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Laura Moore Cunningham Foundation

Annual Giving
$6.8M
Grant Range
$1K - $0.6M
Decision Time
6mo

Laura Moore Cunningham Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $6,839,260 (2023)
  • Number of Grants: 123 grants awarded in 2023
  • Grant Range: $1,000 - $550,000
  • Typical Grant: $20,000 (median)
  • Geographic Focus: Idaho only
  • Application Cycle: Annual (February 15 - March 31)
  • Decision Timeline: Approximately 5 months

Contact Details

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1157, Boise, Idaho 83701

Email: lmcf_idaho@msn.com

Website: www.lauramoorecunningham.org

Application Portal: lmcfoundation.submittable.com

Overview

Established in 1963 through the will of Laura Moore Cunningham, this foundation is one of Idaho's oldest and largest charitable organizations, having supported the state for more than sixty years. The foundation continues the Moore and Bettis families' legacy of "advancing the great State of Idaho" and is the third-largest giver in the state. Remarkably, the foundation operates entirely through volunteer family leadership with no paid staff, ensuring that administrative costs remain minimal and maximum funding reaches beneficiaries. The foundation operates two primary programs: a competitive grants program for Idaho nonprofits and a scholarship program that provides over 450 scholarships annually to Idaho students attending community colleges, technical colleges, and universities. In 2023, the foundation distributed $6,839,260 through 123 grants, with individual awards ranging from $825 to $780,000.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation offers a single annual competitive grant cycle open to all qualified tax-exempt Idaho nonprofit organizations:

  • Competitive Grant Program: $1,000 - $550,000 (typical grant around $20,000)
    • Applications accepted February 15 - March 31 annually
    • Online application through Submittable platform required
    • Decisions announced by August 31

Priority Areas

The foundation has particular grantmaking priorities in:

  • Rural Healthcare: Supporting healthcare access and facilities in rural Idaho communities
  • Educational Programs for Children: K-12 educational initiatives and youth development
  • Programs in Underserved Communities: Initiatives serving populations with limited access to services
  • Programs for Underserved Populations: Services for vulnerable or marginalized groups

The foundation emphasizes organizations run in a cost-effective manner that serve large numbers of people who are truly in need. They have a notably open approach, stating they "don't limit giving to certain types of programs or needs" including programs, equipment, bricks and mortar, and salaries and benefits.

What They Don't Fund

  • Administrative Costs: Not preferred (though not completely excluded)
  • Organizations Outside Idaho: Only Idaho-based nonprofits are eligible
  • Organizations with Outstanding Reports: Failure to submit required final grant reports results in ineligibility for future applications

Governance and Leadership

The Laura Moore Cunningham Foundation operates with volunteer family leadership, continuing the Moore and Bettis families' commitment to Idaho. The current Directors of the Foundation believe that educating promising Idaho youth will benefit not only those students but all of Idaho.

The foundation's unique governance structure—relying entirely on volunteer leadership rather than paid professional staff—allows them to maximize the funds distributed through their grant and scholarship programs. This cost-conscious approach reflects the foundation's values and ensures the highest possible percentage of assets reaches beneficiaries.

Specific names of current board members and directors are not publicly listed in readily available sources, though the foundation operates with a family-led board structure.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The foundation maintains a straightforward, accessible application process:

  1. Application Period: February 15 - March 31 (single annual cycle)
  2. Submission Method: All applications must be completed through the online portal at lmcfoundation.submittable.com
  3. No Alternative Submissions: Applications will not be accepted by mail or email

Budget Requirements: The foundation requests detailed budget information showing the entire project cost with a breakdown specifying exactly what portion you're requesting from them.

Reporting Requirements: All grant recipients must submit a final grant report form by March 31 following the grant year through the online Submittable portal. Failure to submit this report results in ineligibility for future applications.

Decision Timeline

  • Application Deadline: March 31
  • Decision Notification: By August 31
  • Timeline: Approximately 5 months from application close to decision notification

If applicants do not receive a response by August 31, they may direct questions about grant status to the Foundation via email at lmcf_idaho@msn.com.

Success Rates

The foundation made 123 grants in 2023, 102 grants in 2022, and 130 grants in 2021, indicating they typically fund 100-130 projects annually. Specific acceptance rate percentages are not publicly available, but the foundation acknowledges the competitive nature of their process, noting "One of the hardest things each year is having to tell applicants that we just could not fund their project."

Reapplication Policy

Specific reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants are not publicly documented. Organizations interested in this information should contact the foundation directly.

Application Success Factors

The Laura Moore Cunningham Foundation values a straightforward, honest approach to grantmaking. Key factors for success include:

Cost-Effectiveness and Broad Impact: The foundation explicitly states they are "interested in organizations run in a cost-effective manner and serving large numbers of people who are truly in need." Demonstrate efficient use of resources and significant community reach.

Simplified Application Philosophy: The foundation believes "very few foundations offer such an open and simple process" because they trust that "the members of each community know better what they need than they do." This suggests they value community-driven solutions and local expertise.

Detailed Budgeting: While they offer a simple application process, they specifically request comprehensive budget information. Show the entire project cost and clearly identify the portion requested from the foundation.

Alignment with Idaho's Needs: The foundation is dedicated to "advancing the great State of Idaho." Make clear connections between your project and positive outcomes for Idaho communities.

Priority Area Alignment: While they have a broad giving approach, they particularly prioritize rural healthcare, educational programs for children, and programs in underserved communities and populations.

Examples of Funded Projects (2023):

  • College of Idaho Foundation: $780,000 for scholarships
  • University of Idaho Foundation: $596,000 for scholarships
  • St. Luke's McCall Foundation: $450,000 for hospital construction expansion (2019)
  • Idaho State University Foundation: $370,000 for scholarships and Haunted Science Lab
  • Boise State University Foundation: $360,000 for scholarships
  • Assistance League of Boise: Grants for Operation School Bell in Ada County and Canyon County

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Apply During the Single Annual Window: Mark your calendar for February 15 - March 31; there is only one opportunity per year to apply
  • Emphasize Cost-Effectiveness: The foundation operates with volunteer leadership to minimize costs and values this same efficiency in grantees—demonstrate how you maximize impact per dollar
  • Don't Overlook Smaller Rural Projects: While the foundation can make large grants ($400,000+), their typical grant is $20,000, and they're particularly interested in rural healthcare and underserved communities
  • Budget Detail Matters: Provide comprehensive project budgeting showing total costs and clearly identifying your specific request
  • Submit Grant Reports on Time: Late or missing grant reports result in future ineligibility—this is a firm requirement
  • Keep It Simple and Honest: The foundation values straightforward applications and trusts community organizations to know their own needs best
  • Plan for a Long Timeline: With a 5-month review period (April-August), ensure your project timeline accounts for this decision timeframe

References

Research conducted December 27, 2025

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