Join Us in Making a Difference

The BooSt Together For Children Early Childhood Iowa Area Board is issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) to support service expansion in Boone and Story 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

• FY27 Opportunity released  * March 25, 2026
• Applications due by Noon * April 22, 2026
• Anticipated date for award decisions * May  26, 2026
• Estimated Contract Period:  July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027

Eligibility Requirements: 

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

Eligibility Criteria:

• Eligibility is generally based on residency, child's age, and family needs, 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. 
  
  

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 BooSt Together For Children Early Childhood Area Board for review and determination of award.
• Applicants will be notified of the decision by May 27, 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/18380/download?inline
• Incomplete applications may be negatively impacted. 

To Submit a Request:

• Review the instructions before submitting a request.
• Complete the Survey * https://forms.gle/xzGUCm2gMgH1iNRv8
• Complete the Project Budget Form B. (download from Google) Submit Form B to Carrie Kube at eciboost264@gmail.com by April 22, 2026. 
• Submit letters of reference and a certificate of insurance by April 22, 2026.
• ​All documents and attachments shall be in a TYPED format.
  

Resources:

• RFP Instructions 
• Applicant Assurances
• Budget Form
• ECI Tool O Service Descriptions
• ECI Performance Measures (Tool O)
• RFP Scoring Rubric
• Allowable & Non-Allowable Expense Policy
• Preview the entire application
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Required documentation shall be submitted in a typed format. All questions about this opportunity shall be sent to Carrie Kube at eciboost264@gmail.com and not through the current Board members.

The BooSt Together For Children Early Childhood Area Board appreciates the commitment of organizations serving children and families and looks forward to partnering to strengthen early childhood services within our communities.

Good Luck!