Closed for 2024 - New application round opens July 2025
Have an idea to significantly improve your downtown building? Main Street Fort Dodge is currently seeking pre-applications for Main Street Iowa’s full Challenge Grant Application. Funding is available for projects up to $100,000; matching funds are required.
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Main Street Iowa’s Challenge Grant is a program that funds brick and mortar projects within a designated Main Street district. Eligible projects can include, but are not limited to: façade improvements (any building face), interior rehabilitation (first floor commercial and upper story housing), and structural repairs or building system improvements. A project may be a single specific phase of a larger rehab. See Challenge Grant flyer for details.
Pre-applications are due in July to be reviewed and scored by Main Street Fort Dodge’s grant selection committee. Only one application per community is allowed. The applicant with the highest scoring pre-application will be invited to help Main Street Fort Dodge prepare a full Challenge Grant Application to be submitted to Main Street Iowa by no later than September 6.
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The maximum grant request is $100,000, while the minimum grant request is $25,000. A dollar for dollar (1:1) match is required for all projects. Main Street Fort Dodge will be notified by November 7, 2024 whether or not the local project was selected for funding. If awarded, the project will need to be completed within 24 months of grant award notification. The Challenge Grant is a reimbursement type of grant—meaning, that after a project is completed and paid for by the owner, then a reimbursement request may be made to Main Street Iowa showing proof of work and payment.
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Additional information: