The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is launching an additional funding opportunity to help communities across the state respond to the opioid crisis. Iowa HHS will allocate this funding through a competitive application process. Each project can receive up to $1 million, with $10 million available in each round. To learn more about the project requirements and to apply: FY26- Round 2 Opioid Settlement Funding IowaGrants
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages all boaters to enroll in a boating education course. Both traditional and online courses are available and are made to fit every schedule and lifestyle. Find information about course options here. Don’t forget to visually inspect each life jacket looking for rips or tears and make sure all straps and buckles work properly, check if your fire extinguisher is fully charged and not expired, inspect the horn and emergency signaling devices, and restock the first aid kit.
The Polk County Conservation Board’s community outreach team recently announced that Easter Lake had reached the landmark total of over one million visitors. Polk County Conservation Board director Rich Leopold said he believes Easter Lake to be the most visited county park in the state. One draw of Easter Lake is the Athene North Shore, dedicated in 2024. The park includes a four-mile paved trail and a covered bridge. The National Recreation and Parks Association awarded its 2025 Innovation in Equity Award to Easter Lake Park.
Iowa Tree Planting grants are available to community governmental entities, volunteer organizations, and service organizations involved with local, urban, and community forest services, to plant trees on publicly owned properties within the community to diversify the tree canopy, increase tree benefits, help with energy costs and health disparities, and increase access to parks and nature. Apply at: Iowa DNR Urban Forestry Grant Programs website by June 22, 2026.
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach has launched a new Disaster Readiness website – a one-stop hub for trusted information and resources to help Iowans prepare, respond, and recover from disasters. The Disaster Readiness website offers:
Resources to support mental health and emotional well-being for individuals, families, farmers, and communities
Practical home and household tips and resources to help individuals and families prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters
Information for community leaders, local governments, and businesses to strengthen local resilience, protect operations, and support recovery when emergencies happen
Information for farmers and agriculture professionals on biosecurity and protecting crops and livestock during disasters and extreme weather events
Iowa’s Office of Drug Control Policy (ODCP) seeks public comment on the state’s application to the U.S. Department of Justice for an estimated $2,000,000 in FY 2025 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program funding. The State of Iowa’s JAG application to the U.S. Department of Justice aims to strategically support drug and crime reduction priorities and is posted for public viewing on ODCP’s website. Comments may be emailed to wiggins@dps.state.ia.us through May 10, 2026.