Change starts here.

Help us achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

Funding is available to help implement your Climate Action project.

Community Action Grants

The City offers Community Climate Action Grants in order to inspire and promote public involvement in the implementation of Iowa City’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan with projects that:

• Increase energy efficiency
• Encourage low or no-emissions transportation
• Minimize waste and/or consumption of valuable resources
• Support and promote sustainable activities and connections
• Promote preparedness and resilience

Who can apply?

Organizations or groups applying must be principally and physically located in Iowa City. Any applicant or partnering group located outside of Iowa City must demonstrate that the population or area served will primarily be people or places within Iowa City. Eligible applicants include:

• Non-Profit and Community Based Organizations (awards up to $10,000)
• For-Profit Businesses (awards up to ($10,000)

The goal of the grant project must align with the goals listed in Iowa City’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, be ready to implement, and able to be completed within 12 months or less. Grant funds are for the purchase of equipment, supplies, or physical goods; they cannot be used for operational costs. Organizations may be awarded a grant twice within any three-year period. For example, to be eligible for the 2024 grant application period, an organization could have been awarded a grant in either 2023 or 2022, but not both. For clarification and questions, contact Daniel Bissell at Daniel-Bissell@Iowa-City.org. 

Interested applicants can view the recording of this year's informational webinar.

The current application window will be open March 1 through April 1, 2024. View the grant documents below.

Grant documents

• 2024 grant application
• 2024 scoring criteria 
• 2024 grant overview and timeline
• 2024 final report template

Youth Mini-Grants

As part of the Climate Action Grant program, mini-grants in the amount of $500 are available year round for youth led projects or initiatives related to the Climate Action Plan. Students in grades 5-12 are eligible to apply.

To qualify for grant funding students must be residents of Iowa City. The project must take place principally within city limits and be of benefit to fellow Iowa City residents. Eligible projects could include, but are not limited to, projects to encourage fellow students to walk or bike to school, reduce food waste at home or at school, or encourage fellow students and neighbors to reduce energy usage by distributing devices such as smart power strips.

Applications must be received prior to the start of the project and can be submitted any time.

• Student mini-grant application form

Students are encouraged to contact Climate Action and Outreach staff with any questions.

Climate Innovation Grants

The City offers Climate Innovation Grants to support the adoption by Iowa City businesses and organizations of emerging technologies that align with the city's Climate Action goals, including projects that:

• Advance beneficial electrification
• Encourage low or no-emissions transportation
• Minimize waste through closed-loop practices
• Promote climate preparedness and resilience

This grant is designed for technologies that do not fit easily under other funding structures and represent new and advanced systems not previously deployed in Iowa City.

Who can apply?

Organizations or groups applying must be principally and physically located in Iowa City. Any applicant or partnering group located outside of Iowa City must demonstrate that the population or area served will primarily be people or places within Iowa City. Eligible applicants include:

• Non-Profit and Community Based Organizations 
• For-Profit Businesses 

All funding proposals will be evaluated by Climate Action staff on a project-by-project basis to determine the projected emissions savings, viability of the technology, potential payback period, equity impacts, and appropriate funding amount. Funding must be approved by the City Manager's office and may be sent to City Council for final approval per City policy.

Funding approval must be received prior to the start of the project.

Interested businesses and non-profits may apply at any time by contacting Climate Action staff to discuss the proposed project.

TIF-Funded Energy Efficiency Grant 

Who can apply?

Businesses must be physically located in Iowa City within a designated Urban Renewal area.

The grant period for these funds has sunset, but contact Climate Action staff to discuss available alternative funding and future opportunities.