Ripple Effect provides direct financial assistance to cities, counties and community development partners for local community and economic development planning initiatives through matching grant funds from the independent telecommunication partners. Funds are available for planning initiatives, engineering studies, strategic planning, laborshed analyses, housing needs assessments, tourism studies and many other community planning initiatives.


Ripple Effect also provides matching loan and grant assistance to eligible telecommunication providers applying to the USDA Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program for business and community development projects in their service territories.

 

 
Rural Communities are Getting Creative

Public and private leaders in rural Iowa communities are reaping the benefits of place-based "creative placemaking." Since early 2017, telecommunication companies across the state have applied for Ripple Effect grants to fund planning initiatives for their communities.

Boman Fine Arts Center Opens in Forest City

The Boman Fine Arts Center in Forest City held its grand opening to an overflow crowd of 700 on October 15, 2018.

Cambridge is Growing

Cambridge residents have been enjoying the new 9,750 sq. ft. city center. Huxley Communications applied for a Ripple Effect grant and matched Aureon's $5,000 to provide $10,000 for the project's architectural services.

A Unique Way to Create a Revolving Loan Fund

FarmTel Communications in Wayland worked with Ripple Effect to creatively seed a revolving loan fund (RLF) for the independent telecommunications provider.

West Liberty Partners with Eastern Iowa Community College for Creative Workspace

Liberty Communications of West Liberty, Iowa, inspired a $5,000 matching Ripple Effect grant for the West Liberty Regional Learning and Cultural Center.

Ripples Felt Across the Ocean

In the fall of 1939, a Danville, Iowa, teacher, Miss Birdie Mathews introduced her International Exchange Project in an effort to connect her students with other students across the globe. The Wagner sisters, Betty and Juanita, connected with Anne Frank and her sister, Margot....

The Warden Plaza Hotel Project in Fort Dodge

On August 11, 2016, the Fort Dodge Community Foundation was awarded a $5,000 Ripple Effect grant from Aureon for the Warden Plaza Hotel project.

North Central Iowa Rail Corridor Serves Development in Forest City, Klemme, Garner and Goodell

On November 21, 2011, Winnebago Cooperative Telecom Association (WCTA) of Lake Mills joined officials of the Forest City Economic Development Corporation, their...

Sweet Water Trail Project Connects Sites Along Tripoli Loop

The Sweet Water Bike Trail may start in a renovated bar-turned-welcome-center, but a $5,000 Ripple Effect planning grant to the northwest Iowa town of Tripoli really marked the beginning of this exciting community project.

Community Planning Grant Awarded to City of Wyoming

The Little Eagles Nest Learning Center sits in the shadow of the Midland Middle and High School building in Wyoming, Iowa, a literal and figurative first step towards a quality education in the northwest Iowa town.