Destination Iowa
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.
Eligible Project Criteria
The Destination Iowa Fund Grant Program is funded through a legislative appropriation of $6.5 million. Funds will be awarded to cities, counties, and non-profit organizations proposing to invest in vertical infrastructure to create or expand existing Primary Destinations to increase tourism to the state.
Eligible projects can receive grant funds up to 25% of eligible project costs related to the construction, development, or expansion of destination. Applicants must have 65% of financing/fundraising secured at time of the pre-application. Half of program funds are allocated to Rural Destinations. Rural is defined as a community that has a population of less than 20,000.
Eligible projects will have a minimum total Project cost:
-Urban: $5 million or greater
-Rural: $1.5 million or greater
Two-Step Application Review
Pre-application is due January 31, 2024. If selected to officially apply, the application will be submitted through IowaGrants.gov by March 1, 2024.
Pre-applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until January 31, 2024. Pre-applications will include scope of project, explanation of tourism draw/economic impact, budget, status of fundraising and plan for completion, economic impact, and operational plan. If a community plan/vision is in place, this will be requested. NOTE: Fundraising threshold of 65% must be met at time of pre-application evaluation The DIF team will meet at least twice per month to evaluate pre-applications on the following scale. Pre-application evaluation must result in a 12+ for rural or 14+ for urban projects to be invited to formally apply.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| Destination Type | Community Attraction – designed for the use of local community | Secondary Destination – supports primary destination | Primary Destination – reason for the visit |
| Financing/ Fundraising | Minimal Local Input/Support (1-2 supporters financing) | Moderate Local Support – missing city/county dollars or grassroots fundraising | Broad Support (includes City/County Dollars and grassroots fundraising) |
| Community Plan/Vision | Outside of Plan or no plan exists | Included in a community plan/vision | |
| Economic Impact | No additional investment expected | Potential for additional community investment | Additional community investment likely and can be articulated |
| Sustainability/Feasibility | Not addressed/unclear | Addressed but needs further development | Operational plan in place and articulated |
| Visitor Reach | Local | Regional | Statewide |
Source
Iowa Economic Development Authority
Eligible Applicants
A city, county, or not-for-profit organization is eligible to apply for DIF grant funds. An eligible applicant may apply individually or jointly with another eligible applicant. Applicants must own the Destination.
No more than 50% of the project can be funded by state dollars, including the amount awarded with Destination Iowa Fund funding. 100% of funding sources must be secured within six months of award. for-profit organization. Eligible projects must be under contract for construction within 12-months of award. Eligible projects must have 65% of financing/fundraising secured at time of the pre-application. Half of program funds are allocated to “Rural” Destinations. Funds now awarded by April 1, 2024 may be awarded to eligible project.
Application Deadline
Pre-application is due January 31, 2024.
If invited to complete a full application, applicants must submit an application through IowaGrants.gov by March 1, 2024
Award Announcement
Applicants that meet eligibility requirements will be invited to make a presentation to the review committee in mid-to-late March. Award recommendations will be considered at the April IEDA meeting.
Visit the web link below for more information.