November 2021
Recreation Economy for Rural Communities
November 22
The Recreation Economy for Rural Communities grant program pairs a planning team with a rural community to determine how best to grow local outdoor recreation. The planning process will include bringing together local residents and stakeholders, holding a community workshop, and identifying a vision, goals, and specific actions for those goals. Local governments, tribes, and nonprofit organizations representing a community can apply. Visit the EPA’s website for more details or contact Environmental Services Director Jennifer Fencl with questions.
November 22
The Recreation Economy for Rural Communities grant program pairs a planning team with a rural community to determine how best to grow local outdoor recreation. The planning process will include bringing together local residents and stakeholders, holding a community workshop, and identifying a vision, goals, and specific actions for those goals. Local governments, tribes, and nonprofit organizations representing a community can apply. Visit the EPA’s website for more details or contact Environmental Services Director Jennifer Fencl with questions.
December 2021
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Rural Housing Assessment Grant Program
December 1 The Rural Housing Assessment Grant helps communities assess current development environment and enact changes toward policies and procedures attractive to potential developers. Grant amounts are $10,000 with a cash match of $5,000. Cities of 20,000 or fewer not contiguous to a city at least 40,000 are eligible. Visit the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) Rural Housing Assessment Program website or contact Community Development and Housing Director Tracey Achenbach for more information. Rural Return Grant Program
December 1 The Rural Return Grant program supports creative programming to attract new residents to rural communities. Incentive programs can be targeting a specific profession, supporting a specific demographic, or celebrating local assets. Iowa businesses, schools, city or county governments, and private 501(c)3 nonprofit agencies or foundations are eligible to apply. Visit the IEDA Rural Return Grant page or contact ECICOG Senior Planner / Economic Development Specialist Adam Bentley for more information. Brownfield Assessment Grant
December 1 Assessment Grants provide funding for a grant recipient to inventory, characterize, assess, conduct a range of planning activities, develop site-specific cleanup plans, and conduct community involvement related to brownfield sites. The performance period for these grants is three years. Learn more at the EPA’s website. With additional questions, contact Environmental Services Director Jennifer Fencl at jennifer.fencl@ecicog.org. Brownfield Clean Up Grant
December 1 Cleanup grants provide funding for a grant recipient to carry out cleanup activities at brownfield sites. Due to budget limitations, no entity can apply for funding cleanup activities at more than three sites. These funds may be used to address sites contaminated by petroleum and hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants (including hazardous substances co-mingled with petroleum). Learn more at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s website or contact Environmental Services Director Jennifer Fencl. |
Rural Innovation Grant Program
December 1 The Rural Innovation Grant program supports creative, non-traditional ideas about rural communities’ challenges with community investment, growth and connection. Iowa businesses, colleges, universities, city and county governments, and private 501(c)3 nonprofit agencies and foundations are eligible. Maximum grant amount is $20,000 with a 1:1/2 cash match requirement. Visit the IEDA Rural Innovation Grant Program website or contact ECICOG Senior Planner / Economic Development Specialist Adam Bentley for more information. Rural Child Care Market Study Grant Program
December 1 The Rural Child Care Market Study Grant program seeks to provide rural communities with the means to determine specific childcare needs and solutions in their area. In partnership with First Children’s Finance, funding from the program will empower communities to assess their current child care market environment and develop strategies. The study must take place in and benefit an Iowan community of 20,000 or fewer and not contiguous to a city of 40,000 or greater. For additional eligibility specifications, visit the IEDA website. Contact Economic Development Specialist Adam Bentley for additional assistance. Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Grant
December 1 These EPA RLF grants fund cleanup and redevelopment activities at brownfield sites. Grants up to $1,000,000 are available for recipients to address hazardous substances, pollutants, petroleum, and additional contaminants. Visit the EPA website for additional eligibility information or contact Environmental Services Director Jennifer Fencl at jennifer.fencl@ecicog.org. Transportation Funding Available
December 15 ECICOG is announcing the opportunity for local governments to apply for regional Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) and Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) funds. Eligible projects will occur in federal fiscal years 2023-2026. Visit our Transportation Funding page for more details and application information, or contact Transportation Director Mary Rump with questions. |
January 2022
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Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Water and Sewer
Typically, the CDBG Water & Sewer grant would be due January 1, but the IEDA is not accepting applications for this period. Solid Waste Alternatives Program
January 2 The Solid Waste Alternatives Program (SWAP) works to reduce the amount of solid waste generated and landfilled in Iowa. Financial assistance is available for a variety of projects, including source reduction, recycling and education. Funds can be used for such items as equipment for waste reduction or recycling, educational materials or workshops, recycled content products, and more. Any unit of local government, public or private group, or individual is eligible to apply. Visit the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website or contact ECICOG Planner/IWE Resource Specialist Area 4 Alicia Presto for more information. Preservation Assistance Grants for Smaller Institutions
January 13 Preservation Assistance Grants help small and mid-sized institutions such as libraries, museums, or colleges preserve and care for their significant humanities collections. These may include collections of books and journals, prints and photographs, architectural records, fine art objects, and more. Visit the National Enodwment for the Humanities' page or contact Community Development and Housing Director Tracey Achenbach for more information. Community Catalyst Building Remediation
Pre-application due January 28 The Community Catalyst Building Remediation Program assists communities with the redevelopment or rehabilitation of buildings to stimulate economic growth or reinvestment in the community. Cities can apply for the rehabilitation of one commercial building two adjacent buildings with same owner. Visit the IEDA website or contact Community Development and Housing Director Tracey Achenbach for more information. |
T-Mobile Hometown Grants
Opens in January, applications 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. Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)
January 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 or contact ECICOG Environmental Services Director Jennifer Fencl for more information. Downtown Housing Grant
January 31 The Downtown Housing Grant supports local downtown revitalization for communities under 30,000. This funding will go towards building rehabilitation projects to increase local upper floor housing options. Projects creating or improving under 10 housing units are eligible for $100,000 to $300,000; projects creating 10 plus units are eligible for $100,000 to $600,000. The City must be the applicant. Visit the IEDA website or contact Community Development and Housing Director Tracey Achenbach for more information. |
Iowa Foundation for Parks & Recreation Mini Grants
January 31
The Iowa Foundation for Parks & Recreation Mini Grants are to provide funding for leisure facilities, activities, events, or programs to promote and improve leisure opportunities and amenities for citizens in small Iowa communities. Park & Recreation Departments or local organized groups within an Iowa community with a population of 10,000 or less may apply. Visit the Foundation's website or contact Community Development and Housing Director Tracey Achenbach for more information.
January 31
The Iowa Foundation for Parks & Recreation Mini Grants are to provide funding for leisure facilities, activities, events, or programs to promote and improve leisure opportunities and amenities for citizens in small Iowa communities. Park & Recreation Departments or local organized groups within an Iowa community with a population of 10,000 or less may apply. Visit the Foundation's website or contact Community Development and Housing Director Tracey Achenbach for more information.
February 2022
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AARP Community Challenge
Opens in February The AARP Community Challenge provides small grants to fund quick-action projects that can help communities become more livable for people of all ages. Applications are accepted for projects to improve public spaces, housing, transportation, civic engagement, coronavirus recovery, diversity and inclusion, and more. Grants can range from several hundred dollars for smaller, short-term activities to several thousand or tens of thousands of dollars for larger projects. Government entities and non-profits are eligible to apply. For more information and to apply, visit the AARP Challenge website. |
Derelict Building Grant Program
February 25 The Derelict Building Program through the Iowa DNR is available for Iowa towns of 5,000 or fewer residents. The program will address neglected commercial or public structures that have sat vacant for at least six months. Funding can assist with asbestos inspections, asbestos abatement, structural engineering analysis, site assessments, building deconstruction, and building renovation expenses. Learn more here. Contact Environmental Services Director Jennifer Fencl at jennifer.fencl@ecicog.org for assistance. |
Rural Business Development Grant Program
February 28
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Business Development Grants are designed to support the development or expansion of small and emerging private businesses in rural areas. Rural public entities may apply for funds to go toward projects such as training and technical assistance, acquisition or development of land, community economic development, and more. Learn more about eligibility and application requirements at the USDA website. Contact Economic Development Specialist Adam Bentley with questions.
February 28
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Business Development Grants are designed to support the development or expansion of small and emerging private businesses in rural areas. Rural public entities may apply for funds to go toward projects such as training and technical assistance, acquisition or development of land, community economic development, and more. Learn more about eligibility and application requirements at the USDA website. Contact Economic Development Specialist Adam Bentley with questions.
March 2022
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.
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.
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
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.
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
Arts Event Partnership Grants
Funding period ends June 30
Arts Event Partnership Grants support the presentation of special events such as virtual or in-person conferences, festivals, symposiums and other public gatherings that contribute to the vitality of the arts in Iowa. Grant requests range from $1,000-$2,500, and eligible applicant include current Iowa resident artist, nonprofit organizations, higher education institutions, and local, county, state, or tribal government. Visit the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs website or contact Community Development Specialist Tom Gruis with questions.
Funding period ends June 30
Arts Event Partnership Grants support the presentation of special events such as virtual or in-person conferences, festivals, symposiums and other public gatherings that contribute to the vitality of the arts in Iowa. Grant requests range from $1,000-$2,500, and eligible applicant include current Iowa resident artist, nonprofit organizations, higher education institutions, and local, county, state, or tribal government. Visit the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs website or contact Community Development Specialist Tom Gruis with questions.
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 with questions.
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 with questions.
