SHSI Country School Grant

SHSI Country School Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: State Historical Society of Iowa
Amount: Up to US $5,000
Last Updated: March 14, 2026

Summary

The SHSI Country School Grant Program provides funding for the preservation and enhancement of Iowa's historical one-room and two-room school buildings. With a maximum award of $5,000 and a total annual allocation of $25,000, the program aims to support projects that contribute to the cultural and economic health of communities. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, governmental units, and individuals, ensuring a broad outreach for preserving Iowa's educational heritage.

Overview

The Country School Grant Program is a part of the Historical Resource Development Program (HRDP) and is established in the Code of Iowa, Chapter 303.16. Administrative rules for the program are found in Iowa Administrative Code 223—49. The following items apply to all projects funded through HRDP. These program guidelines are subject to change after the publication date. 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. Country School grants are intended for the preservation of one-room and two-room buildings once used as country schools in Iowa. Not more than twenty percent of the grant funds allocated in a fiscal year shall be given to or received by state agencies and institutions, or their representatives or agents. Program Features Funded applicants (grantees) will receive 50% of their grant dollars at the time of award. At the conclusion of each project, the grantee is responsible for submitting a final report and claim. The final report must document both the grant and matching funds. Upon acceptance of the final report, the state will pay the grantee for the remainder of the grant. If a project is not completed in accordance with REAP/HRDP program requirements, the grantee may be required to return grant funds to the state. Amount 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 with a required 1:1 match..

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. 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 following entities are eligible to receive Country School Grant Program funds: Nonprofit corporations Governmental 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 Individuals Private corporations and businessesThe 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 resourcesAll funded projects must fall within one of the following grant categories:Documentary Collections Historic Preservation MuseumsOnly one eligible application per grant category from a single applicant will be reviewed.

Ineligibility

Grant funds shall not be used to support public relations or marketing expenses. The Resource Enhancement and Protection/Historical Resource Development Program/Country School Grant Program shall not award grants to be used for goods or services obtained outside the state, unless the grantee demonstrates that it is neither feasible nor prudent to obtain the goods or services within the state. Any applicant who receives a direct or indirect appropriation from the Legislature for a project or portion of a project is ineligible for a Country School Program grant for that same project during the fiscal year for which the appropriation is made. The "project" includes any related activities, such as construction, restoration, supplies, equipment, consulting, or other services.An applicant may not submit more than two applications in any grant cycle. A second grant application must be submitted in a different category than the first. Applicants funded in two consecutive fiscal years in the same grant category are not eligible to receive funding in the same grant category during the next fiscal year.