Community Project Funding Guide
Trees Forever is pleased to present the 2025 Community Project Funding Guide. On the following page you will find an overview of potential funding resources available for community enhancement projects. We hope this guide will serve as a useful resource.
Most of the funding programs, guidelines and deadlines listed in this guide are not established by Trees Forever and may be subject to change. For up-to-date information or questions regarding a specific program we encourage you to contact the appropriate organization or agency.
The table of contents lists the various funding programs categorized according to the type of projects for which you may be seeking funding, such as streetscapes or trails. Below each category are the programs and application deadlines. Click each program title for more information about the program and its application process.
Your feedback on this funding guide and its usefulness is always welcome. Please contact us with any comments or suggestions you might have. If you know of any other available funding sources that we should add to this guide, please let us know!
Table of Contents
Downtown Streetscape
Check back later for the next grant application round.
Grants up to $2,000 are available to any government entity or any organization within Iowa to purchase outdoor furniture or equipment built from recycled plastic grocery bags.
Community Attraction and Tourism Program (CAT)
Applications are accepted year-round. A Notice of Intent to Apply must be submitted before receiving an application.
Funding provided to cities, counties, nonprofit organizations, or school districts to assist projects that will provide recreational, cultural, entertainment, and educational attraction to for public use.
Derelict Building Grant Program
Applications open February 2026
Funding to assist communities and counties in addressing derelict buildings through deconstruction, renovation/mothballing, and/or conducting environmental studies.
Summer applications are open April-June. Fall applications are open July-September. Winter applications are open October-December.
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.
Iowa Arts Council Art Project Grant Program
Check back in early 2026.
Grants of $1,000 to $10,000 are provided to support the creation and presentation of new artwork, development of an arts experience or formation of an arts education program; for arts projects that positively impact the vitality of the arts in the state, demonstrate public value, and support Iowa Arts Council funding priorities.
Pre-applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Final application deadlines are January 15, 2026, and July 15, 2026.
Funding provided to support the development of new and existing infrastructure intended to cultivate the unique and authentic qualities of neighborhoods, communities and regions in Iowa.
Application opens in August 2026. Application closes September 2026.
Grants of $2,500 to $5,000 awarded to promote tourism in Iowa by funding tourism-related marketing initiatives and meetings, events, and professional development efforts that benefit local economies around the state and the state’s economy.
Iowa’s Statewide Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP)
Statewide and multi-regional in-nature project applications are accepted through October 1 annually. Local project application deadlines vary.
Funding for surface transportation alternatives projects and initiatives that are statewide or multiregional in nature and relate to transportation.
2025 granting rounds are closed.
Funding provided to Iowa groups to purchase Diamond Vogel Paint for painting a wide variety of public service projects throughout Iowa. $100,000 will be awarded in 2024.
Pedestrian Curb Ramp Construction
Letters of request for funding are accepted year-round.
Funding awarded to Iowa cities to assist in complying with the Americans with Disabilities act (ADA) on primary roads in Iowa.
People for Bikes Community Grant Program
Check back later for the next grant application round.
Grants up to $10,000 are awarded for projects with a focus on bicycling, active transportation, or community development.
Revitalize Iowa’s Sound Economy (RISE)
Immediate Opportunity Projects: applications and request forms are accepted throughout the year.
Local Development Projects: applications and request forms are due February 1, 2026 and September 1, 2026.
Funding provided to assist in promoting economic development in Iowa through construction or improvements of roads and streets. Funding may be in the form of a grant, loan or combination thereof.
Scotts Miracle-Gro: GRO 1000 Grassroots Grant
Applications open January 6, 2026. Applications close January 31, 2026.
Funding provided up to $1,000 for the creation of community gardens and green space.
Solid Waste Alternatives Program (SWAP)
Applications are due by January 2, 2026 and July 1, 2026.
Funding provided to reduce the amount of solid waste generated and landfilled in Iowa. Project requests are broken into two groups:
· Project request $10,000 or less
· Project request greater than $10,000
Stormwater Best Management Practices Loans
Grant applications accepted year-round.
This program facilitates low-interest loans to private and public entities for implementing environmentally responsible strategies for stormwater management.
Surface Transportation Programs – Highway, Bridge, & Transportation Transit
Check website, RPAs/MPOs have various deadlines throughout the year.
This federal program was established to: aid public road jurisdictions with funding for roads on federal-aid routes or bridges on any public road, provide funding for transit capital improvements, provide funding for transportation planning activities.
Historic Preservation, Ecological Restoration, & Education
Community Attraction and Tourism Program (CAT)
Applications are accepted year-round. A Notice of Intent to Apply must be submitted before receiving an application.
Funding provided to cities, counties, nonprofit organizations, or school districts to assist projects that will provide recreational, cultural, entertainment, and educational attraction to for public use.
Derelict Building Grant Program
2025 granting is now closed.
Funding to assist communities and counties in addressing derelict buildings through deconstruction, renovation/mothballing, and/or conducting environmental studies.
Pre-applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Final application deadlines are January 15, 2026, and July 15, 2026.
Funding provided to support the development of new and existing infrastructure intended to cultivate the unique and authentic qualities of neighborhoods, communities and regions in Iowa.
Iowa Native Plant Society Small Grants Program
Proposals must be postmarked January 15 for funding effective April 1 of that year.
Grants dedicated to land acquisition; inventory, restoration, and management of native remnants; native plant research; and training and education.
Applications open August 2026. Applications due September 2026.
Grants of $2,500 to $5,000 awarded to promote tourism in Iowa by funding tourism-related marketing initiatives and meetings, events, and professional development efforts that benefit local economies around the state and the state’s economy.
Iowa’s Statewide Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP)
Applications considered through October 1 annually.
Funding for surface transportation alternatives projects and initiatives that are statewide or multiregional in nature and relate to transportation.
Applications are due by January 15 each year for funding effective April 1.
Grants for involving youth in ecological restoration efforts. This is aimed at getting more young people out and working to restore remnant habitats in Iowa.
Park/Open Space Acquisition
Pre-applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Final application deadlines are January 15, 2026, and July 15, 2026.
Funding provided to support the development of new and existing infrastructure intended to cultivate the unique and authentic qualities of neighborhoods, communities and regions in Iowa.
Iowa Native Plant Society Small Grants Program
Proposals must be postmarked January 15 for funding effective April 1 of that year.
Grants dedicated to land acquisition; inventory, restoration, and management of native remnants and habitats; native plant research; and training and education.
Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)
Granting for 2026 will be announced December 1, 2025.
Federally-funded program that provides 50% matching funds for outdoor recreation area development and acquisition.
Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) – City Parks and Open Spaces
This grant opportunity is currently moving through an Administrative Rules Update with no clear dates for grant submittal in calendar year 2025 at this time. Once Rules are approved, notice will go out to inform interested parties of the new application deadlines. Deadlines previously used, May 15 and November 1, are a part of changes proposed in the new administrative rule submittal.
100 percent funding of parkland expansion and multi-purpose outdoor-related recreation development.
Resource Protection and Enhancement (REAP) – DNR Open Spaces Protection: Acquisition and Development
This grant opportunity is currently moving through an Administrative Rules Update with no clear dates for grant submittal in calendar year 2025 at this time. Once Rules are approved, notice will go out to inform interested parties of the new application deadlines. Deadlines previously used, May 15 and November 1, are a part of changes proposed in the new administrative rule submittal.
Cost-share program that allows private conservation organizations and the DNR to jointly acquire property to help provide outdoor recreation opportunities and protect critical habitats.
Water Recreation Access Cost-Share Program
Grant applications due by end of September. Applications open 90 days prior, check back in July.
Funding provided for constructing or improving boat access facilities to Iowa’s lakes and streams.
Trees & Plants
Alliant Energy Community Tree Program
Applications for Iowa and Wisconsin funding are due November 15th.
Grants up to $5,000 (per community) for community-based tree planting projects in Iowa communities where Alliant Energy provides electric and/or natural gas service.
Black Hills Energy Power of Trees
Applications for funding are due November 15th.
Grants of up to $5,000 per project for community-based tree planting projects in Iowa communities that are served by Black Hills Energy.
Community Attraction and Tourism Program (CAT)
Applications are accepted year-round. A Notice of Intent to Apply must be submitted before receiving an application.
Funding provided to cities, counties, nonprofit organizations, or school districts to assist projects that will provide recreational, cultural, entertainment, and educational attraction to for public use.
2025 granting is now closed.
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.
Applications accepted year-round.
Grants up to $100,000 per year provided for roadside beautification of primary system corridors with plant materials.
Iowa Living Roadway Trust Fund (LRTF)
Granting for fiscal year 2026 is now closed.
Funding provided for Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management (IRVM) related activities.
Iowa Native Plant Society Small Grants Program
Applications are accepted starting November 2025 and closes January 2026.
Grants dedicated to land acquisition; inventory, restoration, and management of native remnants; native plant research; and training and education.
Iowa’s Statewide Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP)
Local project application deadlines can be found at the website. Statewide and multi-regional in-nature projects are considered through the Statewide TAP program through October 1 annually.
Funding for surface transportation alternatives projects and initiatives that are statewide or multiregional in nature, and relate to transportation.
Iowa Water Quality Initiative – Urban Conservation Projects
Funding for 2025 is now closed.
The WQI improves water quality through a collaborative, research-based approach that is evaluated and reported by a team of independent researchers from multiple institutions, led by Iowa State University. This comprehensive approach allows farmers and cities alike to adopt conservation practices that fit their unique needs, lands, and budgets.
Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)
Granting for 2026 will be announced December 1, 2025.
Federally-funded program that provides 50% matching funds for outdoor recreation area development and acquisition.
Applications are due by January 15 each year for funding effective April 1.
Grants for involving youth in ecological restoration efforts. This is aimed at getting more young people out and working to restore remnant habitats in Iowa.
Scotts Miracle Gro: GRO1000 Grassroots Grant
Applications open January 2026.
Funding provided up to $1,000 for the creation of community gardens and green space.
Stormwater Best Management Practices Loans
Applications accepted year-round.
This program facilitates low-interest loans to private and public entities for implementing environmentally responsible strategies for stormwater management.
Granting for 2025 is now closed.
The IRA Trees for Schools Grant provides reimbursable grants to eligible public and private schools and school districts to purchase trees, mulch and supplemental watering when school is not in session (June – September). Eligibility is determined by 25 percent or higher free and reduced lunches and/or schools in communities eligible through the Forest Cover and Socioeconomic Assessment Tool.
Trees Forever Miscellaneous Funding for Trees and Plants
Not accepting applications at this time.
Thanks to our many donors who contribute to the Trees Forever endowment, we are providing funds for projects for the from Trees Forever Foundation income. Grants are available with an emphasis on youth and underserved schools and communities.
Applications can be submitted at any time throughout the year, but only applications received by January 31 will be considered for the upcoming spring grants. Any applications submitted after the deadline will be considered the following year.
Funding provided for tree planting projects in public areas such as parks for windbreaks and city-owned properties for energy efficiency benefits to reduce heating and cooling costs.
Water Recreation Access Cost-Share Program
Grant applications are accepted year-round.
Funding provided for constructing or improving boat access facilities to Iowa’s lakes and streams.
Trails
Granting for 2025 is now closed.
Grants up to $2,000 are available to any government entity or any organization within Iowa to purchase outdoor furniture or equipment built from recycled plastic grocery bags.
Community Attraction and Tourism Program (CAT)
Applications are accepted year-round. A Notice of Intent to Apply must be submitted before receiving an application.
Funding provided to cities, counties, nonprofit organizations, or school districts to assist projects that will provide recreational, cultural, entertainment, and educational attraction to for public use.
Check back later for the next grant application round.
Iowa Arts & Culture Marketing Grants support efforts by arts and cultural organizations to remarket their reopening or to publicize the resumption of activities and steps taken to ensure a safe experience re-engaging in creative and cultural experiences.
Iowa Clean Air Attainment Program (ICAAP)
Granting for 2025 is now closed.
Funding for highway/street, transit, bicycle/pedestrian or freight projects or programs which help maintain Iowa’s clean air quality by reducing transportation-related emissions. Eligible highway/street projects must be on the federal-aid system, which includes all federal functional class routes except local and rural minor collectors.
Pre-applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Final application deadlines are January 15, 2026, and July 15, 2026.
Funding provided to support the development of new and existing infrastructure intended to cultivate the unique and authentic qualities of neighborhoods, communities and regions in Iowa.
Applications made available August 2026. Application closes September 2026.
Grants of $2,500 to $5,000 awarded to promote tourism in Iowa by funding tourism-related marketing initiatives and meetings, events, and professional development efforts that benefit local economies around the state and the state’s economy.
Iowa’s Statewide Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP)
Check back later for the next grant application round.
Funding for surface transportation alternatives projects and initiatives that are statewide or multiregional in nature and relate to transportation.
Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)
Granting for 2026 will be announced December 1, 2025.
Federally-funded program that provides 50% matching funds for outdoor recreation area development and acquisition.
People for Bikes Community Grant Program
Check back later for the next grant application round.
Funding up to $10,000 provided for projects with a focus on bicycling, active transportation, or community development.
Recreational Trails Program – State
Granting for 2025 is now closed.
Funding to establish recreational trails for the use, enjoyment and participation of the public.
Recreational Trails Program – Federal
Granting for 2025 is now closed.
Funding to provide and maintain motorized and non-motorized recreational trails and trail-related projects.
Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) – City Parks and Open Spaces
This grant opportunity is currently moving through an Administrative Rules Update with no clear dates for grant submittal in calendar year 2025 at this time. Once Rules are approved, notice will go out to inform interested parties of the new application deadlines. Deadlines previously used, May 15 and November 1, are a part of changes proposed in the new administrative rule submittal.
100 percent funding of parkland expansion and multi-purpose outdoor-related recreation development.
Stormwater Best Management Practices Loans
Applications are accepted year-round.
This program facilitates low-interest loans to private and public entities for implementing environmentally responsible strategies for stormwater management.
Surface Transportation Programs – Highway, Bridge, & Transit
RPAs/MPOs will have various deadlines for applications.
This federal program was established to:
· Aid public road jurisdictions with funding for roads on federal-aid routes or bridges on any public road
· Provide funding for transit capital improvements
· Provide funding for transportation planning activities
Useful Resources
Iowa State Extension and Outreach
District Transportation Planners’ Area of Responsibility (MPOs/RPAs)