Community Attraction and Tourism Grant
Revitalizing Iowa
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.
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 Consideration
- Awards will be considered up to 20% of the total project cost, but not more than $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.
Who Qualifies?
- 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 Do I Apply?
- Review CAT Program Guidelines FY 2025.
- Submit a Notice of Intent to Apply.
- 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.
Enhance Iowa Award Map
View a map of communities that have received CAT award funding and an outline of the projects funded.