Country School Grant Program

The Country School Grant Program, part of Iowa's Historical Resource Development Program, offers funding for preserving one-room and two-room school buildings. Grants up to $5,000 are available to various eligible entities, including nonprofits and governmental units. The program emphasizes the importance of Iowa's historical resources, encouraging projects that enhance public education and cultural heritage. With an annual budget of $25,000, it aims to support community development through historical preservation.

The Country School Grant Program is a part of the Historical Resource Development Program (HRDP) and is established in the Code of Iowa, Chapter 8A.712. Administrative rules for the program are found in Iowa Administrative Code 223–49. The following items apply to all projects funded through HRDP.
The Resource Enhancement and Protection/Historical Resource Development Program (REAP/HRDP) is funded by the Resource Enhancement and Protection Act (REAP).The purpose of the REAP/HRDP Grants Program is to provide funds to preserve, conserve, interpret, enhance, and educate the public about the historical resources of Iowa.
All projects must involve Iowa’s historical resources.Non-residents may apply if the project resource is located in Iowa.
All projects involving personal property must, upon request, document a legal relationship to the property and/or owner agreement to the project.
Funded projects will encourage and support the economic and cultural health and development of the state and the communities in which the resources are located.
The Country School grant program is a small program, with up to $25,000 allocated to it each year.The maximum award to any one applicant is $5,000 per year.
Country School grants are intended for the preservation of one-room and two-room buildings once used as country schools in Iowa.
Project Types
The project must involve a building that once served as a one or two room school building.
The following broad project types can be funded with Country School Program grants:

• Acquisition and development of historical resources Preservation and conservation of historical resources
• Interpretation of historical resources
• Professional training and educational programs on the acquisition, development, preservation, conservation and interpretation of historical resources
• Grant Categories

All funded projects must fall within one of the following grant categories. Please read the appropriate instruction guide, linked below, for your proposed project.

Eligibility

The following entities are eligible to receive Country School Grant Program funds:

Nonprofit corporations Government units (Only governmental units that are considered Certified Local Governments (CLGs) in good standing can apply in the historic preservation category).Traditional tribal societies and governments of recognized resident American Indian tribes in Iowa