About Us

Community Betterment Grant Funds Available

Community Betterment Grant Applications are currently being accepted. Each year the city makes a portion of hotel/motel tax revenues available to not-for-profit or government organizations in Cedar Falls that contribute to the betterment or positive image of the area. This year $21,080 will be available for distribution beginning July 1, 2011 until June 30, 2012. Applications can be picked up at the Visitor Center located at 6510 Hudson Road or can be downloaded from the resource section of the bureau’s web site at www.cedarfallstourism.org.

Fundable projects could include capital improvements including new construction, renovation, restoration, and installation of fixtures. Special equipment purchases and operating expenses may also be considered. In recent years projects like handicapped accessible playground equipment for River Hills School, the purchase of a utility vehicle for George Wyth State Park, flood recovery efforts and replacement of the heating/cooling system for the Cedar Falls Community Theatre, the renovation of the south entrance and restrooms for the Cedar Falls Woman’s Club, reconstruction of the Ice House Museum and repairs to other buildings owned by the Cedar Falls Historical Society, exterior renovations for the University Museum, and support of operational expenses for the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony Orchestra have received funding.
Applications will be evaluated on the organization’s commitment to the betterment of the Cedar Falls area, to the impact of the investment in terms of the population served, the financial viability of the project or organization, and whether duplication among other projects and organizations exists. Does the applicant serve to enhance the image of the city as a quality place to live? Does the project serve a large number of citizens or does it impact only a small neighborhood or interest group? Does the applicant aggressively seek funding from other sources or are they coming only to the city? Answers to these questions aide in evaluation of the applications as we work through the process.

If you represent an organization or dream of a project that fits these criteria, I encourage you to apply. I’d also like to take this opportunity to remind you that, although we are accepting betterment projects at this time, we also accept marketing and tourism development applications throughout the year and awards are not exclusive of one another – in fact, if your project fits both, we invite you to apply to both programs. If you are unsure, please feel free to contact me at 268-4266 and we’ll talk through it. Our organization exists to foster, market, service and promote our community as a quality destination for visitors and these grant programs are excellent tools to help with this important work.