Grants & Funding

LOCAL APPLICATION DUE DATE: JUNE 8TH. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION OR STOP BY THE PACT OFFICE FOR A PHYSICAL COPY.

The Open 4 Business program is a statewide business development grant opportunity through Main Street Iowa that awards up to $25,000 in reimbursement funding to help small businesses grow, innovate, and invest in their future.

Because each Main Street community may submit only one business to the statewide competition, Main Street Centerville hosts a local contest to determine which project will advance to the state level. Businesses submit their project ideas locally, and one applicant will be selected to represent Centerville.

The winner of the local contest will receive a $1,250 cash prize upon submission of their state application, thanks to the generous support of Community 1st Credit Union, Iowa Trust and Savings Bank, US Bank, Farmers Bank of Northern Missouri, & Iowa State Bank.. Eligible projects may include equipment purchases, inventory, technology upgrades, website development, marketing initiatives, and display fixtures. Applicants should be prepared to provide a 25% cash match if selected to move on to the state competition.

The CDBG Upper Story Housing Conversion Program provides significant financial assistance to property owners looking to transform vacant or unoccupiable upper-story downtown spaces into new residential units.

Funded through the State of Iowa, this program was created to help address housing shortages while preserving and revitalizing historic downtown buildings. Grant funding can provide up to $100,000 per housing unit, with projects eligible for up to $400,000 total, making it one of the most impactful housing development tools available to downtown property owners.

Beyond creating much-needed housing, upper-story conversions bring new life to downtown buildings, support local businesses, increase foot traffic, and help preserve the historic character that makes our community unique. Successful projects turn underutilized space into quality apartments while contributing to long-term community growth and economic vitality.

Applicants should be aware that the program includes specific eligibility requirements, including environmental and historic review processes, occupancy requirements tied to income guidelines, and vacancy requirements for the space being converted. Projects must meet all state and federal program requirements to be considered for funding.

For additional information about eligible projects and grant criteria contact Chandler at [email protected]

The Main Street Iowa Challenge Grant is a highly competitive funding opportunity designed to support transformational building projects within designated Main Street districts. This program helps property owners tackle larger-scale rehabilitation and restoration projects that create new business opportunities, expand housing options, preserve historic buildings, and strengthen downtown investment.

Eligible projects may include façade improvements, upper-story housing renovations, first-floor commercial rehabilitation, structural repairs, building system upgrades, compatible new construction, and other substantial building improvement projects. Projects should be well-planned, preservation-minded, and capable of being completed within the grant contract period.

Grant awards typically range from $25,000 to $100,000 and require a dollar-for-dollar match from the applicant. Because Main Street Iowa allows only one application per Main Street program, Main Street Centerville conducts a local selection process to identify the strongest project for submission to the state.

Please note that building demolition projects, public government buildings, and religious facilities are not eligible for funding.

Congratulations to Cheryl & Zach Finch, recipients of the 2023 Main Street Iowa Challenge Grant!

For additional information about eligible projects and grant criteria contact Chandler at [email protected]

This grant is made possible by gambling fund allocations from the State of Iowa and is limited to non-profit organizations located/operating within Appanoose County, Iowa. Funding priorities and scoring criteria for this grant include: community improvement, public service benefits, people impacted, permanency of project and projects that have matching dollars.

Congratulations 2026 ACCF Grant Recipients:

• Appanoose County Conservation — Kayaks and Accessories
• Appanoose County Family Alliance — Child Car Seats
• Appanoose County Historical Society — Parking Lot Exhibit
• Appanoose County Special Deputies — Police Gear
• Centerville Concert Association — Estes Auditorium Video Board
• Centerville Fire Rescue — Ambulance Equipment
• Centerville Garden Club — Centerville Sign Landscaping
• Cincinnati Volunteer Fire Department — Wildland Fire Gear
• City of Moravia — Painting/Decorations/Miscellaneous
• City of Mystic Car Show — Sound System for Car Show
• City of Mystic — Community Generator
• Friends of Moravia Library — Library Furniture
• Garrett Memorial Library — Storage Upgrades
• Historic Preservation Corporation — State Street Station Maintenance
• Indian Hills Community College — Water Feature at Centerville Campus
• Moravia Mohawk Archery — Archery Equipment
• Moravia Area Historical Society — Depot Ticket Counter & Paint
• Moravia Community Betterment — Pickleball Court Improvements
• Moravia School Child Care Program — Exterior Storage & Equipment
• Moravia Volunteer Fire & Rescue — Cold Water Rescue Equipment
• Moulton Crossline Center — Tables
• Moulton First Responders — Vacuum Mattress & Miscellaneous Equipment
• New Hope — South Façade Repair & Paint
• Traphouse of Appanoose County — Building Entrance Construction & Improvements

ACCF awarded $145,639.48 in grants through 24 projects in 2026, helping support community improvements, public safety, recreation, education, historic preservation, and quality of life initiatives throughout Appanoose County.

The ACCF grant cycle has closed for 2026.

Main Street Centerville offers annual grants for both signage (up to $500) & facades ($2,000) in the downtown district (the Centerville Square and one block off in any direction). The grant cycle has closed for 2026.

Congratulations to the 2026 Main Street Centerville Signage & Facade Grant Recipients: 

• Red Nutrition
• Sud-Z-Paws
• The Quilted Frog 

The Appanoose County Tourism Grant program supports events, attractions, and marketing efforts that attract visitors from outside Appanoose County and contribute to overnight stays and tourism-related economic impact. This funding opportunity is geared toward local businesses, organizations, and communities seeking to promote Appanoose County as a destination through tourism-focused events, visitor attractions, or targeted marketing initiatives. Eligible applications fall into two categories—Events & Attractions and Marketing—and are evaluated based on clearly defined tourism criteria and a published scoring rubric. These competitive grants are intended to strengthen Appanoose County’s tourism economy by increasing visibility, visitation, and length of stay. The grant cycle for 2026 is closed.

Click Here to Download the 2026 Appanoose County Tourism Grant Summary Form

Congratulations to the recipients of the 2026 Appanoose County Tourism Grant Recipients:

• Appanoose County Conservation Board
• Appanoose Country Club
• Appanoose County Historical & Coal Mining Museum
• Centerville Community Schools
• Centerville Concert Assocation
• Centerville Farmers Market on the Square
• Centerville Garden Club
• Centerville Fire & Rescue
• City of Mystic
• Creative Chaos
• Historic Preservation Corporation
• Jim Irelan Men’s Wear
• Kolton’s Courts
• Markets in the Ville
• Moravia Firework Display Committee
• Mystic Brickstreet Car Show
• Papo’s Pumpkin Patch
• Valley View Event Center