Community Attraction and Tourism Program
SOURCE: Vision Iowa - Iowa Department of Economic Development
PURPOSE OF PROGRAM
To assist communities in the development and creation of multiple purpose attraction or tourism facilities. Community attraction projects may include but are not limited to: museums, theme parks, cultural and recreational centers, recreational trails, heritage attractions, sports arenas, and other attractions.
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS
Eligible applicants include a city, county, or public organization (or combination of these entities forming a 28E agreement pursuant to Iowa Code), or a school district in cooperation with a city or county. A “public organization” is a nonprofit economic development group or other nonprofit organization that sponsors or supports community
or tourism attractions and activities. One-third of the funds available through the CAT program shall be allocated to projects in cities with populations of 10,000 or less, and/or counties that are among the 33 least populated counties in Iowa. If any portion of these funds has not been awarded by April 1, the funds shall be available for any community or county in the state.
FUNDING CRITERIA
- Evidence of broad-based community support for a project, both philosophical and financial, is needed to fulfill this requirement.
- CAT funding may not constitute more than 50 percent of the total project costs. Up to 25 percent of local match may be in the form of in-kind or non-financial contributions, which may include but are not limited to the value of labor and services.
- A need for CAT funding must be shown after other financial resources have been committed for the proposed project
SUBMITTAL REQUIRED
Refer to the CAT program administrative rules as necessary to ensure compliance with program requirements. Administrative rules are available online at
http://iowalifechanging.com/vision/default.aspx or are available upon request from the Vision Iowa Program Manager (515-725-3197).
Submit the original application form and fifteen copies (retaining an additional copy for your records) to:
Vision Iowa Program Manager
Iowa Department of Economic Development
200 East Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50309-1819
GRANT AMOUNT
Normally 20 percent to 30 percent of the total cost of the project. CAT funding may not constitute more than 50 percent of the total project costs.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Check the program website for future application deadlines:
http://iowalifechanging.com/vision/default.aspx
ACCEPTANCE NOTIFICATION
Applications submitted by the deadline may be decided upon during one of the monthly Vision Iowa Board meetings at the board’s discretion.
MORE INFORMATION/APPLICATION
For additional information, view the web site:
http://iowalifechanging.com/vision/default.aspx
or contact Alaina Santizo
Vision Iowa Program Manager
(515) 725-3197
visioniowa@iowa.gov.