City Offers Three Sustainability-Focused Grant Opportunities

Published on May 22, 2026

The City of Ames is offering three sustainability-focused grant opportunities designed to support local projects that reduce carbon emissions, conserve natural resources, and advance the community’s Climate Action Plan goals. Funding opportunities are available for residents, organizations, and multifamily property owners.

The grants are part of the City’s broader Climate Action Grant Program, which supports community involvement in implementing sustainability initiatives and encourages projects that include education and community engagement components. There is a different schedule to apply for each grant.

“Community partnerships are essential to achieving the goals of the Ames Climate Action Plan,” said Nolan Sagan, Sustainability Coordinator. “These grant opportunities help empower residents, businesses, organizations, and students to take meaningful local action that reduces emissions, conserves resources, and builds a more sustainable community.”

The three available grant opportunities include:

Community Climate Grants

Organizations in Ames, including nonprofits and businesses, may apply for grants of up to $10,000 for projects that reduce energy use, encourage low-emissions transportation, reduce waste, conserve water, or utilize nature-based solutions. Applications are due Tuesday, June 30, with awards anticipated in early August. A partial cost share is required.

Residential Owner-Occupied Sustainability Grants

Eligible Ames homeowners may receive grants covering 30% of project costs, up to $4,000, for installing solar energy systems or whole-home heat pumps. Applications will open on June 1, and pre-approval is required before installing equipment. The program is limited to owner-occupied households meeting income eligibility requirements.

Multifamily Recycling Pilot Project

Property owners of apartment buildings with five or more units may apply for up to $5,000 to help establish single-stream recycling. Funding can support recycling hauler fees, collection containers, educational materials, and related infrastructure improvements. No cost match is required. Applications are currently being accepted on a rolling basis.

The City of Ames Climate Action Plan was accepted by the City Council in 2023 and established ambitious greenhouse gas reduction goals for the community. The grant programs are intended to help residents and organizations take direct action toward achieving those goals.

Applications, program guides, and additional information about all three grant opportunities are available through the City’s sustainability webpage at www.cityofames.org/climateactiongrants.

For additional information or assistance with the application process, contact Nolan Sagan at 515-239-5227 or by email at nolan.sagan@cityofames.org.

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