Iowa Community Catalyst Awards 2019

As noted previously, Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) has been relatively quiet in regards to assistance to those impacted by the March floods this year. However, they have continued to provide funding for worthy projects throughout the state. One of their most helpful grant funds is the Community Catalyst Program.

This year IEDA awarded $2.9 million in Catalyst Grant funding to 29 communities throughout the state. Each grant of $100,000 is provided to communities to assist with the redevelopment or rehabilitation of community buildings. Hence, these grants are seen as a catalyst to reinvestment in older parts of a community.

One unique and very intriguing requirement of the program is that at least 40 percent of funds be awarded to cities with populations of fewer than 1,500 people. This year, of the 29 communities awarded during the 2019 application round, 16 have populations of fewer than 1,500. This is an interesting rule that helps the smaller rural communities significantly. Small towns that typically cannot come up with the same level of match that larger communities are able to provide.

As stated in the press release; “Each catalyst project is unique, inspiring different types of growth and development depending on the communities where they’re located,” said Lt. Gov. Gregg. “We appreciate the engagement of local leadership and the combination of public and private investment it takes to make the catalyst projects a reality.”

For the full list of 2019 Community Catalyst Grant recipients and their projects check out this link.