PottCoHTF Grant Program

Geographic Scope: Pottawattamie County, Iowa

Program Status: Active (2026 application cycle closed as of October 3, 2025)

Background

The Pottawattamie County Housing Trust Fund is a tax-exempt organization that provides grants and loans for affordable housing, including new construction and rehabilitation of existing units (single or multi-family). Since 2011, PottCoHTF has invested approximately $3 million in affordable housing.

Funding Sources: Iowa Finance Authority, Iowa West Foundation, Pottawattamie County, local banks, and private donations.

Funding Focus Areas

Proposals must meet one of the following objectives:

• Homeownership Assistance: Direct assistance, rehabilitation, and new construction
• Rental Housing Assistance: Direct assistance to income-qualified tenants, new construction, rehabilitation, emergency housing, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing
• Education: For tenants, homeowners, and landlords (including general maintenance information)

Eligible Activities (Examples from 2024 Cycle)

• Housing repairs or modifications for seniors
• New home construction for income-eligible buyers
• Down payment assistance
• Rental assistance (security deposits, utility deposits)
• Eviction prevention services
• Shelter improvements and renovations
• Low-income housing rehabilitation

Eligibility Requirements

• Activities must benefit households at or below 80% of median family income (MFI)
• Priority given to proposals assisting households at or below 30% of MFI
• All grant funding is paid on a reimbursement basis, subject to review and approval of required project and beneficiary documentation

2024 Awards

PottCoHTF awarded $375,000 to organizations including:

• Connections Area Agency on Aging
• Habitat for Humanity
• Inter-Faith Response, Inc.
• Iowa Legal Aid
• Micah House
• New Visions
• Peace Haven
• Pottawattamie County General Assistance

Contact Information

Metropolitan Area Planning Agency
2222 Cuming St.

Application Process

2026 Application Status: CLOSED

• Opened: September 11, 2025
• Deadline: October 3, 2025 at 4:00 PM

Note: The PottCoHTF seeks proposals annually. Next application cycle dates should be confirmed with the Program Administrator.

Required Application Materials

1. Application Form
2. Project Budget Form

Submission Requirements

• Submit to the Program Administrator by the stated deadline
• All activities must align with the current Housing Assistance Plan objectives
• Proposals must include beneficiary documentation for review and approval
• Grant payments are made on a reimbursement basis

How to Access Application Forms

Application Form and Budget Form are available for download on the PottCoHTF website.

Contact for Application Assistance

Bradley J. Grefe, Program Administrator
(402) 444-6866 ext. 3234
bgrefe@mapacog.org