Iowa Community Development Grants

This funding opportunity provides financial support to charitable nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, education, and health, to help them implement programs or expand initiatives within the community.

The City Parks and Open Space Grant, funded by 15% of REAP funds derived from gaming revenues, is a competitive grant program administered by the Iowa Legislature. This program is designed to support cities across Iowa in developing and maintaining their park and open space areas. The mission of this grant program aligns with fostering community well-being and environmental stewardship by providing accessible green spaces for public use. While not explicitly stating a foundation, the grant operates with a strategic priority of enhancing public spaces within cities through a state-level funding mechanism. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are cities across all counties in Iowa, which then, in turn, benefit their residents by providing enhanced recreational and natural areas. The overarching impact goal is to improve the quality of life for Iowa citizens by increasing the availability and quality of public parks and open spaces. This goal is achieved through the allocation of funds based on city size categories, ensuring equitable distribution and impact across different community scales. The grant prioritizes projects that focus on the development and improvement of city parks and open spaces, with a clear exclusion of facilities for organized sports, athletic fields, pools, and playgrounds. This focus ensures that the funds are directed towards passive recreational areas and natural spaces, promoting a specific type of outdoor engagement. The program's theory of change appears to be that by providing financial incentives for cities to develop and maintain these specific types of public spaces, the overall health, happiness, and connection to nature for residents will improve. Expected outcomes include an increase in the number and quality of accessible city parks and open spaces throughout Iowa. While specific measurable results like the number of new parks or acres of open space created are not detailed, the competitive nature and funding distribution by city size suggest an intent for widespread improvement. The grant's no-local-matching-funds requirement also serves to ensure that smaller or less affluent cities are not excluded, thereby maximizing the reach and impact of the program across the state. Applications for this grant are due by August 15, 2024.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in Scott County, Iowa, and Rock Island County, Illinois, to implement projects that enhance youth education, promote financial stability, and improve community health.

This initiative provides funding and support to nonprofit organizations, local governments, and Tribal governments in coal-impacted communities to develop and scale innovative economic projects that create job opportunities and foster local economic transformation.

This grant provides financial assistance to businesses and building owners in downtown Ames for improving their building façades, with a focus on historically significant features.

This grant provides financial support to established nonprofit organizations in Dubuque that create and present arts and cultural experiences, while promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.

This grant provides financial support to government partner communities for creating new public art projects that enhance community engagement and interaction with local water trails and access points.

This program provides funding for farmers and ranchers in the North Central region to develop and share sustainable agricultural practices through research and educational projects.

This program provides financial assistance to Iowa cities for the redevelopment or rehabilitation of underutilized buildings to promote economic growth and community revitalization.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and public entities in Carroll County, Iowa, to support community-focused projects that enhance the well-being of local residents.

This grant provides financial assistance to young people and families facing challenges related to education, poverty, housing, gender, and health, enabling them to access essential resources and support.

This funding opportunity supports local organizations and businesses in Iowa City to implement projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable practices in areas like energy efficiency, transportation, and waste reduction.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and government entities in Fayette County, Iowa, to support community projects that enhance quality of life in areas such as arts, education, health, and environmental welfare.

This grant provides funding to nonprofits in Dubuque County, Iowa, to support projects that promote health, education, economic empowerment, social inclusion, and community development.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and government entities that enhance the quality of life for residents in Hancock County, Iowa.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and government entities in Floyd County, Iowa, to support community projects that enhance quality of life across various sectors, including arts, education, health, and environment.

This grant provides financial support to grassroots community organizing groups in the Midwest that focus on empowering low- and moderate-income populations, particularly those historically excluded from civic participation, to drive systemic change and promote social justice.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and local government units in O’Brien County, Iowa, for projects that enhance community quality of life across various fields such as education, health, and the arts.

This grant provides expert-led innovation support to eligible nonprofit organizations in Alliant Energy's service areas, helping them strengthen their missions and enhance community impact without offering direct financial assistance.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Scott County, Iowa, and Rock Island County, Illinois, focusing on programs that address basic human needs, benefit youth, or enhance community welfare.