Description
The Iowa Energy Center Grant Program provides competitive funding to Iowa‑based businesses, higher‑education institutions, and nonprofit agencies for projects that benefit state ratepayers and advance the Iowa Energy Plan. Applicants must submit a notice of intent, be invited to a full application, and can request up to $1 million per award with no set limit on the number of awards. Eligible focus areas include technology‑based energy R&D, energy workforce development, support for rural/underserved areas, biomass conversion, natural gas expansion, electric grid modernization, and alternative fuel vehicles. The program requires cost‑share, caps indirect costs at 20 %, and mandates that at least 51 % of funds be spent by the primary recipient when sub‑recipients are involved.
• Eligible applicants: Iowa businesses, colleges/universities, private nonprofit agencies/foundations.
• Funding range: No limit up to $1,000,000 per award; cost‑share required; indirect costs ≤20 %.
• Application timeline: Pre‑application notice, pre‑application deadline Sep 4 2026, full application deadline Oct 23 2026, award announced Jan 19 2027.