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Award and Grants

Matching Grant

Owners interested in restoring their barns may apply for a Matching Grant from the Iowa Barn Foundation. The IBF Board votes on grants two times per year, typically early April and mid October.

Before applying, please review the full set of grant guidelines which describe barn eligibility and obligations of grant recipients.  Click here to view.

Emergency Grant

The Iowa Barn Foundation board has established a special opportunities grant program to help “mothball” a barn until long-term preservation plans can be implemented or to help stabilize a structure because failure to do so will result in a barn’s demise.

Before applying, please review the full set of grant guidelines which describe barn eligibility and obligations of grant recipients.  Click here to view.

(Use Restoration Grant Application)

Preservation Award (NEW – OCTOBER 2023)

The Iowa Barn Foundation’s Preservation Award program recognizes historic barns which have been preserved by their owners using modern exterior materials (i.e. metal siding and metal/vinyl windows).

Recipients of the award are invited to participate in our annual all-state fall barn tour and receive an award plaque to display on their barn.

To be considered, barns must meet one of the following criteria:
-No less than 50 years old
-Distinctive methods of construction or craftsmanship
-Contribute in a significant way to the appearance of the rural landscape and/or community identity
-The structure is associated with lives of persons or events significant to Iowa History

Note:  Barn interior must maintain a significant portion of the architectural detail of the original construction with allowance for some modern updates for personal, non-commercial usage).

Award of Distinction
The Iowa Barn Foundation’s Award of Distinction program recognizes historic barns which have been restored by their owners.
Recipients of the award are invited to participate in our annual all-state fall barn tour and receive a distinctive award plaque to display on their barn.
To be considered, barns must meet one of the following criteria:
-No less than 50 years old
-Distinctive methods of construction or craftsmanship
-Contribute in a significant way to the appearance of the rural landscape and/or community identity
-The structure is associated with lives of persons or events significant to Iowa History
Note:  Barns must be restored consistent with the original construction materials (exception made for metal roofing).