The Leadership Bootcamp Grant program provides training, mentorship, and funding to communities and regions initiating leadership programs. This program is a result of the Governor's Empower Rural Iowa Initiative.
If Iowa wants rural communities to survive and thrive, it will take strong local leadership. Many rural communities have created effective leadership programs, as have various Iowa industries. Leveraging these efforts as examples and partners, this program targets rural communities who want to start a local leadership program and work to engage participants in community leadership roles. Grantees participate in a half-day bootcamp resulting in a work plan and a one-year mentorship and attend the annual Leadership Exchange event immediately following prior to the Leadership Bootcamp.
The program is administered by the Iowa Rural Development Council in partnership with the Center for Rural Revitalization, a division of the Iowa Economic Development Authority.
7th Annual Iowa Leadership Exchange
The Annual Iowa Leadership Exchange is an educational event held to bolster existing rural leadership programs. The 2026 event will be held in Pella on October 27 and 28.
Eligibility
- City or county government, federally tax-exempt nonprofit agencies and foundations
Application Process
- Application will open May 2026.