Iowa Rural Innovation Grant

Sacha Wise
515.348.6156
sacha.wise@iowaeda.com

The Iowa Economic Development Authority provides grants to support innovative projects that address current issues and challenges faced by rural communities in Iowa. This opportunity aims to expand available housing in rural Iowa by leveraging funding programs, encouraging private investment, and rewarding innovative approaches. The goal is to provide funding to communities that have shown significant progress on housing initiatives and that propose forward-thinking ideas with a measurable outcome.

Eligible applicants are city or county governments or federally recognized tribal governments in Iowa or federally designated nonprofit agencies and foundations.

Projects must be located in and benefit an Iowa community that either:

• Has 20,000 residents or fewer and not share a border with a city with a population of 40,000 or more
• Is in an Iowa county that is one of the 88 least populous in the state

Up to $50,000 to support one-time project expenses.

The project period is Fall 2026 through June 30, 2028. Applicants must provide a cash match for 50% of the award request.

Links to additional guidance and application instructions are available on the program website.

Submit applications online through the Iowa grants portal.