568003 - Rural Planning Grant

The Iowa Economic Development Authority is offering two $20,000 grant programs under the Rural Planning Grant solicitation (ID 568003). One grant funds a Rural Housing Readiness Assessment – a data‑collection and workshop effort to help communities update development codes and housing incentives. The second grant supports a Rural Child Care Planning study – a professional market‑study to identify child‑care needs and create strategic plans. Both awards require a $10,000 cash match, are limited to Iowa communities with ≤ 20,000 residents (not adjacent to a city of ≥ 40,000), and must be completed by June 30 2028. Funds are reimbursed on a claim‑by‑claim basis (minimum $1,000 per claim) through IowaGrants.gov. Applicants must submit all materials by August 26, 2026. • Eligible applicants: city, county or tribal governments (plus nonprofits/education for the child‑care grant). • Required deliverables: data‑collection/assessment report, participation in ISU Extension workshop (housing), or a third‑party market‑study report (child‑care). • Cash‑match of $10,000 must be secured and fully expended within the project period; in‑kind contributions are not allowed. • Project period runs Oct 1 2026 – Jun 30 2028 (≈21 months); reimbursement claims submitted online after expenses are incurred.