Experts to Help Assist Community and Business Leaders
The Building Ownership and Organization by Strengthening Teams (BOOST) program brings together a team of experts to help passionate community and business leaders create intentional plans for next-step growth. This strategic planning grant is designed for rural communities and nonprofits that are ready to take bold steps toward long‑term economic vitality. The program provides expert guidance, structured planning support, and targeted resources to help a community chart a clear path forward.
Whether a community is facing challenges, barriers, or stagnation points, the BOOST program is designed to help build momentum toward new growth.
Managed by the Center for Rural Revitalization, the program sends a team of three to five experts to meet with a local committee and assess existing conditions, community assets and emerging needs. Based on these discussions, the Center for Rural Revitalization and supporting partners will develop a customized action plan and offer targeted financial support to help implement key next steps.
The Center for Rural Revitalization understands that not all community needs are the same and each journey will be different. That is why the BOOST program supports flexible planning tailored to local needs — and encourages adaptability as new opportunities emerge.
Rural BOOST is administered by the Center for Rural Revitalization, a division of the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), in consultation with the Governor’s Empower Rural Iowa Initiative Task Force.
Eligibility
- City or county government, federally recognized tribal government or federally tax-exempt nonprofit agencies and foundations
- Projects/programs must exist in and benefit a community in Iowa with a population of 20,000 or fewer and not contiguous to a city with a population of 40,000 or greater. If a countywide project, must be in one of the 88 least populous counties.
Application Process
- Application window opens January 5, 2026 on IowaGrants.gov.
- Please review the Grant Guidelines found in the Resources area below for additional information on eligibility requirements, use of funding, reporting requirements and the review process. A copy of the scoring rubric is included.
- The deadline to apply for funding is 4:00pm CST, February 13, 2026. Applicants must apply via IowaGrants.gov, the online application portal. Applications will not be accepted in any other format. Late, incomplete, or ineligible applications will not be considered. Applicants must create an IowaGrants.gov login to view the full application for the program.
- Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Sacha Wise, Empower Rural Iowa Director, to discuss the proposal in advance of submission to assure alignment with BOOST program goals.