Projects that enhance and develop the native Iowa grape and wine industry are funded through the Iowa Grape and Wine Development Fund.  Proposals submitted to the Iowa Grape and Wine Development Commission by individuals and other interested parties are reviewed quarterly.  Those proposals that the Commission recommends for funding are put forward to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the approved dollar amounts are allocated from the Fund. 

As outlined in the Iowa Code, two areas of funding are of major import to the Commission:

Technical funding supports the educational and research needs of the wine and grape industry in Iowa.  This funding typically goes to accredited institutions in Iowa that have the resources to build and sustain on-going scientific and instructive projects.

Financial funding is primarily used to promote wineries and vineyards via event and program sponsorships that foster community awareness and involvement.  Typically this funding has been allocated to local, regional, and statewide events that enhance consumer knowledge of the participating wineries.