News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 10/19/26

MRHD to Announce Nearly $1.6 Million in 2026 Impact Match Grants

SIOUX CITY – Missouri River Historical Development (MRHD) will announce the recipients of its 2026 Impact Match Grant during an awards ceremony at the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center in Sioux City on Thursday, October 22, from 11 AM to 12 PM. In total, $1,596,453 will be awarded to 11 organizations supporting community improvement projects throughout Siouxland. The event is open to the public and media.

MRHD received 50 applications requesting approximately $6.2 million during this year's competitive grant cycle. The organization originally budgeted $1.5 million but approved additional funding to support more community projects. This year's awards represent all five grant categories, including three projects supporting rural fire departments.

MRHD's Impact Match Grant is an annual competitive grant opportunity that provides qualified applicants with awards ranging from $25,000 to $250,000 to support larger-scale projects that create significant community impact. The program requires a 25% match, and grant funds are reimbursed upon project completion.

Grants are awarded in five categories:

1. Economic Development, Community Improvement, Tourism

2. Human Services and Health Services

3. Civic, Public, Patriotic, Charitable, Religious

4. Leisure, Cultural, Historical

5. Education

Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations, local governments, and educational institutions located in Woodbury, Cherokee, Crawford, Ida, Monona, and Plymouth counties in Iowa; Union County in South Dakota; and Dakota County in Nebraska.

MRHD is the nonprofit Qualified Sponsoring Organization (QSO) that holds the license for casino gaming in Woodbury County and receives funding through an agreement with Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Sioux City. Under Iowa law, a percentage of the casino's gaming revenues is allocated to MRHD for community development.

Since partnering with Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Sioux City in 2014, MRHD has invested more than $40 million into Woodbury County and the Siouxland community and more than $60 million since its grant programs began in 1994.

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