The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) has awarded a $500,000 Challenge Grant to be applied toward the Museum of Idaho’s Expansion Campaign. In order to receive the funds, the MOI must match the grant 3-1 and raise $1.5 million in non-federal funds.
Here's the cool part: MOI has already raised one third of the funds needed (over $500,000).
“On behalf of the Museum of Idaho’s Board of Trustees, I would like to extend our gratitude to the NEH, Chairman William Adams, and members of the community for their support. This grant is significant for the museum’s future and is exciting for what it means for the quality of humanities programs offered for generations to come,” said Dr. James Harris, Chair, Museum of Idaho Board of Trustees.s
The MOI is raising funds to expand the current facility in order to alleviate a number of problems. The planned expansion will provide the space and capacity needed to sustain the MOI’s aggressive traveling exhibition program (which will make the 2-month closing of the museum for exhibit changeover obsolete), further develop the Idaho exhibits, and provide needed space for the care and management of the historic collections.
Congressman Mike Simpson was instrumental in helping the Museum of Idaho arrange a meeting with NEH Chairman Adams. "I want to congratulate the Museum of Idaho on receiving this grant, and for their continued efforts to educate our region on the importance of the arts and humanities. The Museum is a pillar in our community and surrounding areas, I'm thrilled Chairman Adams from the National Endowment for the Humanities was able to visit Idaho Falls and see first hand all the Museum and community members have accomplished. I look forward to visiting the expansion in the near future," said Congressman Simpson.
“Receiving this challenge grant is the cornerstone to the MOI’s fundraising plan,” stated Ida Hardcastle, Chair, Museum of Idaho’s Fundraising Committee. “With the support of the community, we can match this grant and ensure the sustainability of this organization and its programs.”