Urban Water Quality Cost‑Share Grants (Nutrient Reduction Strategy) (Discontinued)

Urban Conservation Grants is sponsored by Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. These cost-share grants support urban conservation and water quality projects as part of Iowa's Nutrient Reduction Strategy. Projects include practices such as bioretention cells, bioswales, native plantings, permeable pavers, rain gardens, tree trenches, native landscaping, sediment forebays, oxbows, and wetlands, which capture and treat stormwater and residential lawn fertilizer runoff to reduce sediment and nitrates in local waterways.

Water Recreation Access Cost-Share Program - Fall 2026 is sponsored by Iowa Department of Natural Resources. This program provides cost-share grants to county conservation boards for the development of fish habitat or acquisition of land for fish habitat development purposes. Examples include placing fish habitats, armoring lakes, constructing aeration systems, and dredging.

Water Quality Initiative (WQI) is sponsored by Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS). The Water Quality Initiative (WQI) in Iowa provides cost-share funds to farmers and landowners for implementing water quality practices such as cover crops, no-till/strip-till, and nitrogen inhibitors. The program aims to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus runoff into waterways.

Iowa Cover Crop Cost-Share Program is sponsored by Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (through county Soil and Water Conservation District offices). This program offers cost-share incentives to farmers for implementing cover crops, which are vital for soil health. It provides financial assistance for first-time and returning cover crop users, with additional opportunities for specific practices and locations.