Community Development & Facilities Fund

Topics:

Community Development Programs

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Community Facilities
Pocket Parks
Community Development & Facilities Fund Award Map

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.

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.

Pocket Parks

This annual competitive program assists communities with developing new green spaces intended for recreational use on city-owned lots no bigger than a quarter acre. In order to meet a National Objective, the community must meet the Low-to-Moderate Income requirements either by conducting a local income survey or utilizing ACS data, dependent upon the park's anticipated service area.

The program is funded through the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). The goal of this program is to provide sustainable living environments for the community, especially benefitting persons of low-to-moderate income.

The maximum funding request for all Pocket Park applications is $150,000, with at minimum of 25% match required.

Eligibility

Projects must primarily benefit low-to-moderate income persons on an area basis (per the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development definition).