State Grants

The City Parks and Open Space Grant, funded by REAP (Resource Enhancement And Protection), is a competitive grant program supporting cities across Iowa in developing parks and open spaces. This initiative is a core component of the Iowa Legislature's commitment to enhancing the state's natural resources and recreational opportunities, aligning with a broader mission of environmental stewardship and community well-being. The funding originates from gaming revenues, demonstrating a strategic allocation of state resources towards public amenities and green infrastructure. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are the cities within Iowa, which receive the financial support to undertake park and open space development projects. Ultimately, the residents of these cities, as well as visitors, benefit from improved access to recreational areas, enhanced natural environments, and greater opportunities for outdoor activities. The impact goals center on fostering healthier communities, preserving biodiversity through open spaces, and boosting the quality of life for Iowans by creating accessible and engaging public spaces. The grant prioritizes the development of parks and open spaces, explicitly excluding certain types of facilities. Projects that do not qualify for funding include athletic fields, organized sports facilities, swimming pools, and playground equipment. This focus indicates an emphasis on broader, more naturalistic or passive recreational areas rather than specialized sports or play infrastructure. The grant also highlights its commitment to equitable distribution by allocating funds across cities of various sizes, ensuring that both large and small communities have opportunities to benefit. The expected outcomes include the successful development and enhancement of numerous city parks and open spaces across Iowa. Measurable results would involve the number of new or improved park acres, the types of new amenities created (excluding the proscribed items), and potentially an increase in public engagement with these spaces. The program's design, which requires no local matching funds, removes a significant barrier for many communities, increasing accessibility and the likelihood of successful project implementation. The strategic priority is to leverage state gaming revenues to directly improve local community infrastructure related to environmental and recreational assets, embodying a theory of change where targeted state investment leads to widespread local environmental and social benefits. Applications for this program are due by August 15, 2024.

This program provides funding to local governments for implementing cost-effective safety improvements on roads to help reduce serious accidents and fatalities.

The Iowa Legislature, through its REAP (Resource Enhancement and Protection) funds, offers a cost-share grant program primarily focused on land acquisitions. This program dedicates one-tenth of the Open Spaces portion of REAP to partner with private organizations for land acquisition, covering 75% of the costs. The remaining 25% is expected to be funded through private contributions. The core mission of this grant is to facilitate collaboration between private conservation groups and the state to achieve dual objectives: providing outdoor recreation opportunities for the public and protecting critical habitats across all Iowa counties. This aligns with a broader strategic priority of fostering public-private partnerships for environmental stewardship and enhancing public access to natural resources. The primary beneficiaries of this program are private conservation groups seeking to acquire land for conservation and recreation purposes. Ultimately, the impact extends to the general public in Iowa, who gain access to expanded outdoor recreation areas, and to the diverse ecosystems within the state, which benefit from enhanced habitat protection. The program's goals are centered on increasing the amount of protected land and improving access to natural spaces, thereby contributing to the state's environmental health and residents' well-being. The program's priorities and focus are clearly on land acquisition, specifically through a cost-sharing model. It emphasizes the importance of private contributions to complement state funding, encouraging a collaborative approach to conservation. The state's role in managing the acquired properties on behalf of the public after acquisition underscores a commitment to long-term stewardship and public benefit. The grant is not limited to specific counties but is available across all counties in Iowa, indicating a broad and inclusive approach to conservation efforts throughout the state. The expected outcomes of this grant program are a measurable increase in protected land acreage within Iowa and the expansion of outdoor recreational opportunities for its citizens. By covering a significant portion of land acquisition costs, the program aims to incentivize and enable more private conservation groups to undertake such projects. Measurable results would include the number of acres acquired, the types of habitats protected, and the accessibility of new recreational sites. This aligns with a theory of change that posits that by financially supporting private conservation efforts and ensuring state management, significant environmental and recreational benefits can be achieved for the public good.

This program provides funding to community organizations to educate and assist District workers about their employment rights, including issues like minimum wage and workplace leave.

This funding opportunity supports projects that improve water quality and restore ecosystems across California, targeting local governments, non-profits, and other organizations involved in watershed management and environmental conservation.

The City Parks and Open Space Grant, funded by the Iowa Legislature via REAP funds derived from gaming revenues, is a competitive grant program allocating 15% of REAP funds to cities across Iowa. The primary mission of this program is to support the creation and enhancement of city parks and open spaces. This aligns with a broader strategic priority to invest in community green infrastructure and quality of life initiatives within the state. The target beneficiaries of this grant are cities throughout Iowa, with grant distributions based on city size categories. The program's impact goals center on fostering healthier, more vibrant communities by increasing access to and improving the quality of natural recreational areas. It specifically excludes athletic fields, sports facilities, pools, and playgrounds to maintain a focus on passive recreation and natural landscapes. The program's priorities and focus are clearly defined: to support city parks and open spaces. This includes projects that enhance biodiversity, provide environmental benefits, and offer residents opportunities for outdoor enjoyment and relaxation. The competitive nature of the grant ensures that funds are directed towards projects demonstrating the greatest potential for impact and alignment with the program's objectives. Expected outcomes include an increase in the total acreage of protected and improved parkland and open space within Iowa cities. Measurable results could include the number of new or renovated park facilities, increased public engagement with green spaces, and enhancements to local ecosystems. The underlying theory of change is that by investing in natural public spaces, the program will contribute to improved public health, environmental sustainability, and overall community well-being, reflecting a strategic belief in the value of accessible green infrastructure.

This program provides funding to local governments and agencies for safety improvements at public highway-railroad crossings, helping to install and upgrade signal devices and enhance crossing safety features.

The Iowa Community Cultural Grant program helps cities, county governments, tribal councils, and nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations support the development of community programs that provide jobs for local Iowans while promoting Iowa’s cultural, ethnic, and historical heritages through festivals, music, drama, cultural programs, and tourism projects. The program is administered by the Iowa Arts Council within the Iowa Economic Development Authority and is funded through an appropriation by the Iowa Legislature.

This grant program is designed to support conservation efforts within Iowa counties. It targets counties that demonstrate a commitment to conservation by allocating at least 22¢ per $1,000 of taxable property value towards such initiatives. The overall mission alignment of this program is to foster environmental stewardship and resource protection across the state, ensuring that local governments have the necessary funding to implement impactful conservation projects. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are the Iowa counties themselves, specifically their conservation departments or entities responsible for managing natural resources. Indirectly, the residents of these counties and the broader environment benefit from the projects undertaken. The impact goals include enhancing natural habitats, preserving critical ecosystems, and providing educational opportunities related to environmental conservation. The program prioritizes a range of activities, including land acquisition for conservation purposes, capital improvements that benefit natural areas, direct resource protection efforts, and environmental education initiatives aimed at raising public awareness and promoting sustainable practices. Notably, the program explicitly excludes funding for sports complexes, playgrounds, and dog parks, maintaining a clear focus on core conservation activities. It also sets specific requirements for multi-use and biking trails, ensuring they align with broader conservation objectives. Expected outcomes include an increase in protected natural areas, improved ecological health of county lands, and greater public engagement in environmental issues through educational programs. Measurable results could include the acreage of land acquired or improved, the number of individuals participating in environmental education, and the specific conservation gains achieved through resource protection projects. The application process requires detailed project descriptions, maps, budgets, and compliance with ADA and civil rights regulations, ensuring that projects are well-planned and accountable. Submissions for this grant are due by August 15, 2024.

This program provides funding to Iowa's local governments for the construction and improvement of public boat access facilities at lakes and streams.

All work supported under this Grant shall focus on reducing health disparities for the populations across the state impacted by the high prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD), exacerbated by health inequities and disparities, social determinants, such as low incomes, poor health care, and unfair opportunity structures.  Financial Notes: National Cardiovascular 2304 Strategy 3B ADHS will identify one (1) Subrecipient to create or expand a (CHW) led community-clinical linkage partnership/program in one of the following counties: Apache, Cochise, Coconino, Gila, Graham, Greenlee, Mohave, Navajo, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz, Yavapai, or Yuma. The Subrecipient shall work with the CCL partnership/program to identify and train a team of CHWs to recruit for and implement the CCL partnership/program, providing a continuum of care and services which extend the benefits of clinical interventions and address social services and support needs leading to optimal health outcomes. Innovative Cardiovascular 2305 Strategies 3A and 3B ADHS will identify one (1) contractor to create or expand a community-clinical linkage partnership/program within Maricopa County. The Subrecipient shall work within a CCL partnerships/programs to identify and train dedicated CHWs (or their equivalents) through a CHW SDOH referral system to create and enhance community clinical links to identify social determinants of health {(SDoH) e.g., housing, transportation, access to care, and community resources} and respond to the individual social services and support needs within each county, providing a continuum of care and services which extend the benefits of clinical interventions and address social services and support needs leading to optimal health outcomes.

This program provides financial assistance to cities, counties, railroads, and spur track owners for repairing and maintaining safe highway-railroad grade crossings.

This program provides funding to states for projects that maintain, develop, and improve recreational trails, benefiting local communities and outdoor enthusiasts.

This funding opportunity supports local governments in beautifying roadside areas along primary highways by providing financial assistance for planting seeds or live plants.

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 program provides funding to Iowa cities for the construction of compliant curb ramps on primary roads, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

This program provides funding to local governments and private organizations in Iowa for the development and maintenance of trails and parks for all-terrain and off-road vehicles.

This program provides funding to cities, counties, and the Iowa DOT for improving roadway safety through targeted projects, traffic control devices, and educational outreach.

This funding opportunity is designed for non-profit organizations focused on preventing youth violence and supporting at-risk youth through evidence-based strategies.

To ensure that employment & training programs are providing exceptional services to SNAP and TANF customers and their families in Illinois, E&T Training, Technical Assistance(E&T-TTA) is provided to community-based organizations, direct service workers, units of local government, system stakeholders, etc. in regard to Department program models, data collection systems, best practices in collaborative career planning, employability assessments, employment placement, education & training, trauma-informed motivational interviewing, principles and practices of racial equity and various other provider identified trainings and support activities. Additional E&T-TTA functions include an online resource center, networking activities, a training advisory group and the capacity to provide the staff support for various ad-hoc committees to ensure provider input related to program development and improvement activities.