Grant Opportunities

Grant Funding & Support

Here, you will find information about available grants, eligibility criteria, application processes, and deadlines.

Reminder: SIMPCO members can use grant writing services included in their membership. SIMPCO will offer up to 20 hours of staff time per grant application at no cost. However, if the grant application needs more than 20 hours to prepare, extra charges may apply. The application costs for grant writing will be waived for grants that allow SIMPCO to receive an administrative fee, if awarded.

Grants with impending deadlines are listed first, while grants with open deadlines are listed at the end of the page.

December

IDNR Dam Mitigation Grant (IA) - The Iowa Legislature appropriated funds for fiscal year 2025 for the development of dam mitigation and water trail projects. A portion the funds ($300,000 for this fiscal year) are available competitively for dam mitigation cost-share grants. Dam owners and other eligible entities are encouraged to apply for cost-share assistance for projects that reduce recreational hazards and enhance aquatic species connectivity. For more information, click here. Applications are due by December 6, 2024.
IDNR Water Trail Enhancement Grants (IA) – ($500,000) are available competitively for water trail enhancement cost-share grants. Local divisions of Iowa government are encouraged to apply for cost-share assistance for infrastructure or infrastructure improvements along state designated water trails or water trails on track for state designation (Eligible: local governments). For more information, click here. Applications are due by December 6, 2024.
National Scenic Byways Program - This grant opportunity will result in the award of up to $26.95 million of FY 2023 and FY 2024 funds in grants to States and federally recognized Tribes to implement eligible projects on highways designated as National Scenic Byways, All-American Roads (collectively America's Byways®), State scenic byways, or Indian Tribe scenic byways; and plan, design, and develop a State or Indian Tribe scenic byway program. For more information, click here. Applications are due by December 16, 2024.
FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant - The primary goal of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) is to meet the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and non-affiliated emergency medical service organizations. For more information, click here. Applications are due by December 20, 2024.
IRA Iowa Tree Planting Grant (IA) - Provides reimbursable grants to purchase trees, mulch, tree staking/protection and supplemental watering by contractor or city staff. The grant is a two-year program allowing for planting to take place in the spring and fall of 2025 and 2026. Grant funding is competitive, non-match, and awarded in amounts between $10,000 to $30,000 per applicant. For more information, click here. Applications are due by December 30, 2024.
USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) – Grants for investment in private businesses and agricultural producers to make their enterprises more energy efficient or to install renewable systems. With the so-called Inflation Reduction Act, this program has been improved and better funded, so now is the time to apply. (Eligible: private for-profit entities) For more information, click here. Applications are due quarterly, September 30, 2024, December 31, 2024, and March 31, 2025.
T-Mobile Hometown Grants – Program will help fund projects to build, rebuild, or refresh community spaces that help foster local connections in your town. For more information, click here. Applications are due by December 31, 2024.

January

Iowa CDBG Water and Sewer Fund (IA)– 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. For more information, click here. Applications are due by April 1, 2025, July 1, 2025, October 1, 2025, and January 1, 2025.
Iowa Solid Waste Alternatives Program (IA) – Programs to encourage landfill alternatives – recycling, diversion, new technologies, new manufacturing processes, etc. For more information, click here. Applications are due by July 1, 2025 and January 2, 2025.
Iowa West Foundation (IA) – Community development, economic development, education, and human needs projects. For more information, click here. Applications are due January 15, 2025, May 15, 2025, and September 15, 2025.
Junior League of Sioux City Mildred Anderson Grant (Sioux City) – Mildred Anderson community grants up to $1,000 are awarded to community need projects within the Siouxland tri-state area (30-mile radius). The projects must address a community need. For more information, click here. Applications are due by January 15, 2025.
Civic and Community Center Financing Fund (NE) – The CCCFF program provides grants and state aid for the development of civic, community, and recreation centers. The CCCFF program supports enhances and grows the Good Life throughout Nebraska. For more information, click here. Letters of intent are due by January 15, 2025. Applications are due by February 15, 2025.
Tribal Transportation Program Safety Fund (TTPSF) – Transportation fatalities and injuries severely impact the quality of life in Indian country. Each year under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), as enacted by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58), 4% of the available TTP funds are set aside to address transportation safety issues identified by federally recognized Indian tribes through a competitive, discretionary program. Projects are chosen whose outcomes will reduce fatal and serious injuries in transportation related incidents, such as motor vehicle crashes. For more information, click here. Applications are due by January 15, 2025.
Community Catalyst Building Remediation (IA) – 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. For more information, click here. Pre-applications are due by January 29. 2025. Application due by April 17, 2025.
Destination Iowa Fund (IA) – Projects will attract visitors and new residents to the state and bolster the quality of life in Iowa’s rural communities. The aim is to make strategic investments that yield lasting results and create a positive ripple effect throughout the community. These projects will not only address immediate needs but also contribute to long-term sustainability and enhance the overall quality of life for residents. For more information, click here. Pre-applications are due between July 22, 2024-May 14, 2025. Applications are due by January 15, 2025 and/or July 15, 2025.
Community Spark Grants – The League of American Bicyclists’ Bicycle Friendly America program awards organizations for projects and programs that spark change and catalyze a community’s ability to create places where bicycling is safer, easier, and more accessible. The desire is for organizations to propose projects that build Bicycle Friendly Communities and capacity for local leaders and influencers by uplifting the community and by creating inclusive coalitions that can shed new light on current issues. For more information, click here. Applications are due by January 17, 2025.
Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) - This program provides grants for surface transportation infrastructure projects with significant local or regional impact. The eligibility requirements of RAISE allow project sponsors, including state and local governments, counties, Tribal governments, transit agencies, and port authorities, to pursue multi-modal and multi-jurisdictional projects that are more difficult to fund through other grant programs. For more information, click here. Applications are due by January 30, 2025.

February

IDOT Rise Grant (IA) – 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. For more information, click here. Applications are due by February 1, 2025.
MRHD Impact Match Grant (Siouxland) – The Impact Match Grants Program provides awards ranging from $25,000 to $250,000 for one year to support larger-scale projects or programs. MRHD awards grants in this program to projects that create a significant impact in addressing the needs of the community and the organization’s work. This grant is not renewable and requires cost-sharing or a match. For more information, click here. Applications are due by February 5, 2024.
Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) Program (IA) – STBG provides flexible funding that may be used by states and localities for transportation projects. The intent of these projects is to preserve and improve the conditions and performance on any Federal-aid highway, bridge, public road, pedestrian/bicycle infrastructure, and transit capital projects. Each year, approximately $3 million is available in STBG funds for communities within the Sioux City metro area including Sioux City, Sergeant Bluff, Woodbury County and Plymouth County. Applications are available on the SIMPCO website and are due by February 7, 2025. Iowa members only.
Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Carbon Reduction Program (CRP) (IA) – Federal formula program within the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) administered by the FHA to help states develop carbon reduction strategies with required input from the MPO. Projects will follow the CRP goal to reduce carbon emissions on and off-roadways. Funding available for communities within the Sioux City metro area including Sioux City, Sergeant Bluff, Woodbury County and Plymouth County. Applications are available on the SIMPCO website and are due by February 7, 2025. Iowa members only.
Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program (TAP) (IA) – The Transportation Alternatives (TA) Set-Aside from the Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) Program provides funding for a variety of generally smaller-scale transportation projects such as pedestrian and bicycle facilities; construction of turnouts, overlooks, and viewing areas; community improvements such as historic preservation and vegetation management; environmental mitigation related to stormwater and habitat connectivity; recreational trails; safe routes to school projects; and vulnerable road user safety assessments. Over $300,000 in TAP funds is available for communities within the Sioux City metro area including Sioux City, Sergeant Bluff, Woodbury County and Plymouth County. Applications are available on the SIMPCO website and are due by February 7, 2025. Iowa members only.
Paint Iowa Beautiful – Through a partnership between the Keep Iowa Beautiful organization and Diamond Vogel Paint of Orange City, Iowa, groups can receive paint for community enhancement projects and parks. Thousands of gallons of paint have been donated to community groups through the Paint Iowa Beautiful program, which provides paint at no charge to a wide variety of public service projects throughout Iowa. For more information, click here. Applications are due by February 14, 2025.
All American City Awards – AAC brings together communities from across the country and provides an opportunity for innovative leaders and passionate citizens to connect with and learn from their peers. The Award shines a light on communities that are working to tackle tough issues and lifts these places up for national recognition. For more information, click here. Letter of intent is due by December 30, 2024, with application due by February 27, 2025.
IEDA Enhance Iowa Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) – Funds for capital projects, such as trails, libraries, community centers, pavilions, entertainment venues, museums, recreational facilities, and more. (Eligible: local governments and certain nonprofits). For more information, click here. Quarterly. Applications are due by February 15, 2024.
Civic and Community Center Financing Fund (NE) – The CCCFF program provides grants and state aid for the development of civic, community, and recreation centers. The CCCFF program supports enhances and grows the Good Life throughout Nebraska. For more information, click here. Letters of intent are due by January 15, 2025. Applications are due by February 15, 2025.
Siouxland Regional Transportation Planning Association (SRTPA) Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) Program (IA) – STBG provides flexible funding that may be used by states and localities for transportation projects. The intent of these projects is to preserve and improve the conditions and performance on any Federal-aid highway, bridge, public road, pedestrian/bicycle infrastructure, and transit capital projects. Each year, approximately $2.3 million is available in STBG funds for rural areas and communities located in Woodbury, Plymouth, Cherokee, Ida, and Monona Counties in Iowa. Applications are available now on the SIMPCO website and are due by February 14, 2025.
Siouxland Regional Transportation Planning Association (SRTPA) Transportation Alternatives (TA) Set-Aside Program (IA) – The Transportation Alternatives (TA) Set-Aside from the Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) Program provides funding for a variety of generally smaller-scale transportation projects such as pedestrian and bicycle facilities; construction of turnouts, overlooks, and viewing areas; community improvements such as historic preservation and vegetation management; environmental mitigation related to stormwater and habitat connectivity; recreational trails; safe routes to school projects; and vulnerable road user safety assessments. Each year, approximately $220,000 in TAP funds are available for rural communities located in Woodbury, Plymouth, Cherokee, Ida, and Monona Counties, In Iowa. Other eligible entities include natural resource or public land agencies; school districts, local education agencies or schools; Tribal governments; and nonprofit entities. Applications are available now on the SIMPCO website and are due by February 14, 2025.
Community Connect Grant Program – The Community Connect Grant Program provides financial assistance to eligible applicants that will provide service at or above the Broadband Grant Speed to all premises in rural, economically challenged communities where broadband service does not exist. The deployment of broadband services on a “community-oriented connectivity” basis stimulates economic development and provides enhanced educational and health care opportunities in rural areas. RUS will give priority to rural areas that demonstrate the greatest need for broadband services, based on the criteria contained herein. For more information, click here. Applications due by February 20, 2024.
Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-Saving Transportation (PROTECT) Discretionary Grant Program - A competitive grant program created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help make surface transportation more resilient to natural hazards, including climate change, sea level rise, flooding, extreme weather events, and other natural disasters. This NOFO offers a total of up to $876 million in funding through two application periods, including up to $576 million for FYs 2024 and 2025, and up to $300 million for FY 2026. For more information, click here. Applications are due by February 24, 2025.
All American City Awards – AAC brings together communities from across the country and provides an opportunity for innovative leaders and passionate citizens to connect with and learn from their peers. The Award shines a light on communities that are working to tackle tough issues and lifts these places up for national recognition. For more information, click here. Letter of intent is due by December 30, 2024. Applications are due by February 27, 2025.
Iowa DNR Derelict Building Grant Program – Funding to assist small communities and rural counties in addressing derelict buildings through deconstruction, renovation/mothballing, and/or conducting environmental studies. For more information, click here. Applications are due by February 28, 2025.
Rural Business Development Grant – The purpose of the program is to promote economic development and job creation projects through the awarding of grant funds to eligible entities. Applications will compete in two separate categories, business opportunity grants and business enterprise grants, for use in funding various business and
community projects that serve rural areas. For more information, click here. Applications are due by February 28, 2025.
RAISE Discretionary Grants – RAISE discretionary grants help project sponsors at the state and local levels, including municipalities, Tribal governments, counties, and others complete critical freight and passenger transportation infrastructure projects. The eligibility requirements of RAISE allow project sponsors to obtain funding for projects that may be harder to support through other U.S. DOT grant programs. For more information, click here. Applications are due by February 28, 2024
Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) – Provides federal funds to states, U.S. territories, federally recognized Tribal governments, and local governments for hazard mitigation activities. It does so with a recognition of the growing hazards associated with climate change, and of the need for natural hazard risk mitigation activities that promote climate adaptation and resilience with respect to those hazards. These include both acute extreme weather events and chronic stressors which have been observed and are expected to increase in intensity and frequency in the future. For more information, click here. Applications are due by February 29, 2024.
Flood Mitigation Assistance – Provides federal funds to states, U.S. territories, federally recognized Tribal governments, and local governments to reduce or eliminate the risk of repetitive flood damage to buildings and structures insured under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), and within NFIP-participating communities. It does so with a recognition of the growing flood hazards associated with climate change, and of the need for flood hazard risk mitigation activities that promote climate adaptation, equity, and resilience with respect to flooding. For more information, click here. Applications are due by February 29, 2024.

March

National Park Services-Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program – Supports community-led natural resource conservation and outdoor recreation projects across the nation. This program assists local communities in realizing their conservation and outdoor recreation vision and goals by providing a broad range of services and skills. For more information, click here. Applications are due by March 1, 2024.
The Community Forestry Grant Program (IA) – provides reimbursable grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 to be used for the purchase and planting of trees suitable to Iowa on publicly owned lands. For more information, click here. Applications are due by March 1, 2024.
Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grants – The Choice Neighborhoods program leverages significant public and private dollars to support locally driven strategies that address struggling neighborhoods with distressed public or HUD-assisted housing through a comprehensive approach to neighborhood transformation. Local leaders, residents, and stakeholders, such as public housing authorities, cities, schools, police, business owners, nonprofits, and private developers, come together to create and implement a plan that revitalizes distressed HUD housing and addresses the challenges in the surrounding neighborhood. The program helps communities transform neighborhoods by revitalizing severely distressed public and/or assisted housing and catalyzing critical improvements in the neighborhood, including vacant property, housing, businesses, services and schools. For more information, click here. Applications are due by March 4, 2024.
AARP Community Challenge – Provides small grants to fund quick-action projects that can help communities become more livable for people of all ages. In 2024, the AARP Community Challenge will be accepting applications for three different grant opportunities, each described below in the “Grant Opportunities” section. For more information, click here. Applications are due by March 6, 2024.
Iowa’s Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program – The NEVI Formula Program supports the acquisition, installation, operation, and maintenance of direct-current, fast-charging (DCFC) infrastructure. The Iowa DOT is seeking applicants for this notice of funding opportunity to participate in the deployment of the NEVI-compliant charging infrastructure across the state. For more information, click here. Applications are due by March 13, 2024.
Rural Autonomous Vehicle Research Program – $25 million for two awards to accredited non-profit institutions of higher education, or consortia thereof, as cooperative agreements on a competitive basis, to conduct research and to work with rural and Tribal communities to address the challenges of bringing the benefits of responsible integration of automated vehicles and associated technologies for air and surface mobility to rural and Tribal communities. For more information, click here. Applications are due by March 13, 2024.
Iowa Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program – New funding program to assist those interested in implementing community-driven strategies to reduce energy use and fossil fuel emissions through innovative energy efficiency measures or renewable energy deployment. For more information, click here. Applications are due by March 18, 2024.
FHWA Bridge Investment Program – The Bridge Investment Program is a competitive, discretionary program that focuses on existing bridges to reduce the overall number of bridges in poor condition, or in fair condition at risk of falling into poor condition. It also expands applicant eligibilities to create opportunity for all levels of government to be direct recipients of program funds. Alongside states and federal lands management agencies, metropolitan planning organizations and local and tribal governments can also apply directly to FHWA, making it easier to advance projects at the local level that meet community needs. For more information, click here. Applications are due by March 19, 2024.
Trees for Schools Grant – The Trees for Schools grants are available to eligible public and private schools and school districts to help increase and diversify tree canopy on school grounds (an approved tree species list is in the Nursery Letter), encouraging students to take an active part in this experience and increasing the benefits trees provide to students. Eligibility is determined by 25% or higher free and reduced lunches and/or schools in communities eligible through the Forest Cover and Socioeconomic Assessment Tool. For more information, click here. Applications are due by March 22, 2024.
USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) – Grants for investment in private businesses and agricultural producers to make their enterprises more energy efficient or to install renewable systems. With the so-called Inflation Reduction Act, this program has been improved and better funded, so now is the time to apply. (Eligible: private for-profit entities). For more information, click here. Quarterly, applications are due by March 31, 2024.
CDBG Downtown Revitalization (IA) -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. For more information, click here. Applications are due by March 31, 2024.
T-Mobile Hometown Grant – The T-Mobile Hometown Grants program will help fund projects to build, rebuild, or refresh community spaces that help foster local connections in your town. For example, this might include the town square pavilion, a historic building, an outdoor park, a ball field, or a library– every town has places where friends and neighbors connect. For more information, click here. Applications are due by March 31, 2024.

April

EPA Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Program (CPRG) – Awards to develop the regional East Central Iowa Climate Action Plan. Cities, counties, and local organizations are invited to join a webinar to learn about the CPRG planning process and climate action implementation grants. There will be a brief presentation and time for questions and discussion. For more information, click here. Applications are due by April 1, 2024.
Iowa CDBG Water and 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. For more information, click here. Applications are due by April 1, 2025, July 1, 2025, October 1, 2025, and January 1, 2025.
Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) – This program funds regional, local, and Tribal initiatives through grants to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries. The SS4A program provides funding for two types of grants: Planning and Demonstration Grants and Implementation Grants. Planning and Demonstration Grants provide Federal funds to develop, complete, or supplement an Action Plan. Implementation Grants provide Federal funds to implement projects and strategies identified in an Action Plan to address roadway safety problem. For more information, click here. Deadline #1 for Planning and Demonstration Grants is April 4, 2024. Sole deadline for Implementation Grants and deadline#2 for Planning and Demonstration Grants is May 16, 2024. Deadline #3 for Planning and Demonstration grants is August 29, 2024. NOFO closes.
Community Catalyst Building Remediation (IA) – 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. For more information, click here. Pre-applications are due by January 29. 2025. Application due by April 17, 2025.
South Dakota Community Access Road Grants (SD) – This program is a means for small towns to pave or reconstruct important local roads such as their Main Street. For more information, click here. Applications are due by April 15, 2024.
South Dakota Industrial Park Road Grants – This program is a means to assist cities and towns that have a new industry coming to their community and need new or expanded access to the industry. For more information, click here. Applications are due by April 15, 2024.
DOT Low-or-No Emission Program – The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announces the availability of approximately $1.1 billion in competitive grants under the Low or No Emission Grant Program (Low-No Program) for the purchase or lease of zero-emission and low-emission transit buses, including acquisition, construction, and leasing of required supporting facilities. For more information, click here. Applications are due by April 25, 2024.
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) – Funding for a wide variety of projects that lower energy costs, reduce carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency, and reduce overall energy use. For more information, click here. Applications are due by April 30, 2024.
Sparklight Charitable Giving Fund – Charitable Giving Fund grants will be made available across communities served by Sparklight and the other Cable One family of brands (Fidelity Communications, Hargray and ValuNet Fiber) and will concentrate support in the following priority areas: Education & Digital Literacy; Hunger Relief & Food Insecurity; Community Development. For more information, click here. Applications are due by April 30, 2024.

May

Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines Affordable Housing Program (IA) – Housing grants for homeownership, down payment assistance, rental housing, development projects, and rehabilitation/renovation. For more information, click here. Applications are due by May 1, 2024.
Multimodal Project Discretionary Grant (MPDG) – The MPDG is a program combining three funding opportunities into a single application process: (1) the National Infrastructure Project Assistance (Mega) program; (2) the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) program; and (3) the Rural Surface Transportation Grant (Rural) program. The Mega program is providing $1.7 billion to invest in large, complex projects that are difficult to fund by other means and are likely to generate national or regional economic, mobility, or safety benefits. These can include multimodal and active transportation projects. For more information, click here. Applications are due by May 6, 2024.
Hometown Pride Communities (IA) – A Keep Iowa Beautiful program designed to revitalize and strengthen local communities. Participating towns are provided with five years of funding to employ a professional “community coach,” who will work with a committee of 5-10 resident volunteers to run a successful community improvement program in each town. Participants join as a group of 6-10 towns in one region and provide a 25% match toward the cost. A typical town will complete 15-20 projects and raise $200,000 (or more) over 5 years – projects include things like park amenities, clean-up events, public art, festivals, fundraising, leadership programs, trails, welcome signs, and more. Hometown Pride works with your existing organizations and initiatives to achieve shared community goals. For more information, click here. A letter of interest is due by May 8, 2024.
Iowa Thriving Communities Initiative – The 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 and lucrative scoring points for the Federal Housing Tax Credit and/or Workforce Housing Tax Credit programs. The scoring points will be available through the end of the calendar year following the community’s designation as an Iowa Thriving Community. For more information, click here. Applications are due by May 15, 2024.
Iowa West Foundation (IA) – Community development, economic development, education, and human needs projects. For more information, click here. Applications are due January 15, 2025, May 15, 2025, and September 15, 2025.
Fund for Siouxland – Funding for arts & culture, civic affairs, education, health, and human services. Grants are available to nonprofit organizations and qualified units of government within a 50-mile radius of Sioux City. Grants generally do not exceed $5,000. For more information, click here. Applications are due by May 15, 2024.
IEDA Enhance Iowa Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) – Funds for capital projects, such as trails, libraries, community centers, pavilions, entertainment venues, museums, recreational facilities, and more. (Eligible: local governments and certain nonprofits). For more information, click here. Quarterly. Applications are due by May 15, 2024.
Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) – This program funds regional, local, and Tribal initiatives through grants to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries. The SS4A program provides funding for two types of grants: Planning and Demonstration Grants and Implementation Grants. Planning and Demonstration Grants provide Federal funds to develop, complete, or supplement an Action Plan. Implementation Grants provide Federal funds to implement projects and strategies identified in an Action Plan to address roadway safety problem. For more information, click here. Deadline #1 for Planning and Demonstration Grants is April 4, 2024. Sole deadline for Implementation Grants and deadline#2 for Planning and Demonstration Grants is May 16, 2024. Deadline #3 for Planning and Demonstration grants is August 29, 2024. NOFO closes.
Union Pacific Community Ties Giving Program (IA, NE, SD): As part of the Community Ties Giving Program, local grants help Union Pacific achieve their mission by providing small and medium-sized grants within the priority cause area to local organizations spread widely across Union Pacific’s footprint. For more information, click here. Applications are due May 31, 2024.

June

Iowa Workforce Housing Tax Incentive – Housing Projects that meet one of four criteria: Housing development located on a grayfield or brownfield site; repair or rehab of dilapidated housing stocks; Upper story housing development; New construction in a greenfield. These grants are competitive in part because the program is more flexible than most in terms of income limits and incentive amounts. For more information, click here. Applications are due by June 10, 2024.
Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program (ATIIP) – ATIIP will award two types of grants: Planning and Design grants and Construction grants. FHWA will award Planning and Design grants for eligible applicants to develop plans for active transportation networks and active transportation spines (BIL $sect; 11529(d)(2)). Projects seeking Planning and Design grants must have planning and design costs of at least $100,000 to be eligible (BIL $sect; 11529(l)(6)(B)(ii)). For more information, click here. Applications are due by June 17, 2024.
Nebraska CDBG Tourism Development (NE) – The purpose of the Tourism Development (TD) Category is to provide investments in effective and affordable tourist attraction facilities to quality communities that are investing in long-term development. For more information, click here. Applications are due by June 30, 2024.
Nebraska CDBG Economic Development (NE) – The objective of the Economic Development (ED) category is to assist businesses that expand the state’s economic base, and which create quality jobs principally benefiting employees in the low- and moderate-income levels. For more information, click here. Applications are due by June 30, 2024.
USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) – Grants for investment in private businesses and agricultural producers to make their enterprises more energy efficient or to install renewable systems. With the so-called Inflation Reduction Act, this program has been improved and better funded, so now is the time to apply. (Eligible: private for-profit entities). For more information, click here. Quarterly, applications are due by June 30, 2024.
MRHD Economic Development Match Grant – Designed to bring other funders together, and to support economic development projects within Woodbury County that need potentially higher levels of funding and collaboration. Grants are awarded annually on the basis of merit as determined by the Grant Review Committee and ratified by the MRHD Board of Directors. For more information, click here. Applications are due by June 20, 2024.
Iowa 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. For more information, click here. Applications are due by June 30, 2024.

July

Iowa Community Cultural Grant – Program to help cities, county governments, tribal councils and nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations to support the development of community programs that provide jobs for local Iowans while promoting Iowa’s cultural, ethnic and historical heritages through the development of festivals, music, drama, cultural programs and tourism projects. For more information, click here. Applications are due by July 1, 2024.
IDOT Recreational Trails Program – The Iowa Transportation Commission approved a one-time, $5 million allocation of funding to partially offset COVID-19-related reductions in the SRT program. The activities eligible for funding under this program can go towards the acquisition, construction of new trails, maintenance, resurfacing, and restoration of existing recreational trails, development and rehabilitation of trailside and trailhead facilities and trail linkages. For more information, click here. Applications are due by July 1, 2024.
Iowa CDBG Water and 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. For more information, click here. Applications are due by April 1, 2025, July 1, 2025, October 1, 2025, and January 1, 2025.
Iowa Solid Waste Alternatives Program (IA) – Programs to encourage landfill alternatives – recycling, diversion, new technologies, new manufacturing processes, etc. For more information, click here. Applications are due by July 1, 2025, and January 2, 2025.
Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) – Established to provide grants to eligible public sector agencies to conduct demonstration projects focused on advanced smart community technologies and systems in order to improve transportation efficiency and safety. SMART is a two-stage program. Stage 1 grants are open for any eligible entity to apply. Recipients of Stage 1 grants will be eligible to expand their projects through Stage 2 grants. For more information, click here. Stage 1 applications are due by July 12, 2024.
South Dakota Community Access Road Grants (SD) – This program is a means for small towns to pave or reconstruct important local roads such as their Main Street. For more information, click here. Applications are due by July 15, 2024.
South Dakota Agri-Business Access Grant (SD) – This program is a means for local governments to address road needs associated with new agri-business, such as ethanol plants, large-scale elevators, etc. In many cases, these new agri-businesses create additional truck traffic that an existing road may not be built to take. For more information, click here. Applications are due by July 15, 2024.
South Dakota Industrial Park Road Grants (SD) – This program is a means to assist cities and towns that have a new industry coming to their community and need new or expanded access to the industry. For more information, click here. Applications are due by July 15, 2024.
Destination Iowa Fund – Projects will attract visitors and new residents to the state and bolster the quality of life in Iowa’s rural communities. The aim is to make strategic investments that yield lasting results and create a positive ripple effect throughout the community. These projects will not only address immediate needs but also contribute to long-term sustainability and enhance the overall quality of life for residents. For more information, click here. Pre-applications are due between July 22, 2024-May 14, 2025. Applications are due by January 15, 2025 and/or July 15, 2025.
2024 Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant – Program designed to help applicants across the country transition to zero-emission vehicles and reduce air pollution, which will result in improved health outcomes, less noise pollution, and the creation of good-paying clean energy jobs. For more information, click here. Applications are due by July 25, 2024.
AES Foundation Day of Giving – Program created to give back to the communities in which AES Restaurant Group employees work and live. This year’s event will be held in Sioux City, Iowa and Fargo, North Dakota. Charities will be chosen based on their applications, impact on the community, alignment with the Arby’s values, and fiscal responsibility. For more information, click here. Applications are due by July 26, 2024.
Rural Housing Preservation Grant – The HPG program is a grant program which provides qualified public agencies, private nonprofit organizations, which may include but not be limited to, Faith-Based and Community Organizations, and other eligible entities grant funds to assist very low- and low-income homeowners in repairing and rehabilitating their homes in rural areas. In addition, the HPG program assists rental property owners and cooperative housing complexes in repairing and rehabilitating their units if they agree to make such units available to low- and very low-income persons. For more information, click here. Applications are due by July 29, 2024.
Airport Terminals Program – Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, $5 billion has been allocated to provide competitive grants for airport terminal development projects that address the aging infrastructure of the nation’s airports. These grants will fund safe, sustainable and accessible airport terminals, on-airport rail access projects and airport-owned airport traffic control towers. Projects may also include multimodal development. For more information, click here. Applications are due by July 31, 2024.

August

FHWA Bridge Investment Program – The Bridge Investment Program is a competitive, discretionary program that focuses on existing bridges to reduce the overall number of bridges in poor condition, or in fair condition at risk of falling into poor condition. It also expands applicant eligibilities to create opportunity for all levels of government to be direct recipients of program funds. Alongside states and federal lands management agencies, metropolitan planning organizations and local and tribal governments can also apply directly to FHWA, making it easier to advance projects at the local level that meet community needs. For more information, click here. Applications are due by August 1, 2024.
FY2024 Pilot Program for Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) – The Pilot Program for TOD Planning helps support FTA’s mission of improving public transportation for America’s communities by providing funding to local communities to integrate land use and transportation planning around a new fixed guideway or core capacity improvement project. Per statute, any comprehensive or site-specific planning funded through the program must examine ways to improve economic development and ridership, foster multimodal connectivity and accessibility, improve transit access for pedestrian and bicycle traffic, engage the private sector, identify infrastructure needs, and enable mixed-use development near transit stations. For more information, click here. Applications are due by August 2, 2024.
Nebraska Wastewater Reduction and Recycling Incentive Grant – Provides grants to assist in financing sound integrated waste management programs and projects. These programs and projects include but are not limited to: Recycling systems; market development for recyclable materials; intermediate processing facilities; facilities using recyclable materials in new products; yard waste composting and composting with sewage sludge; waste reduction and materials exchange; household hazardous waste programs; consolidation of solid waste disposal facilities and use of transfer stations; and incineration for energy recovery. For more information, click here. Applications are due by August 9, 2024.
Nebraska Litter Reduction and Recycling Grant – Purpose is to provide funds to support programs to reduce litter, provide education, and promote recycling in Nebraska. Funds from this program are provided from an annual fee assessed to manufacturers. For more information, click here. Applications are due by August 9, 2024.
Iowa Traffic Safety Improvement Program (IA) – Funds to cities and counties for roadway safety improvements, research, studies, or public information initiatives. For more information, click here. Applications are due by August 15, 2024.
Iowa REAP Parks and Open Spaces Grant (IA) – Recreational grants for the acquisition and development of open space and park areas. For more information, click here. Applications are due by August 15, 2024.
Creative Places Accelerator Program – The Iowa Arts Council is now accepting applications to participate in The Creative Places Accelerator, a multi-year program where cross-sector community teams from small to midsize Iowa communities develop arts-based projects to serve as catalysts for livability, economic development, and community connectedness. Projects developed through this accelerator program will be focused on creative placemaking or place keeping and will have demonstrated positive impact on their respective communities. The Creative Places Accelerator is a multifaceted program that provides training, networking, technical assistance and grant opportunities. For more information, click here. Applications are due by August 20, 2024.
Community Forestry Grant Program (IA) – 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. The Community Forestry Grant Program provides reimbursable grants to be used to purchase and plant trees suitable to Iowa. Award recipients in counties impacted by the August 10, 2020, derecho will be awarded state infrastructure funds in reimbursable funds. An approximate total of $146,500 in funds are available. Award recipients will be reimbursed $500 to $10,000 to buy trees and materials. For more information, click here. Applications are due by August 26, 2024.
Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program – The Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program (CFI Program) is a competitive grant program created by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to strategically deploy publicly accessible electric vehicle charging and alternative fueling infrastructure in the places people live and work – urban and rural areas alike – in addition to along designated Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs). CFI Program investments will make modern and sustainable infrastructure accessible to all drivers of electric, hydrogen, propane, and natural gas vehicles. This program provides two funding categories of grants: (1) Community Charging and Alternative Fueling Grants (Community Program); and (2) Charging and Alternative Fuel Corridor Grants (Corridor Program). The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides $2.5 billion over five years for this program to strategically deploy electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and other alternative fueling infrastructure projects in urban and rural communities in publicly accessible locations, including downtown areas and local neighborhoods, particularly in underserved and disadvantaged communities. For more information, click here. Applications are due by August 28, 2024.
Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) – This program funds regional, local, and Tribal initiatives through grants to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries. The SS4A program provides funding for two types of grants: Planning and Demonstration Grants and Implementation Grants. Planning and Demonstration Grants provide Federal funds to develop, complete, or supplement an Action Plan. Implementation Grants provide Federal funds to implement projects and strategies identified in an Action Plan to address roadway safety problem. For more information, click here. Deadline #1 for Planning and Demonstration Grants is April 4, 2024. Sole deadline for Implementation Grants and deadline#2 for Planning and Demonstration Grants is May 16, 2024. Deadline #3 for Planning and Demonstration grants is August 29, 2024. NOFO closes.
Rural Housing Assessment (IA) – The Rural Housing Assessment Grant program supports the use of publicly available, online information and rural community efforts to interpret publicly available hard data to implement changes through development codes, local ordinances, and housing incentives specific to individual community needs. For more information, click here. Applications are due by August 30, 2024.
Rural BOOST Program (IA) – The Rural BOOST program aims to provide teams of experts to assist passionate community and business leaders in developing intentional plans for next step growth. BOOST, managed by the Center for Rural Revitalization, will dispatch 3-5 experts to meet with a local targeted financial support to launch next steps. For more information, click here. Applications are due by August 30, 2024.
Rural Child Care Planning Program (IA) – The Rural Child Care Planning program seeks to support the use of data and analysis by rural communities to determine the specific needs and solutions for childcare in their area. For more information, click here. Applications are due by August 30, 2024.
Rural Innovation Grant Program (IA) – Seeks to support creative ideas that address current issues and challenges faced by rural communities associated with the themes of community investment, growth and connection. For more information, click here. Applications are due by August 30, 2024.
MRHD Impact Match Grant – The Impact Match Grants Program provides awards ranging from $25,000 to $250,000 for one year to support larger-scale projects or programs. MRHD awards grants in this program to projects that create a significant impact in addressing the needs of the community and the organization’s work. This grant is not renewable and requires cost-sharing or a match. For more information, click here. Pre-application is due by July 31, 2023. Applications are due by August 31, 2024.
2024 Iowa Leadership Bootcamp Grant – The Iowa Leadership Bootcamp Grant program provides training, mentorship, and funding to communities and regions initiating leadership programs. If Iowa wants communities to survive and thrive, it will take strong local leadership. Many communities have created effective leadership programs, as have various Iowa industries. For more information, click here. Applications are due by August 31, 2024.

September

Rural Business Initiative Grant – The Iowa Rural Development Council is now accepting applications for the new Rural Business Initiative Grant program, made possible with funding from Wells Fargo. The Rural Business Initiative will provide grants of at least $30,000 to community organizations that work with small businesses, dollars that can be directed to the businesses themselves for capital costs, soft costs, training or strategic planning. For more information, click here. Applications are due by September 1, 2024.
IDOT 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. For more information, click here. Applications are due by September 1, 2024.
Iowa’s Living Roadways Community Visioning Program – Communities in need of transportation enhancement planning assistance and populations of fewer than 10,000 residents are eligible to participate in the Community Visioning Program. Thriving communities have volunteers, government representatives, and interest groups that collaborate to complete the visioning process. For more information, click here. Applications are due by September 1, 2024.
IDOT Rise Grant – 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. For more information, click here. Applications are due by September 1, 2024.
Iowa Brownfield/Grayfield Redevelopment Tax Credit Program (IA) – This program assists with redevelopment aimed at improving Iowa’s economy while reducing environmental hazards. For more information, click here. Applications are due by September 1, 2024.
Nebraska Environmental Trust (NET) – The Nebraska Environmental Trust is established to conserve, enhance and restore the natural environments of Nebraska. A prosperous future requires a sound natural environment. Successful grant applications will address one or more of the following categories: habitat, surface and ground water, waste management, air quality, or soil management. For more information, click here. Applications are due by September 3, 2024.
IEDA Certified Local Government Program (CLG) – Program to fund technical assistance, planning, consultants, and other historic preservation projects, including studies, historic registry nominations, and more. (Eligible: local governments with historic preservation commissions in good standing). For more information, click here. Applications are due by September 3, 2024.
Healthy Homes Production Grant Program – The program takes a comprehensive approach to addressing multiple childhood diseases and injuries in the home by focusing on housing-related hazards in a coordinated fashion, rather than addressing a single hazard at a time. The program builds upon HUD’s successful Lead Hazard Control programs to expand the Department’s efforts to address a variety of high-priority environmental health and safety hazards. For more information, click here. Applications are due by September 3, 2024.
Lead Hazard reduction Capacity Building Grant Program – The purpose of the Lead Hazard Reduction Capacity Building Grant Program is to assist states; Federally recognized Native American Tribes that have an U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-authorized lead abatement certification program; cities, and counties/parishes, or other units of local government which have either not received a direct HUD lead hazard control grant or were a previous grantee that has a demonstrated need to rebuild capacity within their jurisdiction. For more information, click here. Applications are due by September 4, 2024.
Iowa Clean Water Loan Program (IA)– Created to give loans to water and wastewater projects. For more information, click here. Applications are due September 5, 2024.
Main Street Iowa Challenge – The Main Street Iowa Challenge Grant is a grant program provided by Main Street Iowa (MSI) and the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) for brick-and-mortar building projects in designated Main Street districts. Highly competitive applications include Impactful building rehabilitation projects that provide increased business, housing or job opportunities; Projects that incorporate quality design and preservation-based strategies; Projects that support local revitalization efforts and stimulate additional district investment; Projects that are well planned and achievable within the two-year contract period. For more information, click here. Applications are due by September 6, 2024.
Iowa West Foundation (IA) – Community development, economic development, education, and human needs projects. For more information, click here. Applications are due January 15, 2025, May 15, 2025, and September 15, 2025.
Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program – The program aims to fund initiatives that will ensure all communities have the access and skills needed to fully participate in the digital world, regardless of their background or circumstances. For more information, click here. Applications are due by September 23, 2024.
Aquatic Organism Passage (AOP) – Where transportation systems such as roads and tracks intersect waterways, a result may create barriers that impede the passage and impair the habitat of aquatic organisms and other wildlife. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), an agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), promotes approaches to reduce or remove barriers to passage of both aquatic and wildlife species where they interact with our Nation’s transportation system. The FHWA also recognizes that removing these barriers may have flood risk reduction, environmental, cultural, and societal benefits. Aquatic organism populations may be critical to local economies and Native and Tribal communities. For more information, click here. Applications are due by September 23, 2024.
Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Program – The purpose of the RCE Program is to provide funding for highway-rail and pathway-rail grade crossing improvement projects that focus on improving the safety and mobility of people and goods. For more information, click here. Applications are due by September 23, 2024.
FY 2024 Good Jobs Challenge – EDA will support regional workforce training systems in designing and implementing activities for established sectoral partnerships that place program participants in good jobs and advance industries in the federal key technology focus areas. For more information, click here. Applications are due September 27, 2024.
USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) – Grants for investment in private businesses and agricultural producers to make their enterprises more energy efficient or to install renewable systems. With the so-called Inflation Reduction Act, this program has been improved and better funded, so now is the time to apply. (Eligible: private for-profit entities) For more information, click here. Applications are due quaterly, September 30, 2024, December 31, 2024, and March 31, 2025.
Reconnecting Communities Pilot (RCP) Program – The Office of the Secretary of Transportation (OST) has released an FY24 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Reconnecting Communities Pilot (RCP) program. This is a continuation of two previous rounds of RCP Funding in FY22 and FY23. The RCP Program focuses on improving access to daily needs such as jobs, education, healthcare, food, nature, and recreation, and foster equitable development and restoration, and provide technical assistance to further these goals. For more information, click here. Applications are due by September 30, 2024.

October

Iowa’s Statewide Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) – Eligible project activities for Iowa’s TAP funding 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 stormwater and habitat connectivity. Detailed information about Iowa’s TAP program may be found in the program guidance. For more information, click here. Applications are due by October 1, 2024.
IDOT FFY 2025 City Bridge Program – For this funding cycle, funds were available to offer assistance to bridges that had 20 or more priority points. The Iowa DOT annually makes Federal aid and State funds available for the purposes of reducing the number of “Poor” bridges (formerly known as Structurally Deficient or Functionally Obsolete bridges) on the local roadway system. Bridges are ranked to receive funding based on a priority point system explained in Local Systems I.M. 1.100, Federal and State Bridge Programs. For more information, click here. Requests for FY 2026 are due by October 1, 2024.
Iowa CDBG Water and 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. For more information, click here. Applications are due by April 1, 2025, July 1, 2025, October 1, 2025, and January 1, 2025.
South Dakota Industrial Park Road Grants (SD) – This program is a means to assist cities and towns that have a new industry coming to their community and need new or expanded access to the industry. For more information, click here. Applications are due by October 15, 2024.
Agri-Business Access Grant (SD) – This program is a means for local governments to address road needs associated with new agri-business, such as ethanol plants, large-scale elevators, etc. In many cases, these new agri-businesses create additional truck traffic that an existing road may not be built to take. For more information, click here. Applications are due by October 15, 2024.
Nationally Significant Federal Lands and Tribal Projects (NSFLTP) Program – This program provides funding for the construction, reconstruction, and rehabilitation of nationally significant projects within, adjacent to, or accessing Federal and Tribal lands. This program provides an opportunity to address significant challenges across the nation for transportation facilities that serve Federal and Tribal lands. For more information, click here. Applications are due by October 16, 2024.
Iowa Energy Infrastructure Revolving Loan Program – The EIRLP provides low-interest loans for energy infrastructure projects that facilitate electricity or gas generation, transmission, storage, or distribution. For more information, click here. Applications are due by October 17, 2024.
Sparklight Charitable Giving Fund – Funding support available for 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations and governmental units that advance social progress in areas served by the Cable One family of brands. Funding to be concentrated in the following priority areas: education & digital literacy, hunger relief and food insecurity, and community development. For more information, click here. Applications are due by October 31, 2024.

November

Nebraska Municipality Infrastructure Aid Program (MIAP) – The program’s goal is to facilitate approved redevelopment plans under the Community Development Law, attract and support new business or business expansion, create additional high-quality jobs, increase business investment, and revitalize rural or other distressed areas of the state. To be eligible, a proposed infrastructure improvement project must be part of an approved redevelopment plan under the Community Development Law. Infrastructure improvement projects include water systems, sewer systems, roads, bridges, and other site development activities.For more information, click here. Applications are due by November 1, 2024.
FHWA Bridge Investment Program – The Bridge Investment Program is a competitive, discretionary program that focuses on existing bridges to reduce the overall number of bridges in poor condition or in fair condition at risk of falling into poor condition. It also expands applicant eligibilities to create opportunity for all levels of government to be direct recipients of program funds. Alongside states and federal lands management agencies, metropolitan planning organizations and local and tribal governments can also apply directly to FHWA, making it easier to advance projects at the local level that meet community needs. For more information, click here. Applications are due by November 1, 2024.
Environmental and Climate Justice Change Grants – The Environmental and Climate Justice Program (ECJ Program), created by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) under Clean Air Act (CAA) Section 138, provides funding for financial and technical assistance to carry out environmental and climate justice activities to benefit underserved and overburdened communities. For more information, click here. Applications are due by November 21, 2024.
Training and Technical Assistance to Improve Water Quality and Enable Small Public Water Systems to Provide Safe Drinking Water – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the availability of up to $30.7 million in grant funding for technical assistance and training to support small drinking water and wastewater systems, including those in rural communities. This grant provides funding to organizations that work side-by-side with water systems by giving them the necessary tools and training to ensure communities have safe drinking water and effective wastewater treatment systems. For more information, click here. Applications are due by November 24, 2024.
Low Carbon Transportation Materials (LCTM) Program - The purpose of the LCTM Program is to reimburse the incrementally higher costs of using or provide an incentive1 amount to eligible recipients for the use, in projects, of construction materials and products that have substantially lower levels of embodied GHG emissions, as described by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), associated with all relevant stages of production, use, and disposal as compared to estimated industry averages of similar materials or products, hereafter referred to as low carbon transportation materials. For more information, click here. Applications are due by November 25, 2024.

Open Deadline Grants

Speed Feedback Signs Program (IA) – Install speed feedback signs to improve the safety and overall livability of Iowa’s local communities. These signs are proven traffic calming devices that will be placed along state highways within a community. The Iowa DOT will procure and install the signs at no cost to the city as long as the city agrees to accept ownership and will maintain the sign. For more information, click here.
AED Grant Program (IA NE SD) – This program is designed to help institutions and individuals everywhere, place these amazing life-saving devices at an affordable price. For more information, click here.
BNSF Foundation (IA NE & SD) – The foundation is dedicated to supporting the communities we serve and in which our employees live, work, and volunteer. Your organization, or program, should exist in or serve a community near one of the BNSF’s rail lines to be eligible to apply for grants. For more information, click here.
Career Links Employment Transportation (IA) – Funds awarded through the Career Link Employment Transportation program provide transportation for individuals to travel to job activities or job education opportunities. Funding is provided through local governments to non-profit transportation service providers. For more information, click here.
Community Catalyst Building Remediation (IA) – Grant funding for redevelopment, rehabilitation, or deconstruction of buildings to stimulate economic growth or reinvestment in the community. For more information, click here. Applications are by invitation only, after approved pre-application.
Enhance Iowa Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) Grant (IA) – Funds for capital projects, such as trails, libraries, community centers, pavilions, entertainment venues, museums, recreational facilities, and more. For more information, click here. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Community Facilities Program Disaster Repair Grants (NE & SD) – This program provides grants to repair essential community facilities in rural areas that were damaged by Presidentially Declared Disasters in Calendar Year 2022. An essential community facility is defined as a facility that provides an essential service to the local community for the orderly development of the community in a primarily rural area, and does not include private, commercial or business undertakings. For more information, click here.
Community Heart & Soul Offering $10,000 in Seed Grant – A funding opportunity for small cities and towns nationwide. The Community Heart & Soul Seed Grant Program provides startup funding of $10,000 for resident-driven groups in communities with populations of 2,500 to 30,000 to implement the Community Heart & Soul model. The Community Heart & Soul model engages the entire population of a town in identifying what they love most about their community, what future they want for it, and how to achieve it. For more information, click here.
Economic Adjustment Assistance – The Economic Adjustment Assistance program is EDA’s most flexible program, and grants made under this program will help hundreds of communities across the nation plan, build, innovate, and put people back to work through construction or non-construction projects designed to meet local needs. For more information, click here. Rolling due date for applications.
Economic Development Set-Aside (EDSA) (IA) – The EDSA program provides financial assistance to businesses and industries requiring assistance to create or retain job opportunities in Iowa. Priority is given to projects that create manufacturing jobs, add value to Iowa resources and/or increase exports. For more information, click here.
FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant – Hazard mitigation plans and projects, including tornado safe rooms, building and utility retrofits, minor flood control projects, elevations and relocations of buildings in flood hazard areas and stormwater management projects (Eligible: local governments and some nonprofits). For more information, click here.
Good Sports Equipment Grants – Good Sports gives all kids the lifelong benefits of sport and physical activity by providing new equipment, apparel, and footwear to those most in need. The award amount if 10% of the total retail value of the items. For more information, click here.
Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) – Provides grants for low-cost, systemic safety improvements in the $10,000/mile range, focusing on lane departure crashes. For more information, click here.
Iowa CDBG Career Link Employee Training – The Career Link program provides funding to help develop training programs for primarily low to moderate income individuals in an effort to increase employee skills and develop a skilled workforce for employers to draw from. For more information, click here.
Iowa CDBG Community Facilities – The program assists projects such as daycare facilities, senior centers, vocational workshops, and other community services such as stormwater projects. For more information, click here. Applications are due September 2023.
Iowa CDBG Community Facilities and Services Fund – This annual competitive program assists projects such as daycare facilities, senior centers, vocational workshops, and other community services such as stormwater projects. The goal of this program is to provide economic opportunities for people, especially those of low-and-moderate income. For more information, click here. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis as funds are available.
Iowa DOT/DNR Fund (IA)– Funding provided for the roadside beautification of primary system corridors with plant materials. Maximum of $100,000 per application per year. For more information, click here.
KaBoom! Community Construction Grant – Dr. Pepper Snapple and KaBoom have teamed up to offer $15,00 grants to be used toward the purchase of playground equipment. For more information, click here.
Municipal Inland Port Authority Act (NE) – Nebraska is ideally situated as an industrial and logistical hub for multiple industries across the United States. The Municipal Inland Port Authority Act (“Act”) is intended to stimulate the Nebraska economy by incentivizing the development of new industrial hubs and providing the economic development tools necessary to acquire and develop large shovel-ready sites. The creation of one or more inland port authorities in Nebraska will serve as a mechanism to develop both commercial and industrial sites. In addition to the development of commercial and industrial sites, Nebraska’s inland port authorities will serve as regional merging points for multi-modal transportation and the distribution of goods. For more information, click here.
Pedestrian Curb Ramp Construction (IA) – Assist cities in complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on primary roads in Iowa cities. Improvements must involve a municipal extension of a primary road. Curb ramps must meet ADA standards. For more information, click here.
Power of Connection Community Grant Program (IA) – This innovative economic development program is designed to pair rural communities seeking assistance with IRDC resource teams. Those teams drive both community conversations and solution development for problems or projects. Ultimately, grants of up to $5,000 – funded by ITC Midwest and the IRDC – may be awarded to rural communities for capacity building, strategic planning, studies or assessment. For more information, click here.
Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance (PWEAA) – EDA supports bottom-up strategies that build on regional assets to spur economic growth and resiliency. EDA encourages its grantees throughout the country to develop initiatives that present new ideas and creative approaches to advance economic prosperity in distressed communities. Through this NOFO EDA intends to advance general economic development in accordance with EDA’s investment priorities, but also to pursue projects that, where practicable, incorporate specific priorities related to equity, workforce development, and climate change resiliency so that investments can benefit everyone for decades to come. For more information, click here.
Railroad Revolving Loan and Grant Program (IA) – The 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. When sufficient funds are available, a notice of funding availability is issued that includes an application due date and the approximate amount of funding available. For more information, click here.
Rural Local Initiatives Support Corporation Community Facilities Fund – Rural Local Initiatives Support Corporation’s Community Facilities Fund is a loan that provides capital to help develop and improve essential community facilities in rural areas, including health care centers, hospitals, educational facilities, and other facilities in rural communities with populations under 20,000. For more information, click here.
Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program – Provides loans and grants to help microenterprise startup and grow through a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund and to provide training and technical assistance to microloan borrowers and micro-entrepreneurs. For more information, click here.
Rural and Tribal Assistance Pilot Program – Program to provide states, local governments, and tribal governments with grants to support project development leading to future applications to DOT credit or grant programs. The grants can support legal, technical, and financial advisors to help advance infrastructure projects. The first notice of funding opportunity includes two fiscal years and makes $3.4 million available to eligible applicants on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, click here.
Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants (IA) – Also known as the Section 504 Home Repair program, this provides loans to very-low-income homeowners to repair, improve or modernize their homes or grants to elderly very-low-income homeowners to remove health and safety hazards. For more information, click here.
Small Town Sign Replacement Program (IA) – This program will provide up to $5,000 of signs and signposts per applying community on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, click here.
State Revolving Fund Wastewater and Drinking Water Treatment Financial Assistance Program (WTFAP) (IA) – Grants for water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure projects and funded with a portion of the taxes paid on metered water. For more information, click here.
Stormwater Best Management Practices Loan (IA)– This program facilitates low-interest loans to private and public entities for implementing environmentally responsible strategies for stormwater management. For more information, click here.
T-Mobile Hometown Grants Program – In partnership with Main Street America and Smart Growth America, T-Mobile is committing $25 million toward small-town grants over the next five years through its Hometown Grants program. The program will award up to 100 towns per year with project funding grants of up to $50,000 each. The program will focus on revitalizing community spaces in towns with 50,000 people or less. Main Street programs are encouraged to apply. For more information, click here.
Traffic Engineering Assistance Program (TEAP) (IA) – Provides 100 hours of engineering assistance for operations and traffic safety issues. For more information, click here.
Travel, Tourism, & Outdoor Recreation – Through the Travel, Tourism & Outdoor Recreation program, EDA is focused on accelerating the recovery of communities that rely on the travel, tourism and outdoor recreation sectors. $750 million of EDA’s American Rescue Plan funds are allocated to support the following efforts:
- State Tourism Grants: $510 million in non-competitive awards to help states quickly invest in marketing, infrastructure, workforce, and other projects to rejuvenate safe leisure, business and international travel.
- Competitive Grants: $240 million to help communities that have been hardest hit by challenges facing the travel, tourism, and outdoor recreation sectors to invest in infrastructure, workforce or other projects to support the recovery of the industry and economic resilience of the community in the future. For more information, click here. State Tourism applications are due 60 days after receiving an invitation. Competitive Tourism applications are due within 60 days of invitation.
Trees Forever (IA) – Grants available across Iowa to help diverse community forests and areas that welcome the public. Projects may include planting seedling trees and woody shrubs in public spaces including but not limited to county and community parks, trail ways, roadsides, stream corridors, schools and civic buildings, cemeteries, and more. For more information, click here.
United Way of Siouxland Small Grants – The intent of the Small Grants Program is to provide support for community projects, programs, or initiatives in need of a small, one-time grant between $1,000 and $5,000, but may not be eligible for funding through other grant opportunities. For more information, click here.
USDA Rural Development Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Funds – This program provides funding for clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste disposal, and stormwater drainage to households and businesses in eligible rural areas. For more information, click here.
USDA Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program – This program provides affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in rural areas. An essential community facility is defined as a facility that provides an essential service to the local community for the orderly development of the community in a primarily rural area and does not include private, commercial or business undertakings. For more information, click here.

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