2025 Challenge Grant Phase 1 Application
Thank you for your interest in the 2025 Main Street Iowa Challenge Grant. The Main Street Iowa Challenge Grant is a grant program provided by Main Street Iowa (MSI) and the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) for brick-and-mortar building projects. This 1:1 matching grant is for vertical infrastructure projects that contribute to the development of designated Main Street districts. Highly competitive applications include:
  • Comprehensive building rehabilitation projects that provide increased business, housing or job opportunities.
  • Projects that incorporate quality design and preservation-based strategies.
  • Projects that support local revitalization efforts and stimulate additional district investment.
  • Projects that are well planned and achievable within the two-year contract period.
Applicants may request funding for eligible one-time project expenses incurred and expended within the eligible funding period.
  • 2024 Minimum Grant Request: $25,000
  • 2024 Maximum Grant Request: $100,000
The District: Czech Village & New Bohemia (The District) is only able to submit one application from our district, so we are asking interested business/property owners to complete this application. The District will review all applications and determine which one to move forward with. We will be looking at:
  • Is the applicant eligible based on the Main Street Iowa Guidelines?
  • Is the project eligible based on the Main Street Iowa Guidelines?
  • Is the application complete?
  • Is all information requested provided?
  • Is the business/property owner in good standing with the City?
  • Does the project meet rehab/construction standards set forth by Main Street Iowa?
If selected, a representative for the project will work with The District to complete the full application. The final application will be reviewed by Main Street Iowa and Iowa Economic Development Authority and make awards based on information provided in the grant application. Projects will be scored and ranked according to the scoring criteria outlined in the application.
Phase 1 is due to The District by June 30, 2025 at 5pm. The District will review applications and announce which project we are moving forward with early August 2025.
Timeline:
  • Phase 1 application closes June 30th, 2025 at 5pm
  • Phase 1 applicants notified mid July 2025
  • Weekly meetings or phone calls to ensure application is complete
  • Challenge Grant application due September 2025
  • Challenge Grant award announcement October 2025


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Business Name
Building Name
Name
Email
Phone Number
Business Address
Is this an eligible project: 
Clear selection
Summarize the scope and nature of the proposed project.
Why is this a good t for the Main Street Iowa Challenge Grant?
Describe the proposed project.
What impact will this have on local revitalization efforts?
Describe the project planning and readiness (i.e. budget developed, quotes obtained, plans developed, financing arrangements, when construction could start if funds were awarded.)
Property Owner Name
Describe the significance and character of the building and it's current physical condition.
Describe the historic appropriateness of rehabilitation, including materials, techniques, and conformance with preservation standards. 
Has a Challenge Grant application previously been submitted for this property?
Clear selection
If you applied for this property previously, was it funded?
Clear selection
If funded, what amount was received?
If funded, will this complete the project?
Clear selection
Describe the property owners community involvement, involvement/knowledge of The District Czech Village + New Bohemia, length of time in the community.
Square Footage
Current Use
If vacant, for how long?
If residential or mixed use, how many residential units?
Proposed new use for the space?
Project completion date:
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DD
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YYYY
Is this a registered historic property?
Clear selection
Will this project use Historic Tax Credits?
Clear selection
If using Historic Tax Credits, has Phase 1 of the application been submitted?
Clear selection
Date Phase 1 application for Historic Tax Credits was submitted.
MM
/
DD
/
YYYY
If using Historic Tax Credits, has Phase 2 of the application been submitted?
Clear selection
Will this project receive any other Federal Funding?
Clear selection
Will you be able to provide the required 1:1 match for the grant?
Clear selection
Describe how the project meets an identified local market need.
Describe partnerships involved in the project, including city roles and other groups and partnerships.
Describe the sustainability components of the project.
Describe how the project will stimulate additional investment in The District.
Describe how this project will improve the local economy, i.e. jobs, business growth, residences, additional goods/services.
Email a detailed budget for the project to jennifer@the-district.org
Email renderings of the project to jennifer@the-district.org
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