Public Services Fund

In 2026, the Iowa Economic Development Authority will administer two Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) public service funding opportunities to address urgent community needs related to food insecurity and homelessness: the CDBG Food Pantries program and the CDBG Homeless Providers program.

These programs will support new or expanded public service activities that primarily benefit low- and moderate-income Iowans. Eligible expenses include operating costs, supplies and materials necessary to deliver critical services.

All funded projects must:

• Meet applicable CDBG national objectives
• Demonstrate that CDBG funds will not supplant existing funding sources
• Comply with all federal and state program requirements

Funding awards are capped at $100,000 per project and require a minimum $5,000 cash or in-kind match.

These programs are designed to strengthen local service delivery systems and increase measurable impacts for individuals and families most in need.

Homeless Providers Program

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Homeless Providers program supports essential public services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Funding is available for new or expanded eligible operating activities, including staffing, utilities and necessary program supplies. The program does not fund construction or rehabilitation activities.

All projects must:

• Meet the low- and moderate-income clientele national objective
• Demonstrate that CDBG funds will supplement — not replace — existing funding sources

Awards are capped at $100,000 per project and require a minimum $5,000 cash or in-kind match. Administrative and project delivery costs are limited to 5% of the total project award.

Eligible activities are limited to:

• Shelter and street outreach
• Rapid rehousing
• Homelessness prevention
• Permanent supportive housing

Eligibility

• Projects must primarily benefit low- and moderate-income persons, as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
• The application must demonstrate that new or expanded services will result from the CDBG award.
• CDBG funds may not replace existing state or local funding received by the applicant within the past 12 months.
• Applicants must not have had a financial agreement (grant or loan) canceled within two years of the application date.

Requirements

• Subrecipient Agreement? Yes
• Match Requirement? Yes – Minimum of $5,000 local match – can be either cash or in-kind
• Performance Reports: HMIS reports from 2024 & 2025 required for application
• 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 – yes
• URA – yes
• Beneficiary data tracking: Race/ethnicity and LMI status must be recorded

Application Process

• Applications are competitive.
• The 2026 application window is March 2, 2026 - May 1, 2026.
• Visit iowagrants.gov for application instructions and to apply for funds.

Food Pantries Program

The CDBG Food Pantries program supports new or expanded food pantry operations serving low- and moderate-income communities. Funding may be used for:

• Purchase of food
• Non-consumable supplies
• Equipment necessary for food storage and distribution
• Eligible operating costs, including staffing and utilities

Projects must meet either the low- and moderate-income area or low- and moderate-income clientele national objective and clearly demonstrate that CDBG funds will supplement — not replace — existing funding sources.

Awards are capped at $100,000 per project and require a minimum $5,000 cash or in-kind match. Administrative and project delivery costs are limited to 5% of the total project award.

Eligibility

• Projects must primarily benefit low- and moderate-income persons, as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
• The application must demonstrate that new or expanded services will result from the CDBG award.
• CDBG funds may not replace existing state or local funding received by the applicant within the past 12 months.

Requirements

• Subrecipient Agreement? Yes
• Match Requirement? Yes – Minimum of $5,000 local match – can be either cash or in-kind
• 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 – yes
• URA – yes
• Beneficiary data tracking: Race/ethnicity and LMI status must be recorded

Application Process

• Applications are competitive.
• The 2026 application window is March 2, 2026 - May 1, 2026.
• Visit iowagrants.gov for application instructions and to apply for funds.

Resources