The Community Development & Facilities Fund brings together IEDA’s Community Facilities and Pocket Parks programs to help Iowa communities strengthen essential public spaces and expand access to high‑quality community amenities. Supported through the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, these initiatives advance HUD’s core community development objectives by investing in public facilities, improving neighborhood infrastructure, and creating inclusive, accessible spaces that serve low‑ and moderate‑income residents. Whether communities are developing multi‑use public buildings or transforming underutilized lots into vibrant pocket parks, the Fund provides a coordinated pathway for enhancing local quality of life, promoting neighborhood vitality, and supporting long‑term community well‑being.
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Community Facilities
This annual competitive program assists communities with infrastructure projects such as day care facilities, senior centers, vocational workshops, food pantries and homeless centers.
The program is funded through the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). The goal of this program is to provide infrastructure support for vulnerable populations in communities, especially those of low- and moderate-income.
The maximum funding request for all Community Facilities applications is $600,000.
Eligibility
Projects must primarily benefit low- and moderate-income persons (per the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development definition)
Requirements
- Environmental/Historic Review - yes
- Procurement - yes
- BABA – yes, if total project cost over $250,000 (match and CDBG funding)
- Davis Bacon - yes
- Lead-Based Paint - yes
- Section 3 – yes
- URA - yes
Application Process
- Applications are competitive.
- The 2026 application window is July 1, 2026 - September 1, 2026.
- Visit iowagrants.gov for application instructions and to apply for funds.
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Pocket Parks
This annual competitive program assists communities with developing green spaces intended for recreational use accessible to handicapped individuals. In order to meet National Objective, the community must meet the Low-Moderate Income requirements either by utilizing ACS data or conducting an Income Survey.
The program is funded through the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). The goal of this program is to provide economic opportunities for people, especially those of low- and moderate-income.
The maximum funding request for all Pocket Park applications is $150,000.
Eligibility
Projects must primarily benefit low- and moderate-income persons (per the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development definition)
Requirements
- Environmental/Historic Review - yes
- Procurement - yes
- BABA – yes, if total project cost over $250,000 (match and CDBG funding)
- Davis Bacon - yes
- Lead-Based Paint - no
- Section 3 – no
- URA - no
Application Process
- Applications are competitive.
- 2026 application windows:
- March 2, 2026 - May 1, 2026
- July 1, 2026 - September 1, 2026
- Visit iowagrants.gov for application instructions and to apply for funds.
Resources
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Community Development & Facilities Fund Award Map
