Shared Visions Parent Support Grant Program

The FY27 Shared Visions Parent Support Program, administered by the Iowa Department of Education, represents a targeted investment in early childhood development through parent education and support. As part of Iowa’s broader Shared Visions Programs, this initiative is designed to enhance the developmental and educational outcomes of children from birth to age five who are identified as at-risk. The program prioritizes services for families with children from birth to age three, recognizing this as a critical period for cognitive, emotional, and social development. Funded through state appropriations governed by Iowa Code 279.51, the program provides grants to eligible organizations that offer educational support services to parents and caregivers. The aim is to empower families with the knowledge and tools necessary to foster a nurturing and developmentally appropriate home environment. By reinforcing family strengths and increasing parental capacity, the program aligns with Iowa’s long-term strategy to ensure every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential. Applicants must apply through IowaGrants.gov, the state’s grant management platform. The FY27 application window opens on January 27, 2026, and submissions are due no later than March 26, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. Central Time. A recorded informational webinar will be available beginning January 28, 2026, to help prospective applicants understand the application process and relevant legislation. Questions regarding the application must be submitted in writing to the designated contact, Marianne Adams, by February 27, 2026. Responses to all submitted questions will be publicly posted by March 13, 2026. Eligible applicants are required to demonstrate the need for services in their target geographic area using public data sources such as the Free and Reduced-Price Lunch percentages, Iowa’s Integrated Data System for Decision-Making, and the Kids Count Data Center. The application itself is composed of multiple components, including a program summary, service and staffing plans, letters of support, evaluation frameworks, and detailed budget documents. Completion instructions emphasize collaboration among team members and adherence to specified submission protocols to ensure completeness. Applications are scored according to a predefined rubric, which is also publicly available alongside the application instructions and related resources. Awards are contingent upon finalization of the state’s annual budget, with anticipated award notifications to be issued by May 8, 2026. Contracts will follow within 45 days after state funding is finalized. Although funding amounts are not specified in the public materials, the program's competitive nature and focus on early intervention underscore the importance of high-quality, evidence-based proposals. This grant opportunity is recurring annually, offering applicants the chance to build sustainable programming. The process supports a transparent and structured submission mechanism that aligns with state-level goals for child well-being and educational equity. By focusing on the earliest years of a child’s life and the role of caregivers, the Shared Visions Parent Support Program contributes to a continuum of services that promote school readiness and long-term success.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to use the scoring rubric to guide their responses and align with priority criteria.