Community Facilities Grant Program

What is the purpose of the program? Who is eligible to apply? How can funds be used? How much assistance can our group apply for?           When can we apply for assistance? How will our application be evaluated? How do we apply?

What is the purpose of the program?   return to top
The Community Facilities Grant program is designed to assist in the development of essential community facilities in rural areas.

Who is eligible to apply?  return to top

• Eligible organizations include:
• Community based non-profit corporations
• Public bodies, such as municipalities, counties, and special purpose districts
• Federally recognized Native American Tribes
• Facilities must be located in rural areas with less than 20,000 residents.
• Applicants must be unable to obtain commercial credit at reasonable rates and terms.

How can funds be used?  return to top

• Purchase, construct, and/or improve facilities, purchase major equipment, and pay related project expenses, such as legal, engineering, architectural, and environmental fees.
• Examples of projects:

           Health Care (Clinics/Hospitals)            Educational
           Public Service                                     Utility (Telemedicine/Distance learning)
           Community Support Services              Public Safety (Fire/Rescue)
           Transportation

How much assistance can our group apply for?  return to top

• Applicants are eligible to apply for grant assistance on a graduated scale, based on the median household income (MHI) and population of the service area.
• Based on data from the 2000 census, grant assistance for the State of Iowa cannot exceed the following percentages of eligible project costs:
• 75% - community population of 5,000 or less, MHI less than $23,988
• 55% - community population of 12,000 or less, MHI less than $27,986
• 35% - community population of 20,000 or less, MHI less than $31,984
• 15% - community population of 20,000 or less, MHI less than $35,982

When can we apply for assistance?  return to top

• Applications are accepted year round.

How will our application be evaluated?  return to top

• Grants are limited to the minimum amount needed for economic feasibility of the project with consideration to the availability of funds.
• Priorities are given to projects related to public health and safety.

How do we apply?  return to top

• The application process is a two-stage procedure (preapplication and application).
• Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact their local Rural Development Office to discuss potential projects.
• Rural Development Application materials will be available online in the near future.

Please send any comments or suggestions to:
keith.bastow@ia.usda.gov
Iowa Rural Development
Revised on: April 15, 2008