Discover Ames Community Grant Program

The Discover Ames Community Grant Program is administered by Discover Ames, a local tourism and community development organization based in Ames, Iowa. This annual grant initiative is overseen by the Discover Ames Grant Committee, which is responsible for reviewing applications and recommending awards to the Discover Ames Board of Directors. The primary aim of the program is to enrich the local quality of life while promoting tourism and enhancing visitor experiences through support for public events and activities. The grant program is designed to provide funding for a diverse range of cultural, educational, recreational, and artistic events or activities that are open to the public. It prioritizes initiatives that not only serve local residents but also have the potential to attract visitors to the Ames area. Events that are likely to enhance the overall visitor experience in Ames are particularly encouraged. The grant committee evaluates applications based on merit, and funds are distributed with the goal of maximizing community engagement and tourism impact. Eligible applicants include both public and private organizations that can demonstrate their capacity to successfully execute the proposed event or activity. This inclusivity encourages broad participation from the community and fosters innovative proposals. To apply, organizations must complete a formal grant application, which is reviewed by the committee during the fourth quarter of the year. Applicants may be contacted for additional information during the review process, indicating a thorough evaluation to ensure project viability and alignment with program goals. For the 2026 funding cycle, the application deadline is set for October 10, 2025. This marks the final date by which all submissions must be received for consideration. While the official application form is not currently available, Discover Ames has indicated that it will be released in July 2025. In addition to the standard grant process, the organization also offers a limited number of special request grants outside the normal application window. These are intended for new or one-time events that occur within the same calendar year and require expedited funding decisions. Recipients of grant funding must adhere to several post-award requirements. All events must be publicly accessible, and promotional materials must include the Discover Ames logo. Grantees may request up to 50% of their award in advance of the event. A final report, including original receipts, must be submitted within 60 days of the event’s conclusion. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in disqualification from future funding cycles. For additional information, applicants are directed to contact Discover Ames directly at their offices located at 1601 Golden Aspen Dr., Suite 110, Ames, Iowa 50010. Inquiries can also be made via phone at 515.232.4032 or email at info@discoverames.com. Further details, including guidelines for the special request grants and reports from past grant recipients, are available on the Discover Ames website.