Discover Ames Community Grant Program

The Discover Ames Community Grant Program is administered by Discover Ames and was established to support events and activities that are open to the general public. Grants are awarded annually based on merit, with applications reviewed by the Discover Ames Community Grant Committee and recommendations submitted to the Discover Ames Board of Directors for final approval. The program is entering its 21st year for 2027. Source materials report substantial historical support through the program, including approximately $1.4 million awarded since inception. The program is intended to encourage broad participation and innovative proposals from organizations capable of successfully completing their proposed events or activities. The purpose of the Community Grant Program is to support events and activities that improve the quality of life for Ames residents while also having the potential to attract visitors to the Ames area or enhance the experience of visitors. Potential projects may be cultural, educational, recreational, or artistic. The grant committee evaluates applications using a scoring rubric based on applicant responses. Stated considerations include the event or activity's ability to attract visitors or enhance their stay, its diversity and uniqueness, its appeal to a broad audience, and its ability to create a positive perception of Ames and improve quality of life in the Ames community. Applicants are therefore expected to complete the entire application and answer each question as thoroughly as possible. Applications are accepted from public and private organizations that demonstrate the ability to complete the proposed event or activity. The traditional Community Grant Program supports public-facing events and activities, while a separate Special Request Community Grant is available on a limited basis for new, one-time, special, or unique events occurring within the application year and requesting support outside the traditional application cycle. Events that have received funding through the traditional Discover Ames Community Grant within the previous five years are not eligible for Special Request funding. Special Request events must be open to the public. For Special Request Community Grants, funds may not be used for ongoing organizational operating expenditures, permanent infrastructure, capital building projects, professional services such as legal, medical, engineering, accounting, or auditing services, general fundraising or donations, salaries, wages, administrative fees, debt retirement or associated fees, activities contrary to federal, state, or local law or ordinance, or private events. Special Request recipients must include the Discover Ames logo, website, and the wording "Supported by the Discover Ames Community Grant Program" on event or activity marketing materials as appropriate. A final report must be completed within 60 days after the event, and copies of original receipts are required. Failure to comply with these obligations prohibits the organization from receiving future funding. Beginning with the 2026 program changes, Community Grant recipients holding admission-fee events are also required to provide two complimentary tickets, and final reporting requests images or photos showing where the Discover Ames Community Grant was mentioned or highlighted in event advertising, signage, or postings. Applicants for the traditional 2027 Community Grant are required to complete a grant application form. The application period is currently open, and the stated deadline for 2027 grants is October 9, 2026. The Community Grant Committee meets during the fourth quarter to review applications for the upcoming year, evaluates submitted applications using a rubric, and makes recommendations to the Discover Ames Board of Directors for final approval. Applicants may be asked to provide additional information during screening. For Special Request grants, applications should be submitted at least three months before the event, and applicants are notified of the Grant Committee's award decision within four weeks after the application is received. The traditional Community Grant is an annual program. Based on the stated October 9, 2026 deadline for the 2027 cycle and the annual nature of the program, the next cycle is expected around October 2027 unless Discover Ames publishes a different schedule. The supplied materials do not state a minimum or maximum individual award, a required applicant match, or a confirmed total funding pool specifically for the 2027 application cycle. They do state that five percent of received hotel and motel tax is currently set aside for the traditional Community Grant and one half of one percent is set aside for Special Request Community Grants. General program contact information is Discover Ames at info@discoverames.com or 515.232.4032, with an address of 1601 Golden Aspen Dr. Suite 110, Ames, Iowa 50010.

Answer every application question thoroughly because the committee uses a scoring rubric. Demonstrate enthusiasm and commitment to successful execution. Explain how the event will attract visitors or enhance their stay. Highlight diversity uniqueness and broad audience appeal. Explain how the event will create a positive perception of Ames and improve quality of life in the community.