SPARK Leadership Grant
Powered by Alliant Energy
NOW ACCEPTING GRANT APPLICATIONS ONLINE ONLY
Deadline to submit: September 19, 2025
The Iowa Rural Development Council (IRDC) SPARK Leadership Grant Program provides targeted funding for rural communities to host soft skills-based leadership trainings. Funded by Alliant Energy, the program aims to strengthen leadership capacity and collaboration across rural Iowa.
Spark Pre-Approved Training Topics
Leadership Exchange & Bootcamp
SAVE THE DATE: 2025 Iowa Leadership Exchange
Join us in Indianola on October 28-29, 2025 for the Annual Leadership Exchange event!
The Iowa Leadership Exchange is an educational event held to bolster existing leadership programs, support a statewide network of leaders, and empower communities to grow local leaders.
Early bird registration will open in August, 2025.
This event is hosted by: Iowa Rural Development Council, Empower Rural Iowa, Iowa Economic Development Authority, & Leadership Iowa
2025 Iowa Leadership Bootcamp Grant Application
- Informational Webinar – July 30, 10AM – Register Online
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, and Leadership Iowa. Applications available and accepted on a rolling basis until October 15, 2025. Contact Liesl Seabert at liesl.seabert@uni.edu with any questions.
Additional Leadership Resources & Partners
The effort to help develop leaders (current and future) is being led on multiple fronts. There are business and industry-focused programs, educational efforts, leadership efforts aimed at young people, farmers and elected officials. Schools, non-profits, associations, economic development groups and others are all working to “build the bench.”
- Leadership Iowa
- ISU Extension
- UNI Institute for Youth Leaders
- FFA
- Ag Leaders Institute
- Iowa Corn Leadership Enhancement and Development
- Iowa Valley Community College District
Case Studies and News Items
Sometimes the best solutions are just down the road. Many rural Iowa communities are implementing innovative solutions to address their leadership needs. Those case studies and best practices can be a roadmap for other communities – if they know where to look!
5th Annual Leadership Exchange: Registration Opens Soon
Building and sustaining small towns and rural areas seems like a straightforward endeavor. It can be complicated by remote location, sparse populations, limited access to equity, broadband or health care or other factors. In fact, the biggest barrier to rural development and small-town viability is a lack of local leadership.... Read More →
Press Celebrates Clayton County Champion
[Note Iowa Rural Development Council/Power of Connection reference] http://www.claytoncountyregister.com/articles/2021/02/23/going-places-here-home-jenna-pollock Going Places. Here at Home: Jenna Pollock This is one in a series of articles highlighting the latest generation of innovators making a difference in our communities. Conservation director has passion for Clayton County, nature and being positive By Willis Patenaude, Times-Register It’s... Read More →
IRDC Launches New Website
The Iowa Rural Development Council is pleased to unveil its new website, which was created by the talented team at Big Imprint, a West Liberty-based websites and marketing firm. “We are thrilled to have Ethan Anderson and the Big Imprint designers on our team,” said IRDC Chair Sandy Ehrig. “We... Read More →
Governor Signs ‘Empower Rural Iowa’ Bill
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds used the backdrop of the Wilton Candy Kitchen to sign legislation that provides state funds for rural housing and broadband. An article in the Cedar Rapids Gazette provides more information. Members of the ‘Empower Rural Iowa’ task force and the Iowa Rural Development Council joined Governor... Read More →
