Iowa Cultural Leadership Cohort Program

The Iowa Cultural Leadership Cohort is a two-year leadership and capacity-building initiative led by the Iowa Arts Council (IAC), operating under the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) in collaboration with the State Historical Society of Iowa. The program is supported through state appropriations from the Iowa Legislature and federal funding from the National Endowment for the Arts. Its primary aim is to strengthen the operational and leadership capacities of small to mid-sized nonprofit arts, culture, history, and humanities organizations across Iowa through training, mentorship, and targeted technical assistance. In its first year, from October 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, the program offers in-person workshops and mentoring. Sessions are facilitated by expert trainers, with participation from Iowa Arts Council and State Historical Society of Iowa staff. Scheduled workshops include a kickoff on November 6, 2025, followed by thematic sessions on fundraising, nonprofit leadership, and two additional topics determined by cohort needs. Participants are expected to attend all sessions, ideally represented by an executive-level staff member and board chair or equivalent. Toward the end of the first year, organizations must submit an action plan identifying a specific area where technical assistance would significantly enhance their sustainability and capacity. In the second year, running from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, organizations may access the remainder of their grant funding to implement their action plans. These funds can be used to support initiatives that advance their capacity goals. All expenditures must align with program guidelines, be properly documented, and occur within the defined funding period. Ineligible costs include capital expenditures, debt reduction, fundraising expenses, food and beverage without a clear programmatic purpose, and other federally restricted uses under 2 CFR 200 Subpart E. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations incorporated and physically based in Iowa, registered with the Iowa Secretary of State, and focused on arts or cultural missions. Preference is given to organizations with operating budgets under $500,000 and those outside the existing Cultural Leadership Partners (CLP) network. Organizations must have existed since at least August 1, 2022, and have at least one year-round staff or volunteer responsible for oversight. Educational institutions, governmental units, for-profits, and organizations using fiscal agents are ineligible. Applications must be submitted through the Iowa Arts Council’s SlideRoom portal by 11:59 p.m. on August 26, 2025. Award notifications are expected by September 2025. All project activities must occur between October 1, 2025, and June 30, 2027. Grant recipients must submit an approved action plan by June 19, 2026, and a final report by August 2, 2027. Scoring is based on a 20-point rubric evaluating applicant profile, readiness to engage, program participants, and case for support. All applicants must demonstrate compliance with accessibility laws and federal grant requirements. Questions about the application or program should be directed to Jennie Knoebel, Senior Grants and Programs Manager, at jennie.knoebel@iowaeda.com. For technical accessibility support related to the online submission platform, applicants may contact Elizabeth Ferreira at 515-348-6325 or elizabeth.ferreira@iowaeda.com at least two weeks before the deadline.

Applicants are encouraged to involve executive leadership in all workshops and complete action plans based on critical needs.