The Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) Grant Program is designed to assist communities in the development and creation of multiple-purpose attraction and tourism facilities.
Donor Name: Economic Development & Finance Authority
State: Iowa
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 04/15/2026
Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
The funds help communities create transformational projects that enhance the vitality of a region and the state overall. The CAT Grant Program is designed to assist communities in the development and creation of multiple-purpose attractions and tourism facilities. Funds must be primarily used for vertical infrastructure (land acquisition and construction, major renovation and major repair of buildings and recreational trails.)
Funding Information
- Awards will be considered up to 20% of the total project cost, but not more than $1 million.
- Awards to projects for community amenities such as aquatic center, library, and splashpad projects will be capped at $500,000.
- Consideration of awards for more than $500,000 will be reserved for projects that demonstrate a large economic impact and unique opportunities.
Eligible Projects
- Eligible projects must be primarily Vertical Infrastructure and create or expand recreational, cultural, entertainment and educational opportunity within the community.
- “Vertical infrastructure” means land acquisition and construction, major renovation and major repair of buildings, all appurtenant structures, utilities, site development, recreational trails and water trails. “Vertical infrastructure” does not include routine, recurring maintenance or operational expenses or leasing of a building, appurtenant structure, or utility without a lease-purchase agreement.
- Projects must be open to the public upon completion.
- Applicants must own the improvements made with the grant during construction and after completion.
- Funded projects must position a community to take advantage of economic development opportunities in tourism and strengthen a community’s competitiveness as a place to work and live.
Eligible Expenses
Only expenditures directly related to the awarded project will be reimbursed. Only expenditures made after the date of an award are eligible for reimbursement. Examples of eligible expenses include, but are not limited to:
- Construction supplies, materials and labor
- Purchase of real property, Engineering, Architectural and Design Fees
- In-Kind donations are acceptable expenses for materials and contracted services – up to 25% of total project cost.
Eligibility Criteria
A city, county, or public organization (not-for-profit organization) is eligible to apply for CAT grant funds. A school district, in cooperation with a city or county, may submit a joint application. A school district cannot apply as a single applicant. Joint applications should include a 28E Agreement outlining the roles and responsibilities of each entity.
For more information, visit EDFA.
