Iowa City accepting Climate Action Grants applications starting March 1

The City of Iowa City is making funding available for community-led climate action initiatives.

The Climate Action Grant program is designed to empower Iowa City nonprofit organizations, businesses, and groups to take climate action. Funds can be used on projects that advance energy efficiency, support the use of renewable energy, encourage low or no-emissions transportation, support sustainable lifestyle choices, and promote climate preparedness and resilience.

Applications for this grant will be accepted Sunday, March 1, through 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

Successful project proposals must focus on climate action goals in Iowa City and be accomplished by June 30, 2027. Nonprofit organizations and businesses are eligible for grants up to $10,000.

This is a competitive grant, with an estimated 8-10 projects funded annually. Projects cannot begin before July 1, 2026, and must be completed by June 30, 2027.

The online grant form can be found on the City's website starting Sunday, March 1, 2026.

In 2018, the City adopted a Climate Action and Adaptation Plan to address fundamental initiatives in reaching the City's goals to reduce carbon emissions by 45% (based on 2010 levels) by 2030, and approach net zero carbon emissions by 2050.