The Regional Development Authority (RDA) supports projects that strengthen Scott County and the Quad City Region. Each year, our Board of Directors reviews applications and invests in initiatives with the greatest potential to make a meaningful difference.
Because community need exceeds available funding, we carefully evaluate each proposal for clarity, impact, sustainability, and alignment with our focus areas.
Who Can Apply:
- 501(c)(3) nonprofits
- Public school districts
- City government departments
Eligible organizations may apply for one of three grant types:
1. Community Grants
Offered Twice Per Year (Spring & Fall)
RDA’s Community Grants are available to support a wide range of community development efforts. We aspire to address both immediate needs and long-term challenges. As a development authority, RDA strives to become more specific in our community impact, facilitate more leverage for our community, and help to align efforts more effectively. We appreciate working with local organizations to achieve great things for the region
RDA prioritizes projects that advance impact in the following areas:
- Affordable and stable housing
- Mental health services using evidence-based practices
- Child care access, workforce capacity, and quality
- Economic and community development
- Access to safety-net resources
- Violence prevention
- Life skills development
Learn More About Community Grants (https://www.rdauthority.org/rda-community-grant.php)
2. Transformational Initiatives
Offered Once Per Year (Fall)
Transformational Initiatives are larger-scale, strategic investments designed to address systemic challenges and produce long-term regional impact. As a development authority, RDA strives to become more specific in our community impact, facilitate more leverage for our community, and help to align efforts more effectively.
This opportunity is limited to projects aligned with RDA’s Strategic Field and current focus areas, including:
RDA Strategic Field
|
Collaboration |
Regional Plan |
Volunteer Engagement |
Root Cause Approach |
Affordable Housing |
|
|
|
|
Child Care |
|
|
|
|
Mental Health |
|
|
|
|
Economic Development |
|
|
|
|
Safety Net |
|
|
|
|
Violence Prevention |
|
|
|
|
Life Skills |
|
|
|
|
Learn More About Transformational Initiatives (https://www.rdauthority.org/rda-tranformational.php)
3. Emergency / Discretionary Grants
Available Between Regular Grant Cycles
Emergency or Discretionary Grants are reserved for urgent or time-sensitive opportunities that cannot wait for the next Community Grant cycle.
Examples include:
- Unexpected emergency situations
- Time-sensitive matching opportunities (such as national grants requiring local match)
- Unforeseen community needs
These requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and must demonstrate why the request cannot be addressed during a standard grant cycle.
Contact RDA CEO at ceo@rdauthority.org for information
Before You Apply
We encourage all applicants to:
- Review posted grant guidelines
- Develop a clear and realistic budget
- Identify long-term sustainability plans
- Demonstrate additional support or funding when possible
Because funding is competitive, strong preparation matters.
Questions?
Contact RDA President for Grant Questions: ceo@rdauthority.org
Contact Project Coordinator for Application Assistance: projcoord@rdauthority.org