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OUTSIDE FUNDING SOURCES

UPCOMING GRANT OPPORTUNITIES

Grants due in November

· Electric Vehicle Charger Reliability and Accessibility Accelerator – Ten percent of the NEVI Formula Program is set-aside for the Secretary of Transportation “to make grants to States and localities that require additional assistance to strategically deploy electric vehicle charging infrastructure.” Reflecting the need to make our current EV charging network more reliable, the first round of funding made available in this set-aside from the NEVI program will focus on repairing or replacing non-operational EV chargers. Applications are due by November 13, 2023.

· Thriving Communities Program – TCP provides technical assistance, planning, and capacity building support to teams of community partners that may lack the staffing or technical expertise to scope, fund, and develop infrastructure projects that advance broader community goals. TCP will provide 2 years of deep-dive assistance and 3 years of facilitated peer learning support to selected communities to help them plan and develop a pipeline of comprehensive transportation, housing, and community revitalization activities.  Applications are due by November 15, 2023.

· 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. Applications are due by November 15, 2023.

· Comprehensive Neighborhood Revitalization Planning Fund (IA) – The program is funded through the federal Community Development Block Grant program. The goal of this program is to provide economic opportunities and facilities for people, especially those of low- and moderate income. Applications are due by November 22, 2023.

· Housing – Upper Story Conversion (IA) – This program assists communities with preserving existing housing stock and creating new housing opportunities for upper story housing conversion. Applications are due by November 22, 2023.

· 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. Applications are due by November 27, 2023.

· 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. Applications are due by November 27, 2023

Grants due in January

· 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. Applications are due by January 1, 2024.

· T-Mobile Hometown Grants – Program will help fund projects to build, rebuild, or refresh community spaces that help foster local connections in your town. Applications are due by January 2, 2024.

· IDNR Solid Waste Alternatives Program (SWAP) (IA) – Program to encourage landfill alternatives – recycling, diversion, new technologies, new manufacturing processes, etc. Applications are due by January 2, 2024.

· Iowa West Foundation (IA) – Community development, economic development, education, and human needs projects. Applications are due January 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, 2024.

· Junior League of Sioux City Mildred Anderson Grant – 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. Applications are due by January 15, 2024.

· 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. Application due date not available yet.

Grants due in 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. Applications are due by February 1, 2024.

· Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) Program – 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, South Sioux City, Dakota City, North Sioux City, Dakota Dunes, Jefferson, and Union County. Applications available on the SIMPCO website are due by February 9, 2024.

· 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. Letter of intent is due by December 14, 2023, with application due by February 13, 2024.

· Siouxland Regional Transportation Planning Association (SRTPA) Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) Program – 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. Applications available on the SIMPCO website are due by February 17, 2023.

· SD FTA Section 5310 Funds – The Section 5310 program is intended to enhance the mobility of seniors and individuals with disabilities. The Section 5310 program funds programs to serve the special needs of transit-dependent populations beyond traditional public transportation services and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) complementary paratransit services. Applications are due by February 17, 2023.

· Iowa Great Places – This is to designate new Iowa Great Places. IGP are designated cities or counties that have a nexus or concentration of unique amenities that have the potential for development into greater tourist and cultural attractions. Applications are due by February 17, 2023, for re-designation.

· 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. Applications are due by February 24, 2023.

· Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Grant Program – This program helps communities around the country carry out projects with significant local or regional impact. RAISE discretionary grants to help project sponsors at the State and local levels, including municipalities, Tribal governments, counties, and others complete critical freight and passenger transportation infrastructure projects. Applications are due by February 28, 2023.

· Iowa Cultural and Entertainment Districts – A designation program designed to showcase and market creative spaces, cultural amenities, and entertainment options in a relatively compact area. Applications are due by February 28, 2023.

· Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) – The RBDG program supports targeted technical assistance and training to develop or expand small and emerging private businesses in rural communities or areas. Grant funds may be used for such activities as project planning, business counseling/training, technical assistance, market research, feasibility studies, professional and technical reports or product/service improvements. Applications are due by February 28, 2023.

Grants due in 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. Applications are due by March 1, 2023.

· 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. Applications are due by March 4, 2024.

· Iowa Great Places – This is to designate new Iowa Great Places. IGP are designated cities or counties that have a nexus or concentration of unique amenities that have the potential for development into greater tourist and cultural attractions. Applications are due by March 10, 2023, for new designation.

· Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant – Created to provide funding directly to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations to help them increase or maintain the number of trained, “front line” firefighters available in their communities. Applications are due by March 17, 2023.

· Iowa Energy Center Competitive Grant Program – Designed to facilitate energy-related economic development in Iowa. The program supports projects that provide a benefit to Iowa’s residential and commercial customers. Projects must also aid in the implementation of at least one of the seven key focus areas of the Iowa Energy Plan. Pre-applications are due by March 23, 2023.

· 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. Applications are due by March 30, 2023.

· Empower Rural Iowa Broadband Grant Program – The State of Iowa announced this month that communities may apply for consideration as a targeted community for future broadband investments. Successful applicants will be designated as Broadband Intervention Zones. Since 2018, the Empower Rural Iowa Broadband Grant Program has awarded more than $350 million to provide service to unserved and underserved locations in the state, but the geographic locations of new facilities were requested by broadband service providers, not by communities. Applications are due by March 31, 2023.

Grants due in April

· 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. Applications are due by April 1, 2023.

· Community Catalyst Building Remediation (IA) – 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 in property values, or potential population growth. Applications are due by April 15, 2023, with a letter of intent due by January 27, 2023.

· Iowa Women’s Foundation Core Grants – Provides $25,000 grants to shatter one of the six barriers – employment, childcare, housing, education/training, transportation and mentoring – to women’s economic self-sufficiency. One grant will be awarded in each category. Applications are due by April 28, 2023.

· 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. Applications are due by April 30, 2023.

· CDBG Housing Upper Story Conversion (IA) – 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 are due by April 30, 2023

Grants due in May

· Iowa West Foundation – Community development, economic development, education, and human needs projects. Applications are due May 15, 2023.

· Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) Conservation Education Program – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) aims to inspire people to connect with their natural resources. The Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) Conservation Education Program is the funding mechanism for the IDNR to support educational programs. Applications are due by May 15, 2023.

· Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant – The Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program (CFI Program) is a new 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). Applications are due by May 30, 2023.

· 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. Applications are due May 31, 2023.

Grants due in June

· Iowa Living Roadway Trust Fund (IA) – Working through many partners in Iowa, the Living Roadway Trust Fund (LRTP) supports integrated roadside vegetation management (IRVM) programs; and educates the public on the benefits, use, and care of roadside vegetation, including native plants. Applications are due by June 1, 2023.

· 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. Applications are due by June 2, 2023.

· 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. Applications are due by June 5, 2023.

· 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. Applications are due by June 9, 2023.

· Creative Places Project Grant – Provides $500-$2,500 to develop arts and culture projects that advance creative placemaking as a community workforce or tourism strategy. Creative Places Project Grants provide support for small projects that engage artists, creative workers, and cultural organizations to enhance Iowa communities. Applications are due by June 30, 2023.

Grants due in July

· 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. Applications are due by July 1, 2023.

· 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. Applications are due July 1, 2023.

· Iowa Solid Waste Alternatives Program (IA) – Programs to encourage landfill alternatives – recycling, diversion, new technologies, new manufacturing processes, etc. Applications are due by July 1, 2023.

· Rural Housing Preservation Grant –grant program which provides qualified public agencies, and 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. Pre-applications are due by July 5, 2023

· Safe Streets and Roads for All – Funds to be awarded on a competitive basis to support planning, infrastructure, behavioral, and operational initiatives to prevent death and serious injury on roads and streets involving all roadway users, including pedestrians; bicyclists; public transportation, personal conveyance, and micro-mobility users; motorists; and commercial vehicle operators. Applications are due by July 10, 2023.

· 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. Applications are due by July 17, 2023.

· 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. Pre-application is due by July 31, 2023. Applications are due by August 31, 2023.

Grants due in 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. Applications are due by August 1, 2024.

· Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program – Helps to carry out projects by certain Federal, Tribal, State, and local governments, including municipalities, counties, and others that reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and improve habitat connectivity for terrestrial and aquatic species. Applications are due by August 1, 2023.

· Iowa Traffic Safety Improvement Program (IA) – Funds to cities and counties for roadway safety improvements, research, studies, or public information initiatives. Applications are due by August 15, 2023.

· Iowa REAP Parks and Open Spaces Grant (IA) – Recreational grants for the acquisition and development of open space and park areas. Applications are due by August 15, 2023.

· National Infrastructure Project Assistance (MEGA) Program – The Mega program supports large, complex projects that are difficult to fund by other means and are likely to generate national or regional economic, mobility, or safety benefits. Eligible projects could include highway, bridge, freight, port, passenger rail, and public transportation projects of national or regional significance. Per the law, 50 percent of funds are available for projects above $500 million in total cost, and 50 percent are available for projects between $100 million and $500 million in total cost. Applications are due by August 21, 2023.

· Infrastructure for Rebuilding American (INFRA) Program – The INFRA program awards competitive grants to multimodal freight and highway projects of national or regional significance to improve the safety, accessibility, efficiency, and reliability of the movement of freight and people in and across rural and urban areas. Eligible projects will improve safety, generate economic benefits, reduce congestion, enhance resiliency, and hold the greatest promise to eliminate supply chain bottlenecks and improve critical freight movements. Applications are due by August 21, 2023.

· Rural Surface Transportation Grant (RURAL) Program – The Rural program supports projects that improve and expand our nation’s surface transportation infrastructure in rural areas in order to increase connectivity, improve the safety and reliability of the movement of people and freight, and generate regional economic growth and improve quality of life. Eligible projects for Rural grants include highway, bridge, and tunnel projects that help improve freight and safety, and provide or increase access to agricultural, commercial, energy, or transportation facilities that support the economy of a rural area. 90% of rural funding must be awarded in $25 million or greater amounts. Applications are due by August 21, 2023.

· Rural Enrichment Grant Program (IA) – The Rural Enrichment Grant program aims to support small quality-of-life projects that will create meaningful results in rural communities. Developing quality spaces for people to want to live, work, play, and engage will support the vibrancy of Iowa’s rural places. Eligible projects must be open to the public and contribute to the vitality and engagement of the community. This grant program is a result of the Governor’s Empower Rural Iowa Initiative’s 2018 Recommendations. Applications are due by August 30, 2023.

· Rural Housing Assessment Grant (IA) – The Rural Housing Assessment Grants program seeks to support the use of publicly available online information through the “Profile of Iowa” tool and rural community efforts to interpret this hard data with supplemental information as well as to implement through changes to development codes, local ordinances, and housing incentives specific to their community needs. Applications are due by August 30, 2023.

· Rural Innovation Grant (IA) – The Rural Innovation Grant program aims to support creative ideas that address current issues and challenges faced by rural communities associated with the themes of community investment, growth, and connection. This program is a result of the Governor’s Empower Rural Iowa Initiative’s 2018 Recommendations. Applications are due by August 30, 2023.

· Rural Child Care Market Study Grant (IA) – The Rural Childcare Market Study Grant program seeks to support the use of data and analysis by rural communities to determine the specific needs and solutions for their area. Through a greater understanding of their geographic market, demographics, competition, and other factors, communities can be armed with the information they need to make proactive steps toward addressing their childcare challenges. Funding from the program will empower communities to partner with a third party to assess their current childcare market environment and develop strategies. Applications are due by August 30, 2023.

· Rural Scale-Up Grant (IA) – The Rural Scale-Up Grant program aims to support the replication and spread of creative solutions that are addressing current issues and challenges faced by rural communities. This program is a result of the Governor’s Empower Rural Iowa Initiative. Applications are due by August 30, 2023.

· Rural BOOST Program (IA) – Aims to provide teams of experts to assist passionate community and business leaders in developing intentional plans for next-step growth. This pilot program is designed for rural communities, nonprofits, or employers to receive personalized technical assistance for identifying and implementing action steps to launch into the next stage of success. Rural BOOST has two tracts that target either communities or businesses. The Rural BOOST Program is designed to assist businesses or communities which have plateaued or hit an unexpected challenge to gain momentum for new growth. Warning: Rural BOOST is not for the faint of heart. Applicants must be committed to leading a transformation in rural Iowa if only in their own community, organization, or business. Applications are due by August 30, 2023.

· Rural Return Program (IA) – Program-supported creative programming that attracts new residents to move and/or work in rural communities. Grant funding supported the development and implementation of incentive programs. Across the state, there are small towns losing population or witnessing an aging population. This funding opportunity aimed at addressing that challenge by empowering communities to develop a program to attract new residents to locate within their community to live and/or work. Incentive programs could be targeting a specific profession, such as teachers or dentists; support a specific demographic, such as veterans; or celebrate local assets, such as providing recreation packages or business gifts. Applications are due by August 30, 2023.

· 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. Pre-application is due by July 31, 2023. Applications are due by August 31, 2023.

Grants due in September

· 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. Applications are due by September 1, 2023.

· 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. Applications are due by September 1, 2023.

· Iowa Brownfield/Grayfield Redevelopment Tax Credit Program (IA) – This program assists with redevelopment aimed at improving Iowa’s economy while reducing environmental hazards. Applications are due by September 1, 2023.

· Iowa Clean Water Loan Program (IA)– Created to give loans to water and wastewater projects. Applications are due September 1, 2023.

· Main Street Iowa Challenge Grant (IA) – 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. Applications are due by September 8, 2023.

· Iowa West Foundation (IA) – Community development, economic development, education, and human needs projects. Applications are due September 15, 2023.

· Historic Preservation Tax Credit (Large Projects) – The Historic Preservation Tax Credit program provides State tax credits to developers who sensitively rehabilitate historic buildings to offer them new life. Iowa offers this tax credit program to ensure character-defining features and spaces of buildings are retained to help create distinct and vibrant communities. Applications are due by September 15, 2023.

· Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau non-LE Highway Safety Special Project Grant (IA) – The mission is to identify traffic safety issues and, through partnerships with city, county, state and local organizations, develop and implement strategies to reduce deaths and injuries on Iowa’s roadways using federally-funded grants to improve traffic safety. GTSB’s vision for the office is a place where motorists, pedestrians and cyclists share the safest roads in the nation. Projects must address the safety of vulnerable road users, i.e. pedestrians, bicyclists, and other users, such as horse and buggy (if applicable in your area), e-scooters (if applicable in your area), etc., and be based on problems identified in communities and supported with data. Applications are due by September 15, 2023.

· Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods (RCN) Program – Opportunity for communities that are seeking funding for projects that address harm from past infrastructure planning decisions, accelerate equitable community revitalization and improve access to everyday destinations. Applications are due by September 28, 2023.

· Reconnecting Communities Pilot (RCP) Program – The RCP Program aims to advance and support the reconnection of communities divided by transportation infrastructure – with a priority on helping disadvantaged communities improve access to daily needs (jobs, schools, healthcare, grocery stores, and recreation). Funds for the fiscal year (FY) 2023 RCP grant program are to be awarded on a competitive basis to support planning and capital construction activities that aim to restore community connectivity through the removal, retrofit, mitigation or replacement of highways, roadways, or other infrastructure facilities that create barriers to mobility, access or economic development. Applications are due by September 28, 2023.

Grants due in October

· Iowa CDBG Water and Sewer Funds (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. Applications are due by October 1, 2023.

· Pilot Program for Transit-Orientated Development Planning – The Pilot Program for TOD Planning helps support FTA’s mission of improving America’s communities through public transportation by providing funding to local communities to integrate land use and transportation planning with a new fixed guideway or core capacity transit capital investment. Comprehensive 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. Applications are due by October 10, 2023.

· SMARTS Grants (Stage 1) – The SMART program was 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. Applications are due by October 10, 2023.

· 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. Applications are due by October 16, 2023.

· 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. Applications are due by October 19, 2023.

· Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas – The Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas (ERA) program seeks to improve the resilience, reliability, and affordability of energy systems in communities across the country with 10,000 or fewer people. The ERA program will leverage DOE’s expertise and experience in resilient energy solutions to modernize electric generation facilities, address disproportionately high electricity costs, and support new economic opportunities in rural and remote communities. Applications are due by October 26, 2023.

· Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing (Pro Housing) – Grant funding for the identification and removal of barriers to affordable housing production and preservation. Congress has directed HUD to undertake a competition using the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) statutory and regulatory framework. HUD will be accepting applications for PRO Housing grants to identify and remove barriers to affordable housing production and preservation. Applications are due by October 30, 2023

Open Deadline Grants

· 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.

· 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.

· Community Catalyst Building Remediation (IA) – Grant funding for redevelopment, rehabilitation, or deconstruction of buildings to stimulate economic growth or reinvestment in the community. Applications are by invitation only, after approved pre-application.

· Community Facilities Program Disaster Repair Grants – 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.

· 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. 

· 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.

· 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). 

· 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. 

· Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) – Provides grants for low-cost, systemic safety improvements in the $10,000/mile range, focusing on lane departure crashes. 

· Iowa CDBG Community Facilities – The program assists projects such as daycare facilities, senior centers, vocational workshops, and other community services such as stormwater projects. 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. 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. 

· 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.

· 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.

· 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. 

· 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.

· 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. 

· 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.

· 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.

· 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.

· 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.

· 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.

· 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.

· 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.

· 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.

· Traffic Engineering Assistance Program (TEAP) (IA) – Provides 100 hours of engineering assistance for operations and traffic safety issues. 

· 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.

· 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. 

· 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. 

· 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. 

Resources to Assist Identifying and Procuring Funding

Councils of Governments

  • Northwest Iowa Planning and Development Corporation (NWIPDC): This is the council of governments for Dickinson, Clay, Osceola, O’brien, Sioux, Lyon, Emmet, Buena Vista, and Palo Alto Counties.  Mailing address is:  217 West 5th Street, PO Box 1493, Spencer, IA 51301.  Phone: 712-262-7225 nwipdc.org
  • Siouxland Interstate Metropolitan Planning Council (SIMPCO): This is the council of governments serving the tri-state area of Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota.  This serves Cherokee, Plymouth, Woodbury, Ida, and Monona counties in Iowa.  Mailing address is: 1122, Pierce St., Sioux City, IA 51105.  Phone: 712-279-6286  simpco.org
  • Region XII Council of Governments:  This is the council of governments that serves Audubon, Carroll, Crawford, Greene, Guthrie, and Sac Counties.  Address:  1009 East Anthony Street, PO Box 768, Carroll, IA 51401.  Phone: 712-792-9914  www.region12cog.org
  • North Iowa Area Council of Governments:  This is the council of governments that serves Kossuth, Winnebago, Hancock, Worth, Cerro Gordo, Mitchell, Floyd, and Franklin Counties.  Address: 525 6th Street SW, Mason City, IA 50401.  Phone: 641-423-0491  www.niacog.org
  • Mid-Iowa Development Association (MIDAS): This is the council of governments that serves Calhoun, Hamilton, Humboldt, Pocahontas, Webster, and Wright Counties.  Address: 602 1st Avenue South, Fort Dodge, IA 50501.  Phone: 515-576-7183  midascogia.net

Clean Water Funding Contacts

Clean Water Funding Contacts

  • Simmering-Cory. sc-ic.net
    Contact: Justin Yarosevich  Email: [email protected]
    Address: PO Box 244, Storm Lake, IA 50588
    Phone: 641-355-4072