Iowa Infrastructure Grants

This funding opportunity is designed to support local nonprofits, government entities, and public school agencies in Buena Vista County with various project needs.

The Rural Housing Assessment Grant program, administered by the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA)'s Center for Rural Revitalization, aims to empower rural communities in Iowa. This initiative aligns with a broader mission to revitalize rural areas by enabling communities to interpret publicly available data and implement changes in development codes, local ordinances, and housing incentives. The program's foundation is deeply rooted in the belief that data-driven decisions at the local level are crucial for fostering a development environment attractive to potential housing developers, ultimately contributing to the economic and social well-being of rural Iowa. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are local city and county governments, as well as federally recognized tribal governments located in Iowa. Specifically, projects and programs must exist in and benefit communities with a population of 20,000 or fewer, and not be contiguous to a city with a population of 40,000 or greater. For countywide projects, eligibility is restricted to the 88 least populous counties. The impact goals are centered on facilitating the assessment of current development environments, enacting policy changes, and ultimately increasing the availability of suitable housing in these underserved rural areas. The program prioritizes several key areas. First, it focuses on supporting the use of publicly available, online information, encouraging communities to leverage existing data for informed decision-making. Second, a significant focus is placed on partnering with Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and Outreach for their Rural Housing Readiness Assessment workshops. These workshops are integral to helping communities assess their current housing landscape and identify areas for improvement. The grant funds are specifically designed to support housing assessment data collection, participation in these workshops, and the subsequent implementation of workshop outcomes within the contract period. Expected outcomes include the completion of housing assessment reports, successful participation in the ISU Extension and Outreach Rural Housing Assessment Readiness Workshop, and the implementation of policy and procedural changes that attract developers. Measurable results will be tied to the completion of these deliverables and the demonstrable progress made in adjusting local regulations to be more conducive to housing development. Grant recipients can be awarded up to $20,000, with a funding period for all project activities and incurred expenses spanning from October 1, 2024, to June 30, 2026. The program also requires a $5,000 cash match for each city or full county partnering on an application, ensuring local commitment and investment.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (Iowa DNR) Trees for Kids Grant Program is designed to educate children, teenagers, and young adults about the importance of trees and their many benefits. It also aims to provide hands-on experience in tree planting and maintenance. This program aligns with a mission to increase and diversify tree canopy in public areas within Iowa communities, supporting environmental stewardship and community engagement. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are youth in Iowa, specifically children, teenagers, and young adults, who will gain direct experience with tree planting and care. Indirectly, the entire community benefits from increased tree canopy in public spaces such as parks, community centers, and public schools. The program's impact goals include fostering environmental education, promoting community involvement in green initiatives, and enhancing the ecological health and aesthetic appeal of public lands across Iowa. The program prioritizes projects that involve significant youth participation in planting, mulching, and initial watering. A key focus is on ensuring proper techniques are learned through required DNR-led demonstrations. Funding is specifically allocated for the purchase of trees and mulch, reinforcing the program's core objective of tangible tree planting. Projects must occur on public or private school grounds, or on public lands like parks and right-of-ways, ensuring the benefits are widely accessible. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in tree canopy in participating communities, as well as an enhanced understanding among youth about tree care and environmental benefits. Each project aims to result in successfully planted and mulched trees, with initial watering ensuring their establishment. The program's theory of change posits that by engaging youth directly in these activities and providing necessary resources, a greater appreciation for nature will be cultivated, leading to more resilient and diverse urban forests across the state. This initiative contributes to the DNR's broader strategic priority of conserving and enhancing Iowa's natural resources for current and future generations.

This program provides funding to Iowa's small city and county governments, tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations to develop innovative housing solutions that increase availability in rural communities.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations and government entities in Chickasaw County to implement projects that enhance the community's quality of life across various sectors, including arts, education, health, and environment.

This grant provides financial assistance to small businesses in Dubuque, Iowa, to help cover operating costs and support long-term success for income-qualified owners.

This grant provides funding to educators and nonprofit preschool organizations in Iowa to create innovative projects that integrate agriculture into classroom instruction or afterschool programs.

This program provides financial support to property owners and long-term leaseholders in downtown Decorah for exterior building renovations and the conversion of upper-story spaces into residential units, promoting economic growth and community vibrancy.

This program provides financial assistance to developers for constructing new housing in Iowa cities affected by recent disasters, focusing on permanent residences for sale or rent.

The City of Davenport's Dream Project Grants are designed to support both current and new homeowners within a designated Dream area, facilitating property improvements to foster community development and stability. This initiative aligns with a broader mission of enhancing living conditions and economic vitality within the city by empowering residents to invest in their homes. The grant program is administered by the City of Davenport’s Community and Economic Development (CED) staff, underscoring a public sector commitment to local growth and resident support. The primary beneficiaries of this program are homeowners, both existing and prospective, in the specified Dream area who seek to improve their properties. The impact goal is to create more stable and attractive neighborhoods through direct investment in home rehabilitation. Participants purchasing a home in a Davenport DREAM Project neighborhood are eligible for a grant of approximately $20,000, while other grants can range from $10,000 to $100,000. This financial assistance aims to make homeownership more sustainable and accessible, particularly for those looking to revitalize their living spaces. The program prioritizes exterior improvements first, recognizing their immediate impact on neighborhood aesthetics and property value, with remaining funds available for interior improvements. This structured approach ensures that the most visible and community-benefiting enhancements are addressed initially. Eligibility criteria include proof of current homeowners insurance and no outstanding liens on the property within the City of Davenport, promoting responsible homeownership and safeguarding public investment. Contract owners are ineligible, ensuring the grants benefit direct homeowners. Developers may also qualify if the rehabilitated property remains owner-occupied after sale, extending the program's reach to include broader community revitalization efforts. Expected outcomes include an increase in well-maintained and owner-occupied properties, contributing to a stronger housing market and enhanced neighborhood pride. Measurable results would involve tracking the number of grants awarded, the types of improvements made, and the overall increase in property values or decrease in blight within the Dream area. While the direct strategic priorities and theory of change of a "foundation" are not explicitly detailed as this is a city-run program, the underlying theory is that direct financial assistance for home improvements will lead to improved quality of life, increased property values, and a more vibrant community, thus achieving the city's economic and community development objectives.

The Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa has established the Women's Fund Grant Program with the mission to support organizations and programs that benefit women and girls in Black Hawk County. This initiative aligns with the Foundation's broader goal of fostering long-term change and addressing critical issues within the community. The grant specifically targets issues that lead to systemic change for women and girls, aiming to create lasting positive impacts rather than just providing short-term aid. The primary beneficiaries of this program are women and girls residing in Black Hawk County, Iowa. The grant seeks to achieve significant impact by focusing on several key areas. These include enhancing leadership, cognitive, and knowledge skills through education and literacy programs; identifying and addressing healthcare issues specific to women and girls, encompassing mental, emotional, and physical health; providing concrete assistance for women and girls dealing with poverty and homelessness to help them secure housing and move out of poverty; and focusing on the safety of women and girls through violence prevention efforts in homes, schools, and communities. The Women's Fund Committee prioritizes grant requests based on several criteria to maximize its strategic impact. Top priority is given to requests that address barriers to racial equity and work to reverse systems of racism for women and girls in Black Hawk County. Additionally, the committee favors requests that address critical and urgent needs with solution-based approaches, demonstrate effective programming with significant direct impact, show innovative approaches to advancing women's and girls' growth and success, and leverage other funding or community support to amplify the grant's reach. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not explicitly detailed in terms of quantitative targets within the provided text, the focus areas and funding priorities imply a commitment to creating tangible improvements in the lives of women and girls. The "long-term change" emphasis suggests a strategic theory of change centered on addressing root causes of inequality and vulnerability. By funding initiatives in education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, and safety, the foundation aims to empower women and girls, improve their overall well-being, and contribute to a more equitable and supportive community environment in Black Hawk County.

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 funding to local nonprofit organizations and government entities in Grundy County to support projects that improve community life in areas such as arts, education, health, and environmental welfare.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations, universities, and government entities in Illinois and Iowa that focus on educating the public about climate change and natural resource depletion or conducting research for sustainable solutions.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local nonprofit organizations in Johnson County, Iowa, to enhance their operational capacity through infrastructure and technology upgrades, with a focus on benefiting grassroots and BIPOC-led initiatives.

This program provides financial assistance to Iowa communities for upgrading wastewater and drinking water treatment facilities, prioritizing those with financial disadvantages and projects that improve water quality.

This program provides financial support to commercial property and business owners in Iowa County's downtown area for exterior improvements and signage enhancements to foster a vibrant business environment.

This grant provides financial support to local government partners in Greater Des Moines for creating new public art projects that engage artists and the community.

This program recognizes and supports Iowa communities that implement innovative housing strategies to meet local housing demands, enhancing their competitiveness for federal housing tax credits.

This grant provides financial support to organizations in the greater Siouxland area for community projects that engage volunteers and address local needs.