On Monday, Governor Kim Reynolds announced a new round of funding through Destination Iowa in the amount of $6.5 million.

Destination Iowa is a grant initiative with the goal of creating or supporting projects to bolster tourism, enhancing the quality of life for residents, and boosting local economies. The initiative began in 2022 with federal funds, but has since become state-funded after approval from the Iowa legislature earlier this year. Destination Iowa has advanced 46 projects so far, including campground improvements at Midwest Old Threshers and Jefferson County Conservation.

With applications now open, Iowa cities, counties, and organizations can follow the two-step process. Pre-applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until January 31, 2024. Any applicants invited to apply for the full application will then have to do so by March 1. Priority will be given to applicants who have not been awarded Destination Iowa funds, or those from another program intended to support attraction projects after July 1, 2018. For more information on Destination Iowa, including a pre-application, click here.