State funding opportunities on broadband, community and economic development, housing, transportation, public facilities, water and storm sewer, and other infrastructure.
Before applying for grants, ensure the following are up to date and are working:
- Active SAM.gov registration
- Know your Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number
- Active iowagrants.gov account: some state grants require it
Click on the section below to find current grant opportunities:
Broadband | Community, Economic Development and Housing | Transportation | Public Facilities | Water, Sewer, Storm Sewer and Electrical Infrastructure | Public Safety | Other Opportunities
CDBG Community Facilities and Services
Approximately $1.5 million in federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds are available on an annual basis to cities and counties through the state of Iowa’s Community Facilities Fund. This annual competitive program offers grants to assist communities with a variety of projects including daycare facilities, senior centers, vocational workshops and other community services such as stormwater projects.
Deadline: Applications Accepted Year-Round
CDBG Sustainable Community Demonstration
Sustainable Community Demonstration Project Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding is available to local governments on a competitive basis. The Sustainable Community Demonstration Project category provides grants to communities for green infrastructure-based stormwater projects and for a variety of projects and activities demonstrating comprehensive innovative approaches to support community sustainability. To date, the program has funded a demonstration district geothermal project in a community downtown and a demonstration streetscape project that integrated green infrastructure best management practices for stormwater, combined with LED street lights and a building façade master plan.
Deadline: Applications Accepted Year-Round
Emergency Community Catalyst Building Remediation
Through the Community Catalyst Building Remediation Program, the Iowa Economic Development Authority will provide grants to communities for the redevelopment, rehabilitation or deconstruction of buildings to stimulate economic growth or reinvestment in the community. Strong applications will show the potential of catalytic economic growth in the community; improve appearances & safety; make use of underutilized property, exhibit appropriate design standards; and be well-funded. Economic growth may include the creation of additional jobs, growth of new or existing businesses, development of new housing units, increase property values, or potential population growth.
Program Details
- Funding based on annual appropriation
- Maximum grants: $100,000
- 40% of funds will be awarded to cities with populations under 1,500
- A mandatory pre-application process will precede the official grant application
- Applications are by invitation only after approved pre-application. City must be the applicant
- Funds available for the rehabilitation of one commercial building per community or two buildings with same ownership that are adjacent to each other
- Deconstruction is allowed in dire situations or for safety reasons
Deadline: Applications Accepted Year-Round
Nuisance/Abandoned Property Remediation Fund
(This is a Loan and Not Grant Program)
The Nuisance Property and Abandoned Building Remediation program provides financial assistance to communities to remediate residential nuisance buildings and structures. The administrative rules for the Nuisance Property and Abandoned Building Remediation program can be found in Iowa Administrative Code, section 216- Chapter 22. Please refer to these rules as necessary for more information regarding program requirements. The program has a maximum loan request of $500,000. IEDA will evaluate requests and approve loan amounts based on application scoring, ability to repay, and the amount of program funds available.
Deadline: Applications Accepted Year-Round
Opportunities and Threats Fund (CDBG)
A portion of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds are reserved for communities facing an imminent threat to the public requiring immediate assistance. These funds also be used by communities seeing an opportunity to demonstrate sustainable community activities. As with all CDBG programs, the program’s goals is to provide opportunities for people, especially those of low- and moderate income.
Deadline: Applications Accepted Year-Round
CDBG 2019 Disaster Recovery – Buyout
To provide for the acquisition of properties located in a floodplain or floodway, or in Disaster Risk Reduction Areas as designated by the grantee, to reduce the risk from future flooding. This opportunity is only open to applicants in Fremont, Harrison, and Mills counties.
Deadline: Open Until Funds are Spent
Enhance Iowa
Enhance Iowa provides grant funds to assist projects that provide recreational, cultural, entertainment and educational attractions, as well as sports tourism. The funds help communities create transformational projects that enhance the vitality of a region and the state overall. Funds must be primarily used for vertical infrastructure (land acquisition and construction, major renovation and major repair of buildings, all appurtenant structures, utilities, site development and recreational trails.)
- Project must be available to the general public for use
- At least 65% of the project funds must be raised
Deadline: Applications Accepted on a Quarterly Basis
Iowa Thriving Communities
The Iowa Thriving Communities initiative will provide communities that are leveraging innovative methods to attract housing opportunities for their workforce with a chance to be recognized for their efforts. A limited number of communities will be awarded the designation, which comes with highly sought after scoring points for the Federal Housing Tax Credit and/or Workforce Housing Tax Credit programs.
What Does This Mean?
- Developers will be highly incentivized to select a community that has been designated as an Iowa Thriving Community for a proposed development through the 2025 Federal Housing Tax Credit or Workforce Housing Tax Credit programs.
- Both programs accept applications from developers for specific housing development proposals through an intensive and competitive scoring process. The extra points awarded to a development through the Iowa Thriving Communities designation increase the likelihood that a project may be awarded credits.
- All cities in Iowa are eligible to apply for Iowa Thriving Community designation. IFA intends to award the designation to both rural and urban community applicants, so there is no minimum or maximum population limit. Because IFA intends to award more designations to rural communities than urban, we are providing the following definition of “rural” for informational purposes only: communities with a population of 20,000 or fewer and not contiguous to a city with a population of 40,000 or greater shall be considered “rural.” Both rural and urban cities are encouraged to apply!
Scoring
Applications will be scored on the following six categories:
- Financial Support
- Iowa Thriving Community Attributes
- Planning and Assessment
- Proposed Neighborhood or Site for Housing Development
- Strategic Leadership and Partnerships
- Workforce Attraction and Retention
Deadline: May 15, 2024
Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) City Parks and Open Spaces
Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) is a State of Iowa program that invests in, as its name implies, the enhancement and protection of the state’s natural and cultural resources. Iowa is blessed with a diverse array of natural and cultural resources and REAP is likewise diverse and far reaching.
City Parks and Open Space
This money is available to cities through competitive grants. Parkland expansion and multi-purpose recreation developments are typical projects funded under this REAP program. The DNR administers the city grant program.
Deadline: August Annually
CDBG Comprehensive Neighborhood Revitalization Planning Grant
This annual competitive program offers grants to assist communities for engaging a qualified professional consultant to prepare an action plan for targeted neighborhood revitalization /redevelopment. Such consultants must be procured in accordance with federal procurement standards. The maximum award for this program is $25,000, with local match of at least 25% of the requested amount is required. Cities/counties that receive these funds and subsequently prepare and submit completed plans to IEDA will be eligible to apply for a Comprehensive Neighborhood Development Activities grant during the next available funding cycle.
Deadline: November Annually
CDBG Downtown Revitalization
The Downtown Revitalization Fund provides grants to communities for activities contributing to comprehensive revitalization in historic city centers or core downtown areas. The program is primarily focused on building façade improvements to privately owned buildings in downtowns. Buildings with first floor residential use are prohibited from program participation. Work on roofs, for up to 40% of that building’s total costs, is also eligible. Front façades of buildings and side facades, when clearly visible from the travel lane of the adjacent public street are eligible. Rear facades are eligible only under unique or rare circumstances. Upper story residential units are subject to Lead Based Paint requirements.
All incorporated cities and all counties in the State, except those designated as HUD entitlement areas, are eligible to apply for and receive funds under this program. The maximum grant award is $650,000. To apply for the maximum award, a minimum of 8 blighted buildings (addresses) must be proposed for improvements in the overall project. A minimum of 6 blighted buildings (addresses) must be proposed for improvement to apply for any lesser amount of funds. Local matching funds from the city/county, building owners or other sources are required to be competitive. Applications for funding are accepted and reviewed competitively with the best applications funded.
Deadline: November Annually
CDBG Housing Upper Story Conversion
This program funds activities limited to existing buildings to either rehabilitate un-occupiable units or convert existing spaces into new units. All spaces must be vacant and un-occupiable at the time of application and for a period of at least five (5) years. Applications for funding are competitive and must be received prior to the deadline. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. The maximum award per project is $600,00; $550,000 for project and administrative costs and an optional $50,000 to assist with Green Streets activities. Projects choosing the optional Green Streets funding should plan to complete a design consultation prior to application. To do so, contact Jeff Geerts at (515) 348-6211 or Jeff.Geerts@IowaEDA.com.
Deadline: November Annually
Water Trail Planning and Mini Grants
Provides money to water trail developers (county conservation boards, cities, non-profits) to support projects to establish water trails. Water trails enhance recreational experiences for all water recreation enthusiasts. Efforts often involve canoeists and kayakers.
Deadline: December Annually
DOT/DNR Fund
The intent of the DOT/DNR program is to enhance roadside beautification of primary system corridors with plant materials. To be eligible for funding, the site must be on a primary highway right-of-way, including primary highway extensions. The maximum award amount for the program is $100,000. Letters of request for funding are accepted year-round, and if the project is select, the project is funded in the order in which it was received.
Deadline: Applications Accepted Year-Round
Pedestrian Curb Ramp Program
The program assists cities in complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on primary roads. To qualify for funding:
- The city must engineer and administer the project
- Improvements must involve a municipal extension of a primary road
- Curb ramps must meet ADA standards
Deadline: Applications Accepted Year Round
Railroad Revolving Loan and Grant (RRLG) Program
The Railroad Revolving Loan and Grant (RRLG) Program is administered by the Office of Rail Transportation at the Iowa Department of Transportation. The program provides financial assistance to improve rail facilities that will create jobs, spur economic activity and improve the rail transportation system in Iowa in three separate categories:
- Targeted job creation
- Rail Network Improvement
- Rail Port Planning and Development
Grants require a 20 percent local match.
Deadline: Applications Accept Year-Round
Urban-State Traffic Engineering Program (U-STEP)
The intent of the program is to solve traffic operation and safety problems on primary roads. To be eligible for the program, improvements must involve an extension of a primary municipal road.
Two types of projects eligible for funding:
- Spot Improvements: limited to a single location
- Linear Improvements: span two or more intersections
City match is 45% of the construction cost with a maximum of $200,000 for spot improvements and $400,000 for linear Improvements.
Deadline: Applications Accept Year-Round
Federal-Aid Surface Transportation Block Grant Program
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), also referred to as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), allow many types of eligible projects for the use of federal funds to preserve and improve the condition and performance of any Federal-aid highway, bridge or tunnel project on any public road. (A Federal-aid Highway includes routes classified as a rural major collector or a collector street or any higher classification.) Surface Transportation Block Grant funds may also be used on pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure and transit capital projects including intercity bus terminals. However, an RPA or MPO may have a more restrictive list of eligible projects, and they may approve only specific uses on an individual project basis. If interest in the grant contact your regional COG, and to find your COG
Deadline: Varies, Check with your regional COG / MPO
Sign Replacement Program
The purpose of the program is to replace damaged, worn out, obsolete or substandard signs and signposts for cities and counties in Iowa. The grant program is not for ordering new signs that do not exist at the location specified in the application.
- Application period begins January 1 of each year.
- Only one grant application may be submitted per applicant year.
- Applications will be reviewed on a first-come-first-served basis
- An assessment of need and proper location and installation of posts will be the responsibility of the communities.
- The Iowa Department of Transportation Sign Shop, or another source, may supply the signs/posts.
Annual grant maximum:
- Cities: $5,000
Deadline: January Annually
Revitalize Iowa’s Sound Economy (RISE) Program
Projects funded by the RISE program promote economic development in Iowa through the establishment, construction, and improvement of roads and streets. The RISE program is targeted toward value-adding activities that feed new dollars into the economy and provide maximum economic impact to the state on primary or secondary roads, and city streets open for public use. While all counties and incorporated cities in Iowa are eligible to apply, funding is generally limited to industrial, manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, and professional office developments, with few exceptions.
Deadline: February 1 and October 1 Annually
Living Roadway Trust Fund
Working through many partners in Iowa, the Living Roadway Trust Fund (LRTF) supports integrated roadside vegetation management (IRVM) programs; and educates the public on the benefits, use and care of roadside vegetation, including native plants.
As examples, grants can be awarded for specialized equipment to accomplish IRVM operations; roadside plantings that demonstrate the best management practices of IRVM; inventories of roadside vegetation; and research, education, and public awareness concerning IRVM issues. The LRTF’s funding guidelines are updated for each Fiscal Year’s grant round and detail what grants can be written for and the specific match requirements.
Deadline: June Annually
Highway-Railroad Crossing Safety Program
The crossing safety program participates in the cost of safety improvements at public highway-railroad grade crossings. These funds are used to install new crossing signal devices, to upgrade existing signals, and to provide low-cost improvements; such as increased sight distance, widened crossings, increased signal lens size, or crossing closures. However, the available funding allows only a limited number of safety improvements each year.
Deadline: July Annually
Federal and State Recreational Trails
State Trails: The state recreational trails program (SRT) provides funds to establish recreational trails throughout Iowa for the use, enjoyment and participation of the public. The program is restricted to the acquisition, construction or improvement of recreational trails open for public use or trails which will be dedicated public use upon completion.
Federal Trails: The Federal Recreational Trails program (FRT) provides grant funding for trails and trail-related projects. Funds are intended for recreational trails. They may not be used to improve roads for general passenger vehicle use or to provide shoulders or sidewalks along roads.
Deadline: July Annually
Traffic Safety Improvement Program (TSIP)
The intent of the Traffic Safety Improvement Program is to distribute funds for roadway safety improvements, traffic control devices, studies, and outreach. TSIP provides safety funds to cities in three separate categories:
- Site-specific – construction or improvement of traffic safety and operations at a specific site or corridor with a crash history
- Traffic control devices – purchase of materials for installation of new traffic control devices, such as signs, signals or pavement markings; or replacement of obsolete signs or signals
- Studies and Outreach – transportation safety studies and outreach, such as signing or pavement marking research, driver education/information, work zone safety, and crash data analysis improvements.
Deadline: August Annually
Highway Bridge Programs for Cities and Counties
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) added the Bridge Formula Program (BFP), which sets aside funding for bridge replacement, rehabilitation, preservation, protection, and construction projects. Additionally, Congress has occasionally apportioned bridge funding through the Highway Infrastructure Program for Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation. The purpose of these programs is to reduce the number of “Poor” bridges (formerly known as Structurally Deficient (SD) and Functionally Obsolete (FO) bridges) on the local jurisdiction roadway systems.
Cities may request to add a bridge to the City Bridge Candidate List at any time, but the deadline for the next Federal Fiscal Year’s funding is October 1. Such requests shall be submitted in writing on city letterhead, or via email with a city official’s signature block, to the Iowa DOT Local Systems Bureau. Any highway bridge within the corporate limits, whether in whole or in part, may be submitted for consideration. This includes bridges on Farm-to-Market extensions within the city limits of cities less than 500 population.
Deadline: October 1 Annually
Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP)
The Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside (TA Set-Aside or TAP) Program is a new iteration of the former Transportation Enhancements (later Transportation Alternatives) program that has been in existence since 1991. The most recent transportation authorization act, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), was enacted in 2021. Implementation of this act formally allows Iowa DOT to suballocate funds to Iowa’s Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) and Regional Planning Affiliations (RPAs) for competitive selection of projects according to federal and state guidance. Eligible project activities continue to include a variety of smaller-scale transportation projects such as pedestrian and bicycle facilities, recreational trails, safe routes to school projects, and community improvements such as historic preservation, vegetation management, and some environmental mitigation related to storm water and habitat connectivity.
Deadline: November Annually
Energy Infrastructure Revolving Loan Program (Loan Program Only)
Examples of eligible costs include, but are not limited to:
- Real and personal property comprising a project
- Materials and equipment required for necessary site preparation, construction, and installation of a project
- Labor for site preparation, construction, and installation of a project.
- Costs associated with maintenance, operation, or repair of a project during the term of the loan.
The minimum loan amount is $50,000 and the maximum is $2.5 million. An applicant may apply for a loan for up to 75% of the total costs of the project.
Deadline: Applications Accepted Year-Round
SRF Planning and Design Loan
Planning & Design Loans cover costs incurred in the planning and design phase of a water infrastructure project. These loans have 0 percent interest for up to three years and require no initiation or servicing fees. In addition, there is no minimum or maximum loan amount. Eligible costs include engineering fees, archaeological surveys, environmental or geological studies, and costs related to project plan preparation. The loans may be rolled into a State Revolving Fund (SRF) construction loan or can be repaid when permanent financing is committed. The project planning and design costs must be directly related to the proposed wastewater, storm water or drinking water projects.
Deadline: Applications Accepted Year-Round
State Revolving Fund Loan and Principal Forgiveness
Low Interest loans and potential principal low forgiveness to disadvantaged communities. Factors that determine if a community is eligible for principal forgiveness include how many project priority points are awarded, socioeconomic assessment score, and household burden indicators.
Deadline: Applications Accepted Year-Round
CDBG Water & Sewer Fund
Funds awarded through this annual competitive program assist cities and counties with projects such as sanitary sewer system improvements, water system improvements, water and wastewater treatment facility projects, storm sewer projects related to sanitary sewer system improvements and rural water connections.
Deadline: Applications Accepted on a Quarterly Basis
2024 Project Safe Neighborhood – Northern District
Funding for this opportunity is available through Iowa’s Project Safe Neighborhoods federal grant award. The funding provides financial assistance is available to promote safe neighborhoods through a sustained reduction in violent crime, including, but not limited to, addressing criminal gangs and the felonious possession and use of firearms. The PSN program supports coordination, cooperation, and partnerships of local, state, tribal, and federal law enforcement agencies, and the communities they serve in a unified approach coordinated with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Approximately $80,000 will be committed in the Northern District, and applications serving Black Hawk County/Waterloo will receive priority consideration in the review process.
Priority funding will be provided to projects which employ strategies that positively affect these broadly targeted activities:
- Equipment, services and technology for law enforcement
- Youth-serving organizations/agencies toward the operation/support of prevention programming, including critical thinking classes, mentoring initiatives and/or other programs aimed at promoting protective factors and positive youth development
- Mental health/social services assistance for at-risk individuals
- Crime prevention training, de-escalation training, and community policing training for law enforcement officers
- Gang task forces including enforcement and prevention activities
Deadline: April 15, 2024
2024 Project Safe Neighborhood – Southern District
Funding for this opportunity is available through Iowa’s Project Safe Neighborhoods federal grant award. The funding provides financial assistance is available to promote safe neighborhoods through a sustained reduction in violent crime, including, but not limited to, addressing criminal gangs and the felonious possession and use of firearms. The PSN program supports coordination, cooperation, and partnerships of local, state, tribal, and federal law enforcement agencies, and the communities they serve in a unified approach coordinated with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Approximately $102,000 will be committed in the Southern District, and applications serving Scott County/Davenport and Polk County/Des Moines will receive priority consideration in the review process.
Priority funding will be provided to projects which employ strategies that positively affect these broadly targeted activities:
- Equipment, services and technology for law enforcement
- Violent crime project or program that has long-term effects
- Violent crime project or program that focuses upon a specific geographical location that has demonstrated an extraordinary amount of gun violence in comparison to the rest of the district
- Violent crime project or program that has the greatest geographical effect. (beneficial for multiple law enforcement jurisdictions)
- Project or programs which provide effective violent crime prevention. Crime prevention training, de-escalation training
- Gang task forces including enforcement and prevention activities
Deadline: April 15, 2024
Solid Waste Alternatives Program (SWAP)
The Solid Waste Alternatives Program (SWAP) works to reduce the amount of solid waste generated and landfilled in Iowa. Through a competitive process, financial assistance is available for a variety of projects, including source reduction, recycling, and education.
Funds can be used for such items as:
- Waste reduction equipment and installation
- Recycling, collection, processing, or hauling equipment (including installation)
- Development, printing and distribution of educational materials
- Planning and implementation of educational forums, workshops, etc.
- Purchase and installation of recycled content products
- Salaries directly related to implementation and operation of the project
Deadline: January and July Annually
