Eligibility and scope

How do I know if my property is eligible?
If your property is located within the Iowa City Downtown District boundaries, City-University Urban Renewal Area, or Towncrest Urban Renewal Area, it is geographically eligible. In addition, your property must be an existing building that is either (a) commercially taxed; (b) mixed-use with a commercial component; or (c) a vacant commercial property proposed for conversion to residential. Contact staff if you’re unsure about your property’s classification or location eligibility.

Can tenants apply?
Yes, tenants may apply with the written consent of the property owner. This written consent will be requested as part of the grant application.

Can residential buildings apply?
Projects must have a commercial or adaptive reuse component. Properties taxed solely as residential (e.g., stand-alone multi-family housing) are not eligible.

Funding and match

Do both funding tiers require a 50% match?
Yes. City funding will not exceed 50% of the total project cost.

What counts as my match?
Private investment, loans, or other grant funds. For Downtown properties, CoSign+ funds may also be applied toward your required match.

How much funding can I receive through this grant program?

• Tier 1: Step Up: Generally, $10,000–$50,000 for façade, accessibility, or space reactivation projects, but never more than 50% of the total project cost.
• Tier 2: Power Up: If you project also (or only) includes energy efficiency improvements, you are eligible for up to $100,000, but still never more than 50% of the total project cost.

Project costs & reimbursement 

When will I receive the funds?
Funds are reimbursed after project completion and submission of invoices, proof of payment, and other required documentation.

What expenses are eligible?
Equipment, material, and labor costs for construction and installation.

What expenses are not eligible?
Costs incurred before grant approval, routine maintenance, design and engineering costs, and improvements outside the eligible project scope.

Can solar projects qualify on their own?
Solar arrays are only eligible if paired with other energy efficiency improvements.

Process and timing

What’s the deadline to apply?
Applications are due by 3:00 p.m. on Friday, November 17, 2025.

How long does the review process take?
Please allow 3-5 days following the submission deadline for funding decisions to be made. All applicants will be notified by email of the status of their application. Please remember, a signed grant agreement is required before work begins. Anything spent prior to a grant agreement is ineligible for reimbursement.

Do I need permits or additional approvals?
Yes. Standard permits, including a Building Permit, are required before construction starts. Contributing properties in the Downtown Historic District may also require Historic Preservation review.

Program benefits

Why should I include energy efficiency improvements?
Adding energy efficiency makes your project more sustainable, lowers operating costs, and increases the maximum grant award up to $100,000.

How does CoSign+ help me?
For properties located within the Iowa City Downtown District, CoSign+ can fund storefront enhancements and also count toward your 50% local match, reducing the amount you need to contribute out of pocket.

This program provides a 50/50 matching grant for eligible building improvements. Awards are reimbursed after project completion and based on verified costs. Applicants who incorporate energy efficiency improvements may qualify for the higher tier of funding:

Tier 1: Step Up

• $10,000 – $50,000 grant award
• Generally requires $20,000 - $100,000 total project cost. No minimum project cost applies if the project scope is limited to energy efficiency improvements and/or accessibility improvements, provided the work demonstrates a meaningful improvement.
• For façade, accessibility, and space reactivation projects

  Tier 2: Power Up

• Up to $100,000 grant award
• Available when projects include eligible energy efficiency improvements
• No minimum project cost applies if the project scope is limited to energy efficiency improvements and/or accessibility improvements, provided the work demonstrates a meaningful improvement.

Add-On: CoSign+ (Downtown District only)

Properties in the Downtown District planning storefront enhancements (e.g. signage, awnings, lighting), may also apply for the CoSign+ program through the Iowa City Downtown District. If awarded, CoSign+ funds can count toward your required 50% local match.

MERGE Business Resource Center (Greater Iowa City, Inc. Partnership)

• Free 1:1 consultation appointments with an architect will be available during the grant application period, in addition to their standard consultation sessions with business experts.
• Book a session online

Program Contact

For additional questions about the grant program or application, please contact Rachel Kilburg, Economic Development Coordinator at rkilburg@iowa-city.org or 319-356-5248.

• Projects will be evaluated based on project impact, improvement type, total investment, architectural fit, and historic preservation. 
• The City may request additional information and retains discretion to accept or deny applications.
• Any project expenses incurred before a grant award is made are ineligible.
• A Building Permit is required before construction begins.
• Properties classified as contributing to the Downtown Historic District will be subject to Historic Preservation reviews.