FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 12/15/25

MRHD’s Community Event Grant Opens in January

SIOUX CITY, Iowa – Missouri River Historical Development, Inc. (MRHD) is pleased to announce the opening of its 2026 Community Event Grant, a funding opportunity designed to support public events that bring people together and strengthen community connections. Eligible applicants may request up to $10,000, with $50,000 available for the 2026 grant cycle.

Applications will be accepted January 1-31, 2026, with funding decisions announced in March. Eligible applicants include local governments and tax-exempt organizations whose principal place of business and event location are in Woodbury County. Educational institutions, for-profit entities, and fundraising events for nonprofits are not eligible to apply.

To qualify, events must be open to the public, offer general admission either free or for a nominal fee, and align with at least one of MRHD’s grant focus areas:

1. Economic Development, Community Improvement, Tourism

2. Human Services, Health Services

3. Civic, Public, Charitable, Patriotic, Religious

4. Leisure, Cultural, Historical

5. Education

Grant funds may be used to develop, market, or implement new or existing events that enhance quality of life for Woodbury County residents, attract visitors, or elevate participants’ experiences. Award recipients will have 12 months to complete their projects.

Grant funds may not be used for alcohol or for any activities that violate federal, state, or local laws. Additional requirements and restrictions apply.

MRHD is the nonprofit Qualified Sponsoring Organization (QSO) that holds the gaming license for Woodbury County. Through its agreement with Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Sioux City, a portion of casino gaming revenues is allocated to MRHD for community investment. Since partnering with Hard Rock in 2014, MRHD has awarded more than $40 million to projects and programs in Woodbury County, and more than $60 million since its grant program began in 1994.

For full details about the 2026 Community Event Grant and application instructions, please visit www.mrhdiowa.org.

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