March 2022
Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)
Due March 15
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 Director Jennifer Fencl at jennifer.fencl@ecicog.org or 319-289-0065 for additional assistance.
T-Mobile Hometown Grants
Due by end of March
The T-Mobile Hometown Grants program will help fund projects to build, rebuild, or refresh community spaces that help foster local connections in your town. This might include the town square pavilion, a historic building, an outdoor park, a ball field, or a library-- any place where friends and neighbors connect. Visit the T-Mobile website or contact Community Development Specialist Tom Gruis for more information.
April 2022
CDBG - Water & Sewer
April 1
The goal of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) is to provide economic opportunities for people, especially those of low- and moderate income. The annual Water & Sewer program assists cities and counties with projects such as improvements to sanitary sewer systems and water systems, water and wastewater treatment facility projects, storm sewer projects, and rural water connections. Visit the IEDA website for more details on fund amounts and qualifications or contact Environmental Planner John Bruce for additional assistance.
May 2022
Art Project Grant
May 2
Apply for funding to support the creation and presentation of new artwork, development of an arts experience or formation of an arts education program. Art Project Grants support arts activities that are accessible to Iowans and positively impact the vitality of the arts in Iowa. Funding can be used to create and/or present new artwork, develop an arts experience, or form an arts education program. Iowa artists, nonprofits, and local governments are eligible to apply for up to $10,000l Visit the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs website for more information.
Iowa Great Places
Due May 2
The Iowa Great Places grant seeks to cultivate Iowa neighborhoods’ local character and authentic qualities. At its core, the program embraces “creative placemaking” – building upon local assets to build more vibrant public spaces. The program provides a ten-year designation as an Iowa Great Place and additional resources. Nonprofits and communities are eligible to apply, with more detail on the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs website.
Creative Places Project Grant
Due May 2
The Creative Places Project Grant funds arts and cultural projects. The goal is to advance creative placemaking as a workforce or tourism strategy. Iowa nonprofits and communities are eligible to apply for up to $2,500 for small projects that engage artists, creative workers, or cultural organizations. Learn how to apply on the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs website.
REAP - Conservation & Education
May 16
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) aims to inspire people to connect with their natural resources. The Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) Conservation Education Program is the funding mechanism for the DNR to support educational programs. Visit the REAP website for more information or contact Environmental Services Director Jennifer Fencl at jennifer.fencl@ecicog.org.
June 2022
Enhance Iowa Sports Tourism
Applications accepted February 1 through June 1
The new Enhance Iowa Sports Tourism program will provide financial assistance for projects that market or promote sporting events in Iowa. The sporting events can be at professional, collegiate, and amateur levels, and the promotional or marketing activities can occur for up to two years. Cities, counties, economic development organizations, and other not-for-profit organizations can apply. The program will cover up to 50% of eligible promotion costs, including advertising, payment to vendors, equipment rentals, and more. Visit the IEDA website for more details about the program and how to apply.
State Workforce Housing Tax Credit  Program
Due June 15
This program provides tax benefits to developers to provide housing in Iowa communities, focusing especially on those projects using abandoned, empty, or dilapidated properties. There is a total of $25 million available, with $15m set aside for small communities in Benton, Iowa, Jones, and Washington Counties. There is an additional developer tax initiative up to $150,000 in value. Please visit the Iowa EDA website for eligible project types and program requirements. 
Iowa Living Roadway Trust Fund
Due June 1
Working through many partners in Iowa, the Living Roadway Trust Fund supports integrated roadside vegetation management and educates the public on the benefits, use, and care of roadside vegetation, including native plants. Counties and cities are eligible. Learn more about the application process at the Iowa Living Roadway Trust Fund website.
July 2022
State Recreational Trails Program
July 1
The state trail program provides funds for recreational trails and trail-related projects. The funding can be used for the acquisition of property, new trail construction, or maintenance and improvement of existing trails. Visit the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) website for more details or contact Transportation Director Mary Rump at mary.rump@ecicog.org with questions.
Solid Waste Alternative Program (SWAP)
July 1
SWAP works to reduce the amount of solid waste generated and landfilled in Iowa. Financial assistance is available for a variety of project, including source reduction, recycling, and education. Visit the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website for more information.
August 2022
Traffic Safety Improvement Program (TSIP)
August 15
The TISP’s intent is to distribute funds for roadway safety improvements, traffic control devices, research, studies, or public information initiatives. Cities and counties can submit applications for up to $500,000 per project. Learn more on the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT)’s website. Contact Transportation Director Mary Rump at mary.rump@ecicog.org with questions.
REAP - City Parks and Open Spaces
August 15
This program's intent 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. REAP City Parks and Open Spaces funds are typically used for parkeland expansion and multi-purpose recreation developments. Because these grants do not require a local match, the program is competitive. Visit the Iowa DNR website or contact Environmental Services Director Jen Fencl at jennifer.fencl@ecicog.org to learn more.
700 16th St. NE Suite 301
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
319-365-9941
Pursuant to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987 and other nondiscrimination authorities, it is the policy of the East Central Iowa Council of Governments (ECICOG) that discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability or income status shall not occur in connection with any of its programs or activities. For more information on Title VI, or to file a complaint please see the Title VI section here.