Photo Credit: “Falling for Autumn”, AJ Ash of Waukee, 2nd Place Iowa Water

16th Annual Keep Iowa Beautiful Photography Contest Submission

Become a
Hometown Pride Community!

Applications are now open to join the next round of Hometown Pride communities.

Keep Iowa Beautiful’s Hometown Pride program is a proven initiative designed to revitalize and strengthen local communities. Through a research-based approach and hands-on coaching, 118 Iowa towns have built a brighter future together!

Keep Iowa Beautiful is inviting communities like yours to reach out to us about joining our Hometown Pride program!

Interested communities are invited to fill out a statement of interest via the Keep Iowa Beautiful website by February 6, 2026.

Reach out to Lorin Ditzler at lditzler@keepiowabeautiful.com before beginning this process – we'll help you determine if Hometown Pride is the right fit and support you through the process!

Curious to learn more? Be part of the movement and take the next step towards transforming your community.

"We've seen a sweeping change among our county's nine communities. The Hometown Pride partnership has given them a reason to not just long for a better, brighter future; but to roll up their collective sleeves and get to work making it happen. To me, that's the genius of Hometown Pride."



-Chris Vrba,

Editor and Publisher,

Pocahontas Record Democrat

Have a friend or neighbor from a town that could shine with Hometown Pride?

Share this newsletter with them and help their community get started!

Submit your photos to the 16th Annual Keep Iowa Beautiful Photography Contest by December 12th, 2025!

Shining a Light on Gilmore City

Gilmore City Hometown Pride received a Shine the Light Award of $625 from Midland Energy Cooperative to be used for their Sunset Park Enhancement Project.

#PaintIowaBeautiful Progress

The New Market Civic Club restored the train depot in their town. Phase 1 of the project was to repair and paint the exterior of the building.

The Ireton Historical Society repainted the Historical House to maintain the ability to share the facilities with the Ireton community.

Charter Oak Development Corp. gave a facelift to two main public areas in Charter Oak: the City Park and the Arboretum. This grant provided much needed exterior stain needed to beautify and protect these city treasures so they may be enjoyed for years to come.

A long-vacant café in Gilmore City has been brought back to life thanks to a community-led effort supported by a Paint Iowa Beautiful grant. Volunteers refreshed the interior with new paint, helping make the space more welcoming for residents and visitors.

Visit our Paint Iowa Beautiful webpage in November to get inspiration from completed projects across the state and submit your application!

Your Support Matters!

Consider supporting Keep Iowa Beautiful to help us continue our work improving Iowa communities! Remember: donations to Keep Iowa Beautiful are tax deductible! 

Donations can be made online, or checks can be mailed to our office: 

Keep Iowa Beautiful

PO Box 1056

Johnston, IA 50131

Keep Iowa Beautiful

PO Box 1056

Johnston, IA 50131



www.keepiowabeautiful.com