Community Schools in Idaho: Federal Funding Update
Funding Restored Following Review and Community Advocacy
After a period of uncertainty, federal funding for Idaho’s Full-Service Community Schools initiative has been restored. Following further clarification and review by the U.S. Department of Education, the continuation award was approved, allowing this work to move forward as originally intended.
This outcome reflects the strength of local leadership, the impact of Community Schools across Idaho, and the collective advocacy of families, educators, school districts, community partners, and state leaders. We’re grateful for the opportunity to continue this work — and mindful of the lessons learned during a challenging and fast-moving period.
What happened
In December 2025, the U.S. Department of Education notified United Way of Treasure Valley, the backbone organization for the Idaho Coalition for Community Schools (ICCS), that federal funding for Idaho’s Full-Service Community Schools (FSCS) State Scaling Grant would be discontinued prior to the end of the five-year award.
This decision created immediate uncertainty for schools, staff, and communities across the state.
Following additional review and clarification, the Department approved the continuation award on December 31, 2025, restoring funding and allowing Community Schools in Idaho to proceed.
Timeline of events
- 2023
United Way of Treasure Valley is awarded a five-year Full-Service Community Schools State Scaling Grant from the U.S. Department of Education to support Community Schools across Idaho. - January 2024
Grant implementation begins, supporting 65 schools statewide, including 47 rural public schools. - December 12, 2025
United Way of Treasure Valley is notified of the Department’s intent to discontinue the grant effective December 31, 2025. - December 17, 2025
A formal appeal is submitted, supported by school districts, community partners, parents, educators, and state leaders. - December 29, 2025
United Way of Treasure Valley receives notice that the appeal has been denied. - December 31, 2025
Following further clarification and review, the U.S. Department of Education approves the continuation award, restoring funding for Idaho’s Community Schools initiative.
What this moment represents
This period underscored several truths:
- Community Schools in Idaho are locally led, deeply rooted, and widely supported.
- Strong partnerships and shared leadership matter — especially during uncertainty.
- Advocacy from communities, schools, and state leaders can make a difference.
At the same time, this experience was disruptive. Some staff and partners were directly impacted during the period of uncertainty, and we recognize the very real toll that instability can take. We hold that reality alongside gratitude for the opportunity to continue.
Looking ahead
The Idaho Coalition for Community Schools predates this federal grant and will continue beyond it. Long-term sustainability has always been a core goal of this work.
Moving forward, ICCS and its partners remain committed to:
- Strengthening Community Schools through local leadership and collaboration
- Building diversified support to reduce reliance on any single funding source
- Documenting impact and outcomes to inform future policy and investment
- Staying prepared for future shifts while centering students, families, and communities
This moment reinforces both the importance of Community Schools — and the need to continue building resilience around them.