Community Attraction and Tourism Grant

Yoga class in sculpture park

Improving Community Vitality Through Recreational Attractions

The Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) program provides grant funds to assist projects that provide recreational, cultural, entertainment and educational attractions. 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.)

Eligible applicants must demonstrate broad local support with financial investments by the City, County, and private funders. Amounts or percentages from cities, counties, and private sources will vary by project, there is no minimum amount or percentage required.

The CAT Committee, a committee of the IEDA Board, will utilize the following criteria to determine whether to recommend an award and the level of assistance: breadth of fundraising, community/regional/statewide impact, catalyst for additional development, operational sustainability, and geographic diversity. Award recommendations will be considered by the CAT committee once the recommended CAT award brings the applicant’s funding to at least 90% of the proposed project cost. In other words, no award recommendation will be considered that leaves a fundraising gap of more than 10% of the total project cost.

Award Consideration

  • For urban projects, awards will be considered up to 20% of the total project cost. For rural projects, awards will be considered up to 30% of the total project cost. No award will exceed $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.

Eligibility

  • Project must be available to the general public for use.
  • At least 65% of the project funds must be raised.
    • Eligible match includes cash contributions, pledges, and in-kind contributions (up to 25% of match).
    • Short term loans/financing cannot be used as match.
  • Eligible applicants are cities, counties and not-for-profit organizations.
  • Ineligible costs include: costs already incurred, operational expenses, endowments, marketing and advertising, and fundraising expenses including grant writer fees.

Application Process

  • Review CAT Program Guidelines FY 2027.
  • Submit a Notice of Intent to Apply (861.19 KB) .docx .
  • Upon completion of the Notice of Intent to Apply, IEDA will review the project and provide the application form.
  • Applicants that meet all eligibility criteria will be forwarded to the CAT committee. CAT Committee recommendations will be forwarded to the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) Board for final approval.

Resources

CAT Award Map

View a map of communities that have received CAT award funding and an outline of the projects funded. 

CAT awards map