Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs seeks grant applications

DES MOINES - The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs is encouraging Iowans to apply for a new round of grant programs that support historic preservation, country schools, cultural heritage, academic research and operational activities. Following is a list of grant programs that are due this spring:

l The Historical Resource Development Program supports the preservation, conservation and interpretation of history. The program encourages individuals and organizations to educate the public about historical resources, including historic buildings, museum collections and documentary materials such as diaries, letters, photographs and newspapers. The program began in 1990 to conserve museum collections, microfilm newspapers, preserve photographs, install exhibits, survey historic neighborhoods, nominate buildings and districts to the National Register of Historic Places, and more. Applications are due April 25.

l The County School Grants provide funding for the preservation and maintenance of Iowa's one- and two-room country schools. The funds also may be used for interpreting the history of country schools or for educational activities taking place in a country school. Applications are due April 25.

l The Capacity Building Grants provide funding for general operating expenses to nonprofit arts and cultural organizations. Applicants are encouraged to register for a live informational webinar scheduled for 11 a.m. on March 6 before the application deadline on May 1.

l The Cultural Heritage Project Grants offer funding to nonprofits and communities for projects that create jobs and provide access to cultural heritage experiences. Applicants are encouraged to register for a live informational webinar scheduled for 11 a.m. on Wednesday before the application deadline on May 1.

l The Research Grants for Authors support research and interpretive writing on topics related to Iowa history. Applicants who want to research and write about neglected topics or take a new approach to familiar topics go the top of the list. Grant recipients must produce an annotated manuscript that will be considered for publication in the Annals of Iowa, the State Historical Society of Iowa's scholarly journal. Proposals must be postmarked by April 15.

l The Historical Resource Development Program and Country School grants are overseen by the State Historical Society of Iowa and funded by the Resource Enhancement and Protection Act, passed by the Iowa General Assembly in 1989. Local governments, nonprofit corporations, individuals, businesses and American Indian tribes are eligible to apply.

l The Capacity Building Grants and Cultural Heritage Project Grants are administered by the Iowa Arts Council, which cultivates creativity, learning and participation in the arts while empowering Iowans to build and sustain culturally vibrant communities.

l The Research Grants for Authors are supported annually by State Historical Society, Inc., of Iowa City.

The State Historical Society of Iowa and the Iowa Arts Council are divisions of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs. More information is available at iowaculture.gov or 515-281-5111.