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Request for FUNDSType your paragraph here.

The Iowa River Valley Early Childhood Iowa Area Board is issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) to support service expansion in Hardin and Marshall Counties, Iowa. The intent of this grant is to provide financial support to programs that serve families with children ages prenatal through five, where a gap in services exists within the community. Funded services must be designed to address unmet needs and improve outcomes for young children and their families. This is a competitive process. Submitting a request does not guarantee funding. 

Timeline

  • FY26 Opportunity released  * December 1, 2025

  • Applications due by Noon * December 22, 2025

  • Anticipated date for award decisions * January 20, 2026

  • Estimated Contract Period:  January 1, 2026 - June 30, 2026


Eligibility Requirements: 

  • Target Audience:  Families with children from birth to age five who reside in Hardin and Marshall County, Iowa.


Eligibility Criteria: 

  • Eligibility is generally based on residency, child's age, and family need, with priority often given to families experiencing risk factors such as low income, limited access to resources, or developmental concerns. Specific eligibility requirements may vary by service. 
  • Successfully demonstrate a plan to provide services around Dental, Community Resource Fairs, or Essential Needs.


Grant Procedure

  • Interested programs must submit the survey by the timeline listed above. Late applications will not be considered. 
  • Applicant agencies must submit a separate proposal for each program and may not submit a single application for multiple programs. A program that serves both counties may submit a single application.
  • Requests will be reviewed by the Iowa River Valley Early Childhood Area Board for review and determination of award.
  • Applicants will be notified of the decision by January 22, 2026.
  • Applicants should know and understand performance measures outlined in the selected Service Type in Tool O, which can be found here: https://hhs.iowa.gov/media/9344/download?inline 
  • Incomplete applications may be negatively impacted. 


To Submit a Request:

  • Complete the Survey * https://forms.gle/f5zyGgX7cvhjECCT9   
  • Complete the Project Budget Form B. (download from Google) Submit Form B to Carrie Kube at iarivervalleyeca@gmail.com by December 22, 2025. 
  • A list of non-allowable expenses by the Board is provided HERE.  at: https://www.iowarivervalleyeca.com/request-funds.html. 
  • List of Assurances HERE.


All questions about this opportunity shall be sent to Carrie Kube at iarivervalleyeca@gmail.com and not through the current Board members.


Good Luck!