Who is eligible to apply? Nonprofit, public and private entities are eligible to apply.

What projects are eligible? Projects that keep up the appearance of public facing buildings, facilities and parks in Iowa communities are eligible for this program.

If approved, what products are included? Recipients may purchase Diamond Vogel coatings such as paint, stain and primer in 1-gallon or 5-gallon containers. These coatings may be purchased at any retailer that sells Diamond Vogel products.

What are the dates of this program? The application is open from November 2025 through February 12, 2026. Grant awardees will be notified by April 2026. Paint/coating must be purchased and used by the end of the year it was awarded, and reimbursement must be submitted during that timeframe. For the 2025 grant cycle, reimbursement requests are due by December 31, 2025.

How does reimbursement work? Recipients must provide their receipt(s) showing their purchase of a Diamond Vogel paint/coating (retailers may carry other paint brands but only Diamond Vogel products will be reimbursed). The project must be completed before reimbursement is requested. Reimbursement requests must include the receipt as well as a picture of the completed project. Reimbursement covers the pre-tax amount. In the event the recipient purchases more paint/coating than they were approved for, reimbursement will only cover their approved amount. Paint/coating must be purchased and used by the end of the year it was awarded. Please note: Only reimbursement request reports submitted through our online portal will be accepted.

How do I apply? Click here to apply for the Paint Iowa Beautiful program! Applications are due by February 12, 2026. Please note: Only applications submitted through our online portal will be accepted.

How many gallons are typically awarded per grant? In 2025 the average grant award was for 8 gallons and most awards ranged between 5-10 gallons.

Grant application tips:

• Projects that have a high community value will be rated higher.
• Projects involving volunteers will be rated higher.
• Projects with youth involvement will be rated higher.
• Government agencies will generally not receive as high of ratings as nonprofits and service clubs, except where volunteer, disadvantaged or youth involvement is strong.
• Partnership projects (government with nonprofits or service clubs) will be rated higher.
• Large-volume requests (over 30 gallons) will generally receive a lower rating.
• Awarded grants are applicable only the calendar year in which the award is granted. There is no carryover to the next year. Those not using their allocation or award must reapply for the next year.
• Only grants submitted through our online portal will be accepted.