Besides the governmental funding sources below, check local and regional community foundations, which often make grants and maintain lists of other local grantmakers.

• DNR conservation and recreation grants

Specifically, statewide granting programs that might be used for water trails include:

REAP City Parks and Open Spaces Grant Program
Description: Parkland expansion and multi-purpose recreation developments are typical projects.
Who can apply? Iowa cities
Cost-share: 100 percent
Link: http://www.iowadnr.com/reap/cityopen.html

REAP County Conservation Grants
Description: This money is available to counties for land easements or acquisition, capital improvements, stabilization and protection of resources, repair and upgrading of facilities, environmental education, and equipment.
Who can apply? County Conservation Boards
Cost-share: 100 percent
Link: http://www.iowadnr.com/reap/ccon.html

Iowa's Federal Recreational Trails Fund
Description: Federal trails funds administered by the Iowa Department of Transportation
Who can apply? Public agencies, non-profit organizations and private organizations (and/or individuals) are eligible to sponsor. Private sponsorship will require a public agency co-sponsor.
Cost-share: 80 percent
Link: http://www.iowabikes.com/

Iowa State Recreational Trails Program
Description: Federal trails funds administered by the Iowa Department of Transportation
Who can apply? State agencies, counties or cities and non-profit organizations may sponsor applications.
Cost-share: 75 percent
Link: http://www.iowabikes.com/

Water Recreational Access Cost-Share Program
Description: The IDNR has a cost-sharing grant program called "Water Recreation Access Cost-Share Program" that is available for constructing or improving boat access facilities to Iowa's lakes and streams. Projects can include boat launches, loading/off-loading docks and other structures to enhance use by the public.
Who can apply? Units of government/agencies
Link: http://www.iowadnr.com/grants/waterrec.html

Fish Habitat Promotion for County Conservation Boards
Description: A fund derived from fish habitat fees that anglers pay. Funds can be used for dam removal, or possibly dam modification.
Who can apply? County Conservation Boards
Cost-share: 100 percent
Link: http://www.iowadnr.com/grants/fish.html