Other Grant Resources

ITC Midwest and the Iowa Rural Development Council (IRDC) today launched the Power of Connection Community Grant Program to facilitate economic development in rural communities across Iowa.

The announcement was made at the IRDC’s meeting held in Perry. 

This innovative economic development program is designed to pair rural communities seeking assistance with IRDC resource teams. Those teams drive both community conversations and solution development for problems or projects. Ultimately, grants of up to $5,000 – funded by ITC Midwest and the IRDC – may be awarded to rural communities for capacity building, strategic planning, studies or assessment. 

The ITC/IRDC “Power of Connection” Community Grant Program will have three major objectives: 

• Provide technical assistance and the potential for grant funding to rural communities seeking to build capacity, drive new projects, expand leadership opportunities and plan strategically. 

• Make use of existing resources to provide a broad portfolio of services to communities, filling a current need for this comprehensive review; 

• Enhance under the umbrella of IRDC the coordination and collaboration of the 100+ entities who are members of the Council. 

The ITC/ IRDC “Power of Connection” Community Grant Program will leverage the participation of the many members of the Iowa Rural Development Council, from federal and state agencies to educational institutions, associations, non-profits and for profits.  These organizations have a thorough knowledge of rural challenges and the variety of resources that exist to address them.