The Historical Resource Development Grant Program provides funds to preserve, conserve, interpret, enhance, and educate the public about Iowa’s historical resources.
Donor Name: Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
State: Iowa
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 05/01/2026
Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000
Grant Duration: 2 Years
Details:
The Historical Resource Development Program (HRDP) is established in the Code of Iowa, Chapter 8A.712. Administrative rules for the program are found in Iowa Administrative Code 223–49. The following items apply to all projects funded through the Historical Resource Development Program.
- All projects must involve Iowa’s historical resources. Non-residents may apply if the project resource is located in Iowa.
- All projects involving personal property must, upon request, document a legal relationship to the property and/or owner agreement to the project.
Funded projects will encourage and support the economic and cultural health and development of the state and the communities in which the resources are located.
Project Types
The following broad project types can be funded with Historical Resource Development Program grants:
- Acquisition and development of historical resources
- Preservation and conservation of historical resources
- Interpretation of historical resources
- Professional training and educational programs on the acquisition, development, preservation, conservation and interpretation of historical resources
Grant Categories
All funded projects must fall within one of the following grant categories. Instructions for each category are linked below:
- Documentary Collections
- Historic Preservation
- Museums
Funding Information
While requests up to $100,000 are eligible, applicants are encouraged to consider requests not exceeding $50,000 due to the amount of funding available and the high demand for these funds.
Grant Period
July 1, 2026 to November 30, 2028.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must submit applications via the State Historical Society of Iowa’s SlideRoom an online application portal. Applications will not be accepted in any other format. Late, incomplete or ineligible applications will not be accepted.
The following entities are eligible to receive Historical Resource Development Program grants:
- Nonprofit corporations
- Governmental units
- Traditional tribal societies and governments of recognized resident American Indian tribes in Iowa
- Individuals
- Private corporations and businesses.
For more information, visit Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs.
