Improving Community Vitality Through Recreational Attractions

Enhance Iowa provides grant funds to assist projects that provide recreational, cultural, entertainment and educational attractions, as well as sports tourism. The funds help communities create transformational projects that enhance the vitality of a region and the state overall. 

• Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) fund - Due to overwhelming demand, the Enhance Iowa Board allocated all FY 2020 CAT funds
• Funds must be primarily used for vertical infrastructure (land acquisition and construction, major renovation and major repair of buildings, all appurtenant structures, utilities, site development and recreational trails)

Eligibility:

• Project must be available to the general public for use
• At least 65% of the project funds must be raised
• Eligible applicants are cities, counties and not-for-profit organizations

How to Apply:

• Applications are accepted quarterly – January 15, April 15, July 15 and October 15 - NOTE: Due to overwhelming demand, the Enhance Iowa Board allocated all of the FY 2020 CAT funds. The next opportunity to apply will likely be April or July of 2020
• Review Enhance Iowa Frequently Asked Questions
• Submit a Notice of Intent to Apply found in Resources
• Please contact one of the program managers to receive the Enhance Iowa CAT application