Iowa Natural Resources Grants

This program provides funding to schools and local governments for tree planting projects that engage youth in environmental education and conservation efforts.

This funding opportunity supports cities, counties, and organizations in Iowa to implement urban conservation projects that reduce nutrient pollution and improve water quality through stormwater management and community education.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and public institutions in Jackson County, Iowa, for projects that address community needs in areas such as development, diversity, education, health, and the arts.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is offering a 50/50% federal matching Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant of $1000 to $10,000 for Iowa Fire Departments serving small communities, prioritizing those who have not received funds previously, have submitted Iowa Wildland Fire Reports, and demonstrate a strong need for wildland fire suppression resources.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (Iowa DNR) is accepting applications for its Trees for Kids Grant Program to educate children, teenagers, and young adults about the importance of trees and their myriad benefits, as well as to offer hands-on planting and maintenance experience. Donor Name: Iowa Department of Natural Resources (Iowa DNR) State: Iowa County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/26/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Iowa DNR funds to plant trees in public areas of communities (park, community center, public school, etc.) are available for this fall. Trees for Kids grants provides reimbursable grants to buy trees and mulch to help increase and diversify tree canopy. To that end, the program requires youth involvement in planting, mulching, and initial watering for all projects receiving funding. A DNR-led demonstration on proper planting, mulching and watering is required at the beginning of each event, and/or for each group involved in the project; projects that incorporate multiple groups working independently of one another will require multiple demonstrations. Funding Information A total of $50,000 in funds are available. Grant funding is competitive, non-match, and awarded in amounts of up to $2,500 per project. Eligibility Criteria Local and state governments such as school districts, cities, and counties, and service organizations with 501(c)3 status can apply for Trees for Kids funding. Service organizations lacking 501(c)3 status can attain eligibility by involving local governments in the holding of funds. Award money may ONLY be used for purchase of trees and mulch; shovels, buckets, gloves, saws, and other supplies, as well as any costs associated with digging, site preparation, and other labor, are NOT covered by grant funding. Projects MUST take place on public or private school grounds, or on public lands such as parks and right-of-ways. Plantings on private property other than private school grounds are NOT eligible for grant funding. For more information, visit Iowa DNR.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (Iowa DNR) is seeking applications for its Community Forestry Grant Program. Donor Name: Iowa Department of Natural Resources (Iowa DNR) State: Iowa County: Selected Counties Type of Grant: Grant | Reimbursement Deadline: 08/26/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Iowa Legislature appropriated state infrastructure funds to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (Iowa DNR) to be used for a community-based tree planting program for derecho recovery tree planting. This Community Forestry Grant is available to state and local governments entities, schools and volunteer organizations and service organizations involved with local urban and community forest services, for planting trees on publicly owned lands owned by state, county or local governments and located within the State of Iowa (DNR lands are not eligible). Qualifying public planting lands include, but are not limited to, street right-of-ways, parks, school grounds, courthouse lawns, public buildings, fairgrounds, cemeteries, libraries and trails. Grant Priorities Priority will be given to: demonstrated need from the impact cost-effectiveness of the $1 for $1 cash match community involvement, meeting Tree City/Campus/Line USA designation, and (5) species/genera diversity and environmental impact. Funding Information The Community Forestry Grant Program provides reimbursable grants ranging from $500 to $10,000 to be used for the purchase and planting of trees suitable to Iowa. Uses of funds Allocated funds may only be used for tree or landscape plantings on public areas in Iowa identified in the application form. Special requests may be made (buildings and vehicles are not eligible) but will require a more detailed description of the request and need. Eligibility Criteria   Applicants must be regional or local units of Iowa state, county or city government, local governmental departments, school districts, volunteer organizations, and service clubs involved with local urban and community forestry resources. Eligible projects must occur on public lands within the state of Iowa (DNR land is not eligible). Examples of planting areas include street landscaping/right of ways, public schools, city and county parks, community sports complexes, public lands arboretums, courthouses, law enforcement facilities, public libraries, cemeteries, fairgrounds, and trails. Eligible areas include the 27 Iowa counties in the 2020 Governor’s disaster proclamation. EAB Reforestation eligible counties include: Adair, Adams, Allamakee, Appanoose, Audubon, Benton, Black Hawk, Boone, Bremer, Buchanan, Buena Vista, Butler, Calhoun, Carroll, Cass, Cedar, Cerro Gordo, Cherokee, Chickasaw, Clarke, Clay, Clayton, Clinton, Crawford, Dallas, Davis, Decatur, Delaware, Des Moines, Dickinson, Dubuque, Fayette, Floyd, Franklin, Fremont, Greene, Grundy, Guthrie, Hamilton, Hancock, Hardin, Harrison, Henry, Howard, Humboldt, Ida, Iowa, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Johnson, Jones, Keokuk, Kossuth, Lee, Linn, Louisa, Lucas, Lyon, Madison, Mahaska, Marion, Marshall, Mills, Mitchell, Monona, Monroe, Montgomery, Muscatine, O’Brien, Osceola, Page, Plymouth, Pocahontas, Polk, Pottawattamie, Poweshiek, Ringgold, Sac, Scott, Shelby, Sioux, Story, Tama, Taylor, Union, Van Buren, Wapello, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Webster, Winnebago, Winneshiek, Woodbury, Worth, and Wright. For more information, visit Iowa DNR.

Donor Name: Iowa Legislature (via REAP funds) State: Iowa County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: August 15, 2024 Size of the Grant: Not specified (based on city size) Grant Duration: Not specified Details/Overview: The City Parks and Open Space Grant allocates 15% of REAP funds to cities through competitive grants, funded by gaming revenues. It excludes athletic fields, organized sports facilities, pools, and playgrounds. Grants are distributed across city size categories, and no local matching funds are required. Applications are due by August 15, 2024.

Donor Name: Iowa Legislature (via REAP funds) State: Iowa County: All Counties Type of Grant: Cost-Share Grant Deadline: August 15, 2024 Size of the Grant: 75% of land acquisition costs covered by REAP Grant Duration: Not specified Details/Overview: One-tenth of the Open Spaces portion of REAP is dedicated to cost-sharing land acquisitions with private organizations, covering 75% of acquisition costs while the remaining 25% is funded through private contributions. This program allows private conservation groups to collaborate with the state to provide outdoor recreation and protect critical habitats, with the state managing the property on behalf of the public. Applications are due by August 15, 2024.

Donor Name: Iowa Legislature (via REAP funds) State: Iowa County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: August 15, 2024 Size of the Grant: Not specified (based on city size) Grant Duration: Not specified Details/Overview: The City Parks and Open Space Grant allocates 15% of REAP funds to cities through competitive grants, funded by gaming revenues. The program aims to support city parks and open spaces, excluding athletic fields, sports facilities, pools, and playgrounds. Grants are distributed across different city size categories, with applications due by August 15, 2024, and no local matching funds required.

Donor Name: Iowa Legislature (via REAP funds) State: Iowa County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: August 15, 2024 Size of the Grant: Not specified (Ceilings based on city size) Grant Duration: Not specified Details/Overview: The City Parks and Open Space Grant, funded by REAP, supports cities through competitive grants to develop parks and open spaces. Funded by gaming revenues, the grant excludes athletic fields, organized sports facilities, swimming pools, and playground equipment. Grants are distributed across cities of various sizes with no local matching funds required, and applications are due by August 15, 2024.

Donor Name: Not specified State: Iowa County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: August 15, 2024 Size of the Grant: Not specified Grant Duration: Not specified Details/Overview: This grant program is available to Iowa counties that allocate at least 22¢ per $1,000 of taxable property value for conservation. Eligible projects include land acquisition, capital improvements, resource protection, and environmental education. The program excludes funding for sports complexes, playgrounds, and dog parks and has specific requirements for multi-use and biking trails. Applications must include detailed project descriptions, maps, budgets, and compliance with ADA and civil rights regulations, with submissions due by August 15, 2024.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is now accepting a second round of applications as part of the $3 million, 5-year Underserved Farmer to Farmer grant from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Gulf of Mexico division. Donor Name: Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) State: Iowa County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The DNR is looking to increase the ability of historically underserved farm communities to address nutrient pollution and frequent flooding through the grant. Underserved farmers are defined by the United States Department of Agriculture as those who are beginning, socially disadvantaged, veterans or with limited resources. Other classifications may be supported as negotiated. Funding Information Projects funded through the grant may receive up to $250,000. Currently, remaining funds for subawards totals $700,000. Eligibility Criteria  Grants will be distributed through subawards to entities including: Conservation districts Institutions of Higher Learning Local or state government entities, including 28E agreement entities such as Watershed Management Authorities NGOs and nonprofits Tribal nations Beginning farmer groups U.S. military veteran farmer groups. For more information, visit DNR.

This program provides funding to county conservation boards in Iowa to improve and enhance fish habitats in local water bodies, promoting better fishing opportunities and water quality.

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

Notice of Funding Opportunity Summary This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NFO) is being released prior to appropriation and/or apportionment of funds for fiscal year 2024. Enactment of additional continuing resolutions or an appropriations act may affect the availability or level of funding for this program. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), an agency under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is announcing the potential availability of funding for agreements for the purpose of leveraging NRCS resources, addressing local natural resource issues, encouraging collaboration and developing state-and-community-level conservation leadership. Proposals must be for projects based in Iowa and focus on conservation issues. Collaborative projects that provide on-the-ground support for Iowa NRCS Field Offices are highly encouraged. Research proposals will not be accepted, nor considered. NRCS anticipates that the amount available for support of this program in FY 2024 will be up to $5,000,000.00, however, budget constraints may prevent NRCS from funding 2024 proposals. Proposals are requested from City or township governments, county governments, federally recognized Native American tribal governments, state governments, nonprofits having a 501 (c)(3) status with the IRS (other than institutions of higher education), or institutions of higher education for competitive consideration of awards for projects between 2 and 5 years in duration. Awarded organizations may be required to present project updates in the form of a formal presentation to the Iowa NRCS Leadership. Organizations may use this opportunity to request additional funding for existing Iowa IPC agreements. For new users of Grants.gov, see Section D. of the full Notice of Funding Opportunity for information about steps required before submitting an application via Grants.gov. Key Dates Applicants must submit their applications via Grants.gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on May 7th, 2024. For technical issues with Grants.gov, contact Grants.gov Applicant Support at 1-800-518-4726 or [email protected]. Awarding agency staff cannot support applicants regarding Grants.gov accounts. For inquiries specific to the content of the NFO requirements, contact the federal awarding agency contact (section G of this NFO). Please limit questions to those regarding specific information contained in this NFO (such as dates, page numbers, clarification of discrepancies, etc.). Questions related to eligibility, or the merits of a specific proposal will not be addressed. The agency anticipates making selections by June 7th, 2024, and expects to execute awards by September 16, 2024. These dates are estimates and are subject to change.