City of Ames Invests in Local Climate Solutions with New Grant Initiative

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The City of Ames is taking a proactive approach to climate action by launching a $70,000 Climate Action Grants Program designed to empower local organizations, businesses, and students to implement sustainability initiatives. The program, aligned with the Ames Climate Action Plan (CAP), aims to drive community-wide emissions reductions and environmental resilience.

Recognizing that meaningful climate progress requires broad community participation, the grant program seeks to overcome cost barriers and incentivize projects that contribute to the city’s goal of a 70% emissions reduction by 2030.

Two Grant Pathways for Community and Youth Engagement

The City of Ames has structured the Climate Action Grants Program into two funding streams, each targeting a different group of applicants:

Community Climate Grants (Up to $10,000 per project)

Designed for businesses, nonprofits, and organizations, these grants will support energy efficiency upgrades, renewable energy adoption, waste reduction, and resilience projects. Eligible projects include:

  • Installing heat pumps, solar panels, and battery storage systems
  • Hosting sustainability education and outreach events
  • Implementing waste audits and collection programs
  • Developing public EV charging infrastructure
  • Establishing nature-based solutions like prairie restoration and bioswales

To ensure broader impact, grant recipients must provide a 20% cost match, which can include in-kind contributions. The city will conduct two grant cycles in 2025—one in April and another in October—supporting up to five projects per cycle until funds are fully allocated.

Youth Mini-Grants (Up to $500 per project)

Recognizing the importance of engaging younger generations, Ames will also provide grants for students (Grade 12 and below) to lead climate-focused initiatives. These projects must include a public outreach or education component to encourage community-wide participation. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis from April 2025 through May 2026.

Each youth project requires an adult sponsor, and funding will be reimbursed based on verified receipts.

Economic and Environmental Benefits for Ames

Beyond the environmental impact, the grants offer economic benefits by leveraging private dollars through cost-sharing and stimulating local investments in sustainability. By supporting projects that drive energy efficiency, emissions reductions, and community engagement, the program aligns with the city’s commitment to long-term environmental and economic resilience.

The Ames City Council will evaluate the program’s success after its first year to determine future funding and expansion.

Environment + Energy Leader