Community Project Funding Funding Guide

Community Project Funding Guide

Trees Forever is pleased to present the 2021/2022 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
Program NameDeadlineOverview
Build With Bags GrantApplications open in January 2023Grants 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)TBDFunding 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 ProgramFebruary 25, 2022Funding to assist communities and counties in addressing derelict buildings through deconstruction, renovation/mothballing, and/or conducting environmental studies.
Hometown Grant Program Spring: Applications open January – March

Summer: Applications open April – June

Fall: Applications open July – September

Winter: Applications open October – December
Iowa Arts Council Art Project Grant ProgramMay 1, 2023Grants 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.
Iowa Great PlacesNot accepting applications at this timeFunding 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 Tourism Grant ProgramSeptember 27, 2023Grants 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)October 1, Annually Funding for surface transportation alternatives projects and initiatives that are statewide or multiregional in nature and relate to transportation.
Iowa Downtown Resource CenterFunding awarded to selected communities to capitalize on the unique identity, assets, and character of their historic commercial district in order to improve the social and economic well-being of these communities.
Paint Iowa Beautiful February 14, 2022Funding provided to Iowa groups to purchase Diamond Vogel Paint for painting a wide variety of public service projects throughout Iowa.
Pedestrian Curb Ramp ConstructionApplications accepted year-roundFunding 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 ProgramFall 2023Grants up to $10,000 are awarded for projects with a focus on bicycling, active transportation, or community development.
Revitalize Iowa’s Sound Economy (RISE)February 1 and September 1, 2022Funding 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: GRO1000 Grassroots GrantTBD (Mid-February)Funding provided up to $1,000 for the creation of community gardens and green space.
Solid Waste Alternatives Program (SWAP)January 2 and July 1, 2023Funding 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 LoansApplications accepted year-roundThis program facilitates low-interest loans to private and public entities for implementing environmentally responsible strategies for stormwater management.
Surface Transportation Programs -Highway, Bridge, & TransitHighway & Transit Projects: Deadline varies

Bridge Projects; October 1
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
Program NameDeadlineOverview
Community Attraction and Tourism Program (CAT)TBDFunding 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 February 25, 2022Funding to assist communities and counties in addressing derelict buildings through deconstruction, renovation/mothballing, and/or conducting environmental studies.
Iowa Great PlacesNot accepting applications at this timeFunding 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 ProgramJanuary 15Funding provided to increase the appreciation and enjoyment of Iowa’s native flora and to foster     programs focusing on education, conservation and the ethical use of native plants.
Iowa Tourism Grant ProgramSeptember 27, 2023Grants 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)October 1, AnnuallyFunding for surface transportation alternatives projects and initiatives that are statewide or multiregional in nature and relate to transportation.
Restore Iowa! Grant ProgramJanuary 15Funding provided to help restore native Iowa plant communities, while simultaneously introducing Iowa’s students and youth to ecological restoration concepts and techniques.
Park/Open Space Acquisition
Program NameDeadlineOverview
Iowa Great PlacesNot accepting applications at this timeFunding 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 ProgramJanuary 15Funding provided to increase the appreciation and enjoyment of Iowa’s native flora and to foster programs focusing on education, conservation and the ethical use of native plants.
Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)April and MayFederally-funded program that provides 50% matching funds for outdoor recreation area development and acquisition.
Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) – City Parks and Open SpacesAugust 30100 percent funding of parkland expansion and multi-purpose outdoor-related recreation development.
Resource Protection and Enhancement (REAP) – DNR Open Spaces Protection: Acquisition and DevelopmentAugust 15Cost-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 September 30Funding provided for constructing or improving boat access facilities to Iowa’s lakes and streams.
Trees & Plants
Program NameDeadlineOverview
Alliant Energy Community Tree ProgramNovember 1Grants 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 TreesNovember 1Grants 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)TBDFunding 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.
Community Forestry Grant Program Check back later for more informationThe 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.
DOT/DNR FundApplications accepted year-roundGrants up to $100,000 per year provided for roadside beautification of primary system corridors with plant materials.
Iowa Living Roadway Trust Fund (LRTF)June 1Funding provided for Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management (IRVM) related activities.
Iowa Native Plant Society Small Grants Program January 15Funding provided to increase the appreciation and enjoyment of Iowa’s native flora and to foster     programs focusing on education, conservation and the ethical use of native plants.
Iowa’s Statewide Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP)October 1, Annually 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)April and MayFederally-funded program that provides 50% matching funds for outdoor recreation area development and acquisition.
Restore Iowa! Grant ProgramJanuary 15Funding provided to help restore native Iowa plant communities, while simultaneously introducing Iowa’s students and youth to ecological restoration concepts and techniques.
Scotts Miracle Gro: GRO1000 Grassroots GrantTBD (Mid-February)Funding provided up to $1,000 for the creation of community gardens and green space.
Stormwater Best Management Practices LoansApplications accepted year-roundThis program facilitates low-interest loans to private and public entities for implementing environmentally responsible strategies for stormwater management.
Trees for Kids/Trees for TeensMarch 1 and September 1Grants awarded from $1,000 to $2,500 for qualified tree planting projects on publicly owned property that provide an educational component to Iowa’s students.
Trees Forever Miscellaneous Funding for Trees and Plants February 1 and July 1Thanks 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.
Trees Please! Mid-OctoberFunding 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 September 30Funding provided for constructing or improving boat access facilities to Iowa’s lakes and streams.
Trails
Program NameDeadlineOverview
Build with Bags GrantApplication opens January 2023Grants 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)TBDFunding 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.
Iowa Arts and Culture Marketing Grants Not accepting applications at this timeIowa 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)October 1Funding 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.
Iowa Great PlacesNot accepting applications at this timeFunding 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 Tourism Grant ProgramSeptember 27, 2023Grants 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)October 1, Annually 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)April and MayFederally-funded program that provides 50% matching funds for outdoor recreation area development and acquisition.
People for Bikes Community Grant Program Fall 2023Funding up to $10,000 provided for projects with a focus on bicycling, active transportation, or community development.
Recreational Trails Program – FederalJuly 1Funding to provide and maintain motorized and non-motorized recreational trails and trail-related projects.
Recreational Trails Program – StateJuly 1Funding to establish recreational trails for the use, enjoyment and participation of the public.
Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) – City Parks and Open SpacesAugust 30100 percent funding of parkland expansion and multi-purpose outdoor-related recreation development.
Stormwater Best Management Practices LoansApplications accepted year-roundThis program facilitates low-interest loans to private and public entities for implementing environmentally responsible strategies for stormwater management.
Surface Transportation Programs – Highway, Bridge & TransitHighway & Transit Projects: Deadline varies

Bridge Projects; October 1
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 DOT Districts

Iowa DOT District Contacts

District Transportation Planners’ Area of Responsibility (MPOs and RPAs)

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