Photographer: Anji Bennett

2026 Grant Recipients:

Award Guidelines

Applications for 2026 awards are now closed.

Keep Iowa Beautiful is offering “Plant Iowa Beautiful” mini-grants of $500-$1,000 to Iowa communities and organizations to support beautification projects this spring! This program is made possible thanks to the generous support of Keep America Beautiful and Landus Cooperative.

All projects must be completed by June 22, 2026.

Who is eligible to apply?

Nonprofit organizations, local government entities, and Keep Iowa Beautiful’s “Hometown Pride” committees. Both the applicant and project location must be in Iowa.

What projects are eligible?

We’re seeking projects that improve the appearance of Iowa communities, so they can look their best for the nation’s 250th birthday celebration on July 4, 2026.

Grant funds may be used to plant trees, flowers, and gardens in publicly accessible spaces, including, but not limited to:

• Parks
• Along streets, trails, and medians
• Flower planters on sidewalks, plazas or parks
• School grounds
• Areas outside public buildings

Eligible expenses include*:

• Trees, flowers, plants and other planting supplies
• Tools and equipment for planting
• Site preparation costs
• Volunteer support expenses (such as snacks, safety vests or other supplies used during project work days)

*Expenses that were purchased prior to approval are not eligible for reimbursement.

Projects must include volunteers in some capacity.

Project Timeline

Projects must be completed and final grant reports submitted by Monday, June 22nd, 2026.

How are funds distributed?

Selected recipients will receive grant funds on a reimbursement basis. To receive reimbursement:

• Application must be approved for grant funding before items are purchased
• The project must be fully completed before the deadline of June 22nd, 2026
• Reimbursement requests must include:
  • Receipts for approved, eligible expenses
  • At least one photo of the completed project
• Requests must be submitted through Keep Iowa Beautiful’s online reimbursement form

If total project costs exceed the awarded amount, reimbursement will be limited to the approved grant award.

How do I apply?

The application is now closed.

How are applications scored?

Applications are scored in 3 categories, with 10 points possible for each category:

• Community Value and Visibility (Projects that are valuable to the community and have high visibility will be scored highest)
• Volunteer Involvement (Projects must involve volunteers. Project that are volunteer-led and executed will be scored highest)
• Project “Fit” and feasibility (Projects that fit the grant intentions, as stated above, and have a clear plan and timeline will be scored highest)

Hometown Pride committees will receive 4 bonus points.

Applications must score a minimum of 18 points to be considered for funding.

Applications will also be reviewed for eligibility based on timeline, applicant type, budget and other eligibility factors listed above.