurisdiction of the Courts, so as to preserve judicial independence, protect individual rights and liberties, and promote public trust and confidence.

In support of promoting public trust and confidence in the Judiciary, the United States District and Bankruptcy Courts for the District of Idaho established a Non-Appropriated Fund in 1989.  Under guidelines adopted by General Orders of this Court, the monies deposited into this Fund are used for purposes which inure to the benefit of members of the Bench and Bar of this Court in the administration of justice.

The Board of Judges and Lawyer Representatives have determined that using a portion of the Non-Appropriated funds for a Community Outreach Grant Program would improve communication and understanding of the judicial branch and provide information to the community which we serve.

Community Outreach Grant Program

Based upon sufficient annual receipts in the Non-Appropriated Fund, the Court may award grants to deserving programs under the following guidelines:

I.  Available Funding
In September of each calendar year, the Court will review existing balances and annual receipts to determine if Grant funding is available.  If available, the Court will announce the availability of grant funding on the Court’s Internet site.  This review and decision will be completed and announced as soon as possible.

II.  Deadline for Grant Applications
Completed applications must be post marked or emailed by October 30 of any year in which funds are determined to be available. The application shall be sent to the Clerk of Court, United States District and Bankruptcy Courts, 550 W. Fort Street, Suite 400, Boise, Idaho 83724.  Upon submission, all proposals become the property of the United States Courts, which has the right to use any or all ideas presented in any proposal submitted, whether or not the proposal is accepted.  Funding is not guaranteed for subsequent project years.

III.  Purpose
The purpose of this program is to inure to the benefit of members of the Bench and Bar of this Court in the administration of justice.  Other purposes may include:  enhancing public trust and confidence in the judiciary; promoting better understanding of the judiciary and legal processes; and improving communication with the public about the role of courts and the legal process.  This grant funding must be related in some way to community education.

IV.  Application
Any interested association, organization or group may apply for funding from this program by completing the application form specified by the United States District and Bankruptcy Courts.  The application should briefly describe the organization, association or group, the date it was organized, its history, purpose and tax status.

V.  Eligibility
The application must be submitted or co-signed by an active member of the Bar of the United States District and Bankruptcy Courts for the District of Idaho. Only one application can be submitted by a single organization or entity.  Preference will be given to non-profit agencies or organizations.

VI.  Funding and Support
The following shall be described in the applications form: amount of the total request; the purpose for which requested funds are to be used; the applicants efforts to obtain additional funding and other community support such as other grants; and an indication if any goods or services were donated.

VII.  Program Justification
Each application shall provide an indication of how this program supports the mission of this grant program such as:  communities served, community need for these services, how the program will improve community information about the judiciary and judicial process, whether said program will enhance public trust and confidence in the Judiciary, or how the program will improve the administration of justice.

VIII.  Ineligible Activities
Generally, the following items or activities will not be funded through this grant program: meals and alcoholic beverages and the development of materials for sale and profit by the grantee.

IX.  Details of Program
The applicant shall briefly describe the timetable of any activities, the program goals and measurable objectives, relationship to any existing projects and the impact if the grant funds are not available.

X.  Review of Applications
The Board of Judges will review the applications and award grants no later than December 1 each year.  All decisions of the Board are final and cannot be reviewed.

XI.  Award
Upon award to an organization, group or association, the Clerk of Court will be directed to send a check from the Non-Appropriated Fund in an amount approved by the Board of Judges and Lawyer Representatives.  Based upon the application and decision of the Board of Judges and Lawyer Representatives, either the entire amount of the program or grant will be funded or a portion thereof.  After the award process, Court staff may also conduct a site visit or attend funded activities.

XII.  Reporting Requirements
The recipient shall provide an update by submitting to the Court the form entitled “Community Outreach Grant Update and Evaluation Form” by August 31 after the Grant was funded and within sixty (60) days after completion of the program or event.  Any unused grant monies awarded by the District of Idaho must be returned at the conclusion of the program which the grant was intended to support and should not be carried over to the next year.  Failure to report timely will result in ineligibility for five (5) consecutive years following funding of the grant.

XIII.  For Further Information
Contact Stephen W. Kenyon, Clerk of Court, U.S. Courts, 550 W. Fort Street, Boise, Idaho 83724, (208) 334-1373, or by e-mail at clerk@id.uscourts.gov.