What is it?

The City of Ames offers two types of support for improving non-residential buildings in a portion of the Main Street Cultural District (Eligibility Area) based on the adopted Downtown Design Guidelines:

• Matching grants of up to $23,000 with professional design assistance of up to $2,000
• Downtown Urban Revitalization providing abatement of additional property taxes for improvements

Qualifying improvements for either improvement program must follow the Downtown Design Guidelines. One section of the guidelines applies to non-residential buildings that are generally more than 50 years old and were built with the historic retail commercial storefront. Another section of the guidelines applies to all other non-residential buildings in the eligibility area. 

The City also offers matching grants of up to $23,000 for the restoration of historically significant, character-defining features such as original windows.

If interested, please contact Benjamin Campbell at 515-239-5400 or benjamin.campbell@cityofames.org.

Click here for further information.

What is it?

The Community Catalyst Building Remediation Program assists communities with the redevelopment or rehabilitation of buildings to stimulate economic growth or reinvestment in the community.  

• Funding based on annual availability
• Maximum grant: $100,000
• 40% of funds will be awarded to cities with populations under 1,500

Eligibility

• Funds available for the rehabilitation of one commercial building per community or two buildings with same ownership that are adjacent
• Deconstruction is allowed in dire situations or for safety reasons
• City must be the applicant and provide financial and/or in-kind resources

Application Process

• A mandatory pre-application process will precede the official grant application
• Applications are by invitation only, after approved pre-application
• Contact the program contact listed

FY 2025 Application Cycle

• All pre-applications and applications submitted through Iowa Grants at iowagrants.gov
• Pre-applications open now
• Pre-applications must be submitted by January 30, 2025, to be considered eligible for this fiscal year’s funding cycle
• Applications are by invitation ONLY
• Application Deadline: April 17, 2025
• Announcement: June 2025
  • Project Commencement: after award letter from IEDA
  • Project Completion: 24 months after award

For more information about the grant application, eligibility, and more, please contact Travis Toliver at travis@amesalliance.com or 515.232.2310.

What is it?

Main Street Iowa Challenge Grants are available for brick-and-mortar building projects that contribute to the development of designated Main Street Iowa districts, including Downtown Ames.

Project Eligibility

Building Rehabilitation, including, but not limited to:

• Façade improvements (front, rear and side)
• Interior Rehabilitation (first floor commercial and upper story housing)
• Structural repairs and building system improvements
• Single specific phase of a large rehab. The project must have a specific defined focus and clearly identified scope of work, with commitment to future phases demonstrated.

Challenge Grant Flyer | Challenge Grant Scorecard

For more information about the grant application, eligibility, and more, please contact Travis Toliver at travis@amesalliance.com or 515.232.2310.

What is it?

Main Street Iowa offers the Open 4 Business program to encourage business development in designated Main Street Iowa districts around the state!

How to Apply

Each spring Ames Main Street accepts applications for interested small business owners who are looking to expand and grow their business ideas within Downtown Ames. Businesses will be required to complete an application outlining your business idea and how it will benefit the local economic climate in our community. A 25% cash match is required. Businesses must have been in operation for at least 1 year to apply. The grant funds are administered by the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s Downtown Resource Center and Main Street Iowa program.

Ames Main Street will select one local business applicant to represent Ames Main Street at the state competition. If you are interested in applying for this opportunity, please complete the application below. If your project is selected Ames Main Street will help you to complete the online grant application and give you access to our professional videographer, to film a required 3-minute video to be submitted along with your application.

Local Application

Open 4 Business Flyer | Rules & Regulations

For more information about the grant application, eligibility, and more, please contact Travis Toliver at travis@amesalliance.com or 515.232.2310.