The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) is currently accepting applications for the Rural Grocery Grant, which aims to support innovative solutions to challenges faced by rural communities in Iowa. This grant program is part of the Rural Innovation Grant initiative, which focuses on community investment, growth, and connection. The Rural Grocery Grant specifically addresses food security issues in rural Iowa, recognizing the vital role that grocery stores play in enhancing local prosperity. These stores not only provide essential employment opportunities and access to healthy food but also contribute to the overall economic vitality of rural areas.

The primary purpose of the Rural Grocery Grant is to provide financial assistance to independently owned grocery stores in Iowa. The grant allows applicants to request funding of up to $25,000 for technology upgrades and the implementation of new service delivery methods. The grant period runs from December 1, 2024, to June 30, 2026. Eligible uses of the grant funds include the development of online ordering platforms, grocery lockers, home delivery systems, electronic shelf tags, self-check-out devices, and other innovative purchasing approaches.

To be eligible for the grant, applicants must be independently owned grocery stores that are either incorporated in Iowa or authorized to operate within the state. The applicant must have been in business for at least three years and must operate in a rural community with a population of 20,000 or fewer. Additionally, the community must not be contiguous to a city with a population of 40,000 or greater, or the project must be located in one of Iowa's 88 least populous counties. Small independent chain operators with ten or fewer locations are also eligible to apply.

Each eligible applicant may submit only one application per funding announcement. However, an applicant can be named as a partner in additional applications. It is important to note that while partners and collaborating entities do not need to meet the same eligibility criteria, they may still undergo financial and programmatic review during the selection process. The applicant will be responsible for all materials submitted during the application process and will be the entity legally bound to the terms of the grant agreement if awarded funding.

The application process requires applicants to answer specific questions related to their proposed projects. Evaluation criteria will focus on the potential impact of the project on food security and community vitality, as well as the feasibility and innovation of the proposed solutions. The IEDA will assess applications based on these criteria to determine which projects will receive funding.

The deadline for submitting applications for the Rural Grocery Grant is October 25, 2024. Interested applicants are encouraged to review the detailed guidelines and requirements provided by the IEDA to ensure compliance and to enhance their chances of receiving funding. For further information, applicants can contact Robin Bostrom at the IEDA.