FUNDING
OPPORTUNITIES
ECICOG writes and manages a wide variety of federal, state and philanthropic grants. Are there funding opportunities waiting for you?
Iowa Leadership Bootcamp Grant
Due October 1st
This Grant provides training, mentorship, and funding to communities and regions initiating leadership programs. Grantees are required to participate in a half-day bootcamp (October 30 in Perry) resulting in a work plan and a one-year mentorship. The program is administered by the Iowa Rural Development Council in partnership with the Center for Rural Revitalization. Applications accepted on a rolling basis until October 1, 2024. More information is available here.
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Farm and Food Business Builder
Due October 15th
The USDA and Heartland Regional Food Business Center (RFBC) recently announced the availability of over $3.7 million in Business Builder Grants to support small, mid-sized, and diverse food and farm entrepreneurs. These grants will promote business expansion, job creation, business capacity building, and increase local products in the local market. More details and instructions can be found at this website.
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Empower Rural Iowa
Due August 30th
Applications for various grant programs through Empower Rural Iowa recently opened that focus on assisting communities in rural areas facing a variety of issues including child care, housing, and technical assistance. These grant programs are administered by the Iowa EDA and more details on the various grants can be found at the Center for Rural Revitalization website. Specific Grant programs include: Rural Boost Program, Rural Child Care Planning Program, Iowa United First Aid Grant Program, Rural Housing Assessment Grant Program, and the Rural Innovation Grant Program.
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Brownfields Redevelopment Tax Credits
Due September 1st
Developers in Iowa can receive tax credits for redeveloping properties known as brownfield and grayfield sites.
Brownfield sites are abandoned, idled or underutilized industrial or commercial properties where real or perceived environmental contamination prevents productive expansion or redevelopment. Grayfield sites are abandoned public buildings, industrial or commercial properties that are vacant, blighted, obsolete or otherwise underutilized.
This tax credit program is offered as a way to promote the economic health of communities by reducing environmental potential hazards, cleaning up eyesores, creating new jobs and boosting tax revenue. To learn more about the program and how to apply visit the IEDA Website.
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Trust for Civic Life
Applications open in August
The Trust for Civic Life funds a wide range of non-partisan entrepreneurs, programs, organizations and innovative digital leaders who play a key role in their local and regional civic ecosystems. Through a community-led nomination process, local leaders help identify and direct resources where they are needed most. This process leads to faster, more effective investments that can drive meaningful progress in our local communities. Learn more about this grant program here.
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Theisens' "More for You" Program
Due July 31st
The Theisen’s More for Your Community Grant Program makes direct grants to non-profit organizations or agencies to jumpstart and/or sustain projects, which most effectively and directly serve the basic needs of families and children which include food, shelter, education, safety and health. Applicants must be a 501.C3 nonprofit, government-sponsored, or school-sponsored organization and be directly serving children and families within a 60-mile radius of a Theisen’s store. Theisen’s donates $350,000 annually through the More for Your Community Grant Program. For more information and access to application materials, visit the Theisen's Website.
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"Our Town" Program
Due August 1st
Our Town is the NEA’s creative placemaking grants program. Through project-based funding, the program supports activities that integrate arts, culture, and design into local efforts that strengthen communities over the long term. Our Town projects engage a wide range of local stakeholders in efforts to advance local economic, physical, and/or social outcomes in communities. Competitive projects are responsive to unique local conditions, develop meaningful and substantive engagement in communities, center equity, advance artful lives, and lay the groundwork for long-term systems change. Details on how to apply can be found at the National Endowment for the Arts website.
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Iowa Arts Project
Due June 3rd
This program is funded through the Iowa Economic Development Agency's Arts and Culture Program. Eligible projects must involve an arts experience or arts learning opportunity and must demonstrate public value to Iowans through deliberate public engagement and access to project activities. Types of eligible projects include community events, performances, exhibitions, festivals or workshops dedicated to arts related activities. All project activities must have a clear beginning and end date during the eligible funding period. More information can be found on the IEDA Arts and Culture website.
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Iowa Arts Council Grant Programs
Due Spring and Fall
The Iowa Arts Council empowers Iowa to build and sustain culturally vibrant communities by cultivating creativity, learning, and participation in the arts. Through IEDA the Council offers a multitude of grants to assist the development of your community in the arts, film and media, and historic preservation. A description of all available grant and further information can be found at the Iowa Arts and Culture website.
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Union Pacific Foundation Local Grants
Due May 14
Prioritizes funding for direct services and efforts that build the capacity of organizations focused on the following causes within our local operating communities: Safety, Workforce Development, Community Spaces, and Environmental Sustainability. For more information, visit the Union Pacific Website.
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Cultural Capacity Building Grant
Due May 15th
Cultural Capacity Building grants provide general operating
support over a three-year period to eligible arts, cultural, and humanities organizations in Iowa. Organizations with annual operating expenses above $10,000 that demonstrate a commitment to enhancing their cultural and managerial excellence and community service are eligible to apply. Funding for the program is made possible by an annual appropriation from the Iowa Legislature to the Iowa Arts Council, which exists within the Iowa Economic Development Authority, and by the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. Learn more about the application process at the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
Website
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FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program
Due December 20th
The primary goal of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) is to meet the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and non-affiliated emergency medical service organizations. Local governments must have an updated SAM.gov registration prior to applying for funds. For details on this grant program please visit the FEMA website.
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UI College of Public Health Community Grant
Due January 13th
Non profits and local governments are encouraged to apply for grant funds up to $3,000 for public health initiatives. Funding programs can include healthy lifestyles, population health, addressing health disparities, workplace safety/wellness, community needs assessment, children and youth issues, healthy aging, arts and health collaborations, and sustainability of multi-generational livable communities. Additional preference will be given to projects that are focused on rural areas or address nutrition or food insecurity. Information on how to apply can be found at the UI Public Health website.
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USDA Farm to School Grant Program
Due January 10th
USDA awards competitive Farm to School grants that support planning, developing, and implementing farm to school programs. USDA's Farm to School grants are an important way to help state, regional, and local organizations as they initiate, expand, and institutionalize farm to school efforts. Please visit the program website to learn more.
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USDA Community Facilities Program
Applications accepted year round
This program provides affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in rural areas. An essential community facility is defined as a facility that provides an essential service to the local community for the orderly development of the community in a primarily rural area and does not include private, commercial, or business undertakings. Funding available to communities with populations less than 20,000. More information on the program and how to apply can be found at the USDA website.
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National Endowment for Arts Big Read Grant
Due January 23rd
The National Endowment for the Arts Big Read is a program that awards grants ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 to organizations. These grants support community reading programs designed around a single NEA Big Read book. In addition to funding for purchasing the books themselves, each grant recipient is provided with resources to help them succeed, including outreach materials and training on how to work with local partners and how to lead meaningful book discussions. More information on how to apply can be found at the NEA website.
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Iowa Foundation for Parks Mini Grant
Due January 31st
The Iowa Foundation for Parks & Recreation Mini Grants are able to provide funding for leisure facilities, activities, events, or programs to promote and improve leisure opportunities and amenities for citizens in small Iowa communities with a population of 10,000 or fewer. Details and grant information can be found at this website
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Community Catalyst Building Remediation
Pre Application Due January 29, 2024
2025 Date to be Announced
The Community Catalyst Building Remediation Program assists communities with the redevelopment or rehabilitation of buildings to stimulate economic growth or reinvestment in the community. Funds available for the rehabilitation of one commercial building per community or two buildings with same ownership that are adjacent. Maximum grant award of $100,000 and the city must be the applicant and provide financial and/or in-kind resources. For more information contact Jessica Walker or visit the IEDA website here.
MidWestOne Foundation
Due June, September, December, March, 1st
The MidWestOne Foundation supports non-profit groups, institutions, schools, and organizations that enhance the cultural well-being of the communities MidWestOne serves. The grants predominately support capital and building campaigns that benefit the greater good over time. More than 75% of awarded grants are under $20,000. More information can be found on the MidWestOne website here.
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AARP Community Challenge
Due March 6that 5 p.m. (ET)
The AARP Community Challenge provides small grants to fund "quick-action" projects that can help communities become more livable for people of all ages. Many winning projects support revitalizing communities, focus on diversity, inclusion and disparities, creating vibrant public places, improving the built and social environment, delivering a range of transportation and mobility options, and increasing civic engagement. Visit the AARP website for updates and to see projects funded last year.
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Youth Garden Grant
Date to be Announced.
Since 1982, the Youth Garden Grant has supported school and youth educational garden projects that enhance the quality of life for students and their communities. In 2024, fifty programs will receive award packages consisting of a cash prize and a variety of gardening tools and supplies. For more information, visit the kids gardening website.
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Iowa Tourism Grant
Due September 2024, Opens August 2024
This program promotes tourism in Iowa by funding tourism-related marketing initiatives that benefit both local economies and the state's economy. Applications are available annually. For more information, visit IEDA’s Travel Iowa website.​
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CDBG - Water & Sewer
Due January 1, 2025, May 1, 2025 and August 1, 2025
Funds awarded through this annual competitive program assist cities and counties with Water and Sewer projects. Contact Meagan Prestegard at meagan.prestegard@ecicog.org.
Community Development Block Grants
The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) announced the CDBG programs for FY24. Guidelines, scoring rubrics and informational webinars are available on the IEDA CDBG Website and details on certain CDBG programs are mentioned below:
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Comprehensive Neighborhood Revitalization Planning Fund
Due November 22, 2023
The goal of this program is to provide economic opportunities and facilities for people, especially those of low to moderate income. For more details contact tom.gruis@ecicog.org
Downtown Revitalization
Due November 22, 2023
This program supports façade improvements in blighted downtown districts. Contact Tom Gruis at tom.gruis@ecicog.org
Upper Story Housing Conversion
Due November 22, 2023
This opportunity provides up to $500,000 for the conversion of existing downtown building space into new residential units. Contact Tracey Achenbach at tracey.achenbach@ecicog.org
Meet in Iowa
Due May 17
Given the success of the Meet In Iowa program in recent years, the Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Tourism Office have extended the program again for 2025. The goals of the Meet In Iowa program remain are to attract, retain, and expand in-person overnight meetings and events, increase mid-week overnight stays in the state, and provide incentive for groups to experience the tourism attractions in Iowa. Maximum grant award is $25,000. For more information, visit the Meet In Iowa website.
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IEDA Sports Tourism Grant
Due 90 days before tourism event
The Sports Tourism grant from the IEDA’s Enhance Iowa program will provide financial assistance for projects that market or promote sporting events in Iowa. Eligible sporting events include professional, collegiate and amateur level sporting events that occur in Iowa. Promotion/marketing activity can occur for up to two years. Cities, counties, Iowa not-for-profit economic development organizations or other Iowa not-for-profit organizations, including those that sponsor, or support sporting events are eligible to apply for assistance of up to 50% of the eligible cost to actively promote or market an eligible sporting event. Eligible applicants can apply jointly. For more information, visit the IEDA website.
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National Trust Preservation Funds
Due Feburary1st 2024
Grants from National Trust Preservation Funds (NTPF) are intended to encourage preservation at the local level by providing seed money for preservation projects. Visit the National Trust For Historic Preservation website to find additional information.
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T-Mobile Hometown Grants
Due quarterly at the end of the month of March, June, September, and December.
T-Mobile is committing up to $25 million over the next 5 years to support small towns across America by funding community projects. The T-Mobile Hometown Grants program will help fund projects to build, rebuild, or refresh community spaces that help foster local connections such as a town-square pavilion, a historic building, an outdoor park, a ball field or a library. For more information, visit the T-Mobile website.
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Derelict Building Program
Due February 23, 2024
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources makes the Derelict Building Program available to Iowa towns of 5,000 or fewer residents to address neglected commercial or public structures that have been vacant for at least 6 months. This program is for applicants who are seeking funding assistance with conducting asbestos inspections, asbestos abatement, structural engineering analysis, phase I and phase II site assessments, building deconstruction, and building renovation expenses. For more information, contact Alicia Presto or visit the DNR Website here.
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Paint Iowa Beautiful
Due February 14
Through a partnership between the Keep Iowa Beautiful organization and Diamond Vogel Paint of Orange City, Iowa, groups can receive paint for community enhancement projects and parks. Thousands of gallons of paint have been donated to community groups through the Paint Iowa Beautiful program, which provides paint at no charge to a wide variety of public service projects throughout Iowa. For more information, visit the Keep Iowa Beautiful website or contact Jessica Walker.
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Enhance Iowa-Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT)Program
Due Quarterly on the 15th in February, May, August and November For more information, visit the Enhance Iowa Website
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Funding for Transportation
Revitalize Iowa's Sound Economy (RISE)
Due Year round until resources exhausted
The Iowa Dept. of Transportation's RISE Program is targeted toward value-adding activities that feed new dollars into the economy and provide maximum economic impact to the State. Contact Kyle Durant for additional information or assistance.
RISE Immediate Opportunity requires an immediate, non-speculative opportunity for permanent job creation or retention. Applications are accepted on a year-round basis.
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Speed Feedback Signs Program
Due Year round until resources exhausted
The intent of this program is to install speed feedback signs to improve the safety and overall livability of Iowa’s local communities. These signs are proven traffic calming devices that will be placed along state highways within a community. The Iowa DOT will procure and install the signs at no cost to the city if the city agrees to accept ownership and will maintain the sign. Incorporated cities with a population between 1,000 and 10,000 that are located along one or more state highways are eligible. For more information, visit the Iowa DOT’s Traffic and Safety website.
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Federal and State Recreational Trails
Due October 1st
Funding to provide and maintain motorized and non-motorized recreational trails and trail-related projects. More information can be found on the Iowa DOT Recreational Trails Program Website.
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Iowa Clean Air Attainment Program (ICAAP)
Due October 1st
Funding for highway/street, transit, bicycle/pedestrian or freight projects or programs which help maintain Iowa’s clean air quality by reducing transportation-related emissions. Projects on roadways must be on the federal aid system. More Information Here
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Traffic Engineering Assistance Program (TEAP)
Due Year round until resources exhausted
Iowa Dept. of Transportation’s Traffic Engineering Assistance Program (TEAP) provides up to 150 hours of free traffic engineering expertise to identify cost-effective traffic safety and operational improvements as well as potential funding sources to implement the recommendations.
Typical study subjects include pedestrian crossings, high-crash locations, and safe school routes, among others. For locations NOT on a state highway, requests must include a vulnerable road user safety component, such as bicycles or pedestrians.
Iowa cities without the resources of a staff traffic engineer and every Iowa county is eligible for the program. Applicants can submit a letter of request for services at any time to the appropriate Iowa DOT District Engineer. For more information, visit the Iowa DOT website.
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Iowa's Living Roadways Community Visioning
Due September 1st
The Community Visioning program assists Iowa communities of 10,000 or fewer with surface transportation improvements, such as providing pedestrian or bicycle facilities, beautifying routes, preserving historic sites, or converting unused rail corridors to trails. The program takes communities from identifying their surface transportation needs and developing a community vision to initiating project development. Communities that lack planning resources within the city government are prioritized. Learn more at the Community Visioning website.
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Traffic Safety Improvement Program
Due August 15
The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT)’s Traffic Safety Improvement Program (TSIP) provides funds for roadway safety improvements, traffic control devices, research studies, and public information initiatives. Cities and counties can submit applications for up to $500,000 per project. Learn more on the DOT’s website.
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The Outride Fund
Deadline Ongoing
The intent of this program is to install speed feedback signs to improve the safety and overall livability of Iowa’s local communities. These signs are proven traffic calming devices that will be placed along state highways within a community. The Iowa DOT will procure and install the signs at no cost to the city if the city agrees to accept ownership and will maintain the sign. Incorporated cities with a population between 1,000 and 10,000 that are located along one or more state highways are eligible. For more information, visit the Iowa DOT’s Traffic and Safety website.
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State Recreational Trails Program
Due July 1st
The State Recreational Trails program (SRT) provides funds to establish recreational trails throughout Iowa for the use and enjoyment of the public. Federal, state, or local agencies can apply to fund the acquisition,
construction, or improvement of public trails. Visit the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) website for
more information. Contact Transportation Director Mary Rump with questions about the SRT program.
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People for Bikes
Due October 31st
The People For Bikes Community Grant Program supports bicycle infrastructure projects and targeted advocacy initiatives that make it easier and safer for people of all ages and abilities to ride. Click here for more information.
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Community Spark Grant
Due January 17th
The League of American Bicyclists’ Bicycle Friendly America program awards organizations for projects and programs that spark change and catalyze a community’s ability to create places where bicycling is safer, easier, and more accessible. The desire is for organizations to propose projects that build Bicycle Friendly Communities and capacity for local leaders and influencers by uplifting the community and by creating inclusive coalitions that can shed new light on current issues. For more information, visit The League of American Bicyclists website.
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Sign Replacement Program
Application received throughout the year!
The purpose of this program is to replace existing damaged, worn, obsolete, or substandard signs and signposts for cities and counties. Maximum grant for cities and counties is $5,000 and $10,000 respectively. Visit the DOT Website or contact Transportation Director Mary Rump with questions about the program.
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The Outride Fund
Round 8 to be announced.
The Outride Fund partners with community nonprofits to promote cycling as a tool to improve social, emotional, and cognitive health through grants that are focused on social, emotional, and cognitive health. Example projects include school-based cycling programs, trail construction projects in places where there is little trail access or for a specific community-based/school-based program, and educational programs. For more information contact Brenda Vavroch or the Outride Website.
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Funding for Housing
Workforce Housing Tax Credits
Due June 10th
This program provides tax benefits to developers to provide housing in Iowa communities, focusing especially on those projects using abandoned, empty or dilapidated properties. The intent is to assist with construction or rehabilitation of housing in communities with workforce housing needs. A Small Cities set aside for this program is available to eligible projects within the 88-least populous counties in Iowa More information on qualification criteria and how to apply can be found at the IEDA website.
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ECIHTF Housing Programs
Applications accepted at any time
The East Central Iowa Housing Trust Fund (ECIHTF) accepts applications from local governments and qualified housing providers needing financial assistance to implement affordable housing projects that will address the mission of ECIHTF. Nonprofit, for-profit, and governmental entities are eligible to apply for funding assistance from ECIHTF for affordable housing projects located within the counties of Benton, Iowa, Jones, and Washington. For more information about ECIHTF and other ECICOG Housing programs, visit the ECICOG website or contact Housing Director Tracey Achenbach at tracey.achenbach@ecicog.org
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Community Forestry Program
Due August 15th
This program provides reimbursable grants to purchase and plant trees suitable to Iowa in counties impacted by the emerald ash borer (EAB). Award recipients will be reimbursed $500 to $10,000 for the purchase of trees and materials from Iowa businesses and are required to provide a dollar-for-dollar cash match. The application and rules are available online on the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Urban Forestry website.
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Iowa DNR REAP City Parks and Open Spaces
Due August 15th
The intent of this Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) program is to protect open spaces, in turn enhancing Iowa residents' quality of life, supporting economic development efforts, and taking precautions to care for the environment. The Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) City Parks and Open Spaces funds are typically used for parkland expansion and multipurpose recreation. For more information, visit the DNR website.
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Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
Due June 30th
FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grant programs provide funding opportunities for pre- and post-disaster mitigation. Together, these programs provide significant opportunities to reduce or eliminate potential losses to state, tribal and local assets through hazard mitigation planning and project grant funding. HMA grants are provided to eligible applicant states that, in turn, provide subgrants to local governments. The applicant selects and prioritizes applications developed and submitted to them by local jurisdictions to submit to FEMA for consideration of funding. For more information contact Environmental Planner Alica Presto or visit the the Iowa Hazard Mitigation website.
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Food Storage Capacity Grant
Deadline Ongoing
The Iowa DNR is offering the Food Storage Capacity Grant Opportunity to help address food waste, an issue that negatively impacts environmental, economic and social sustainability in Iowa and across the country. This grant opportunity is designed to expand storage and cold storage of recovered food items. Food banks, food pantries, and other non-profit organizations receiving food for distribution to food insecure Iowans are eligible to apply. Iowa Waste Exchange Specialists are able to help schools write grant applications to get shelving for in-school food pantries. Contact Environmental Specialist Josh Ventling for more information or visit the Iowa DNR website.
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Community Forestry Grant
Due March 1st
The Community Forestry Grant Program provides reimbursable grants for state and local government, schools, and volunteer organizations to be used to purchase and plant trees suitable to Iowa. Award recipients in counties impacted by the August 10, 2020 derecho will be awarded state infrastructure funds and bring a dollar-for-dollar local match. A total of $250,000 in funds are available. Award recipients will be reimbursed $500 to $5,000 to buy trees and materials. More information can be found at the Iowa DNR website.
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Iowa Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant
Due March 18th
The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) opened a new funding program to assist those interested in implementing community-driven strategies to reduce energy use and fossil fuel emissions through innovative energy efficiency measures or renewable energy deployment. The Iowa Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program is a competitive grant program to fund eligible local energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Visit the Iowa Energy Office website to find additional information or contact Environmental Services Lead Alicia Presto.
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Unified Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grant Program Notice of Intent
No Due Date
Later this year, FEMA is expected to announce the Unified Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grant program for FY 2024, including Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC). Projects submitted for consideration must be consistent with the goals and objectives identified in Iowa’s State Hazard Mitigation Plan and the approved local mitigation plan for the jurisdiction in which the activity is located. The BRIC grant provides an opportunity for communities to initiate shovel-ready mitigation projects that provide protection against natural hazards. Applicants with proposed projects located in a FEMA-identified Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) are eligible for funding only if the jurisdiction in which the project is located is participating in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Contact Resource Specialist Alicia Presto for more information.
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Solid Waste Alternative Program
January 2nd 2024 and July 1st 2024
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) works to reduce the amount of waste landfilled in Iowa through the Solid Waste Alternative Program (SWAP). SWAP provides financial assistance toward source reduction, recycling, and education projects such as installing waste reduction equipment, developing educational materials, or purchasing products with recycled content. Eligibility requirements can be found at the Iowa DNR website. Contact Alicia Presto for more information.
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Wildlife Habitat Grants
Due November 30th and May 31st Yearly
The DNR offers 75% cost-share funding to County Conservation Boards for the acquisition and development of lands for wildlife habitat. Lands must be open to hunting and trapping. Only those compatible activities such as fishing, hiking, nature study, cross-country skiing, etc., will be permitted. Grant applications for wildlife habitat projects are received two times a year, the last working day in May and in November. For more information, visit the DNR website or contact ECICOG Environmental Services Lead Alicia Presto.
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Land and Water Conservation Fund
Due March 15 Yearly
The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Program provides match funds of 50% for outdoor recreation area development and acquisition. Popular projects in recent years have included skate parks, playgrounds, new and renovated swimming pools, sport complexes, campgrounds, and multipurpose trails. Iowa's cities and counties are eligible to participate. Visit the Iowa DNR website for more information. Contact Environmental Services Lead Alicia Presto at alicia.presto@ecicog.org for additional assistance.
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Alliant Energy Community Tree Planting Program
Due November 1st 2024
The utility provides grants for community-based, tree-planting projects - like parks, gateways, cemeteries, nature trails, libraries, nursing homes, schools and more.
