Downloadable resources
Before you get started, take time to review the full grant guidelines, preview the application form, and explore preservation standards. These resources will help you prepare a thoughtful and complete submission.
Is My Project Eligible?
Eligible Project Examples
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Façade rehabilitation: Repairing or uncovering original brickwork, replacing windows with historically appropriate designs, or removing modern slipcovers.
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Interior Commercial Renovation: Gut rehab of first-floor storefronts to create usable retail, restaurant, or office space.
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Upper-Story Housing Conversions: Turning vacant upper floors into apartments or live-work units above active ground-floor businesses.
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Structural Stabilization: Foundation or roof repairs that extend the building's life and prepare it for further investment.
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Multi-building efforts: Coordinated façade upgrades or the shared installation of an elevator/stair tower between adjacent buildings.
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Preservation-Focused Expansions: Adding historically sensitive rear additions that increase usable square footage while maintaining character.
Ineligible Project Types
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Demolition or deconstruction of any part of the building.
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Residential use on the first floor Including short-term rentals (Airbnb, VRBO, etc...)
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Religious facilities or public/government-owned buildings.
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Furnishings, appliances, or non-permanent equipment.
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Sidewalks, parking lots, fencing, landscaping unrelated to the building rehabilitation.
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Projects outside of the Dubuque Main Street district boundaries.
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Property acquisition, legal services, or developer fees.
Questions? Let's Talk!
David Barba
Executive Director:
Dubuque Main Street
Chris Wand
DMS Grants Committee
Karen Cavanagh
Chair: DMS Grants Committee
Sarah Lembke
Design Coordinator:
Iowa Economic Development Authority
Phase 3
Final Nominee Prepares
August 10- August 27, 2026
The selected finalist and Dubuque Main Street completes the full application on the State of Iowa grant portal (IowaGrants.gov). State deadline: August 27, 2026 at 4:00 PM.
Phase 2
Committee Interviews
July 23 - August 7, 2026
The Grant Committee reviews letters, narrows the field, and may interview finalists.
Phase 1
Letter of Interest
July 8 - July 22nd, 2026
Submit a short letter of interest through our online portal. Tell us: what is the business, what makes the project new and unique to the community, and what impact you expect on downtown foot traffic. No budgets, drawings, or uploads at this stage.
Timeline
What is the Challenge Grant?
The Challenge Grant is a competitive state program through Main Street Iowa and the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), offering $25,000 to $100,000 for significant building rehabilitation in designated Main Street districts. Dubuque Main Street selects and nominates one local project per year to compete at the state level.
Projects must:
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Be located within the Dubuque Main Street district
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Support commercial, housing, or mixed-use development
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Be completed within 2 years
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Adhere to high-quality design and historic preservation standards
Grants require a 1:1 match (minimum 65% cash; up to 35% in-kind professional services). Other federal or state grant awards cannot be used for the cash match. Funds are reimbursed after work is completed and verified.
Important: Projects are judged on downtown foot-traffic impact — you do not need to be a small business to apply. Retail, food service, and gathering spaces are prioritized over office-only uses. Main Street Iowa advises keeping total project scope under roughly $1 million to stay competitive.
