Regional Sports Authority District Program

The purpose of the Regional Sports Authority District (RSAD) program is to promote tourism in Iowa by funding projects that relate to the active promotion of nonprofessional sporting events in the state. The RSAD program is established in Iowa Code Chapter 15E.321.  Administrative rules that govern the program are in Iowa Administrative Rule 261-38.

Eligibility

Applicants must be a convention & visitors bureau. A seven-member board must govern the proposed RSAD. The board must have at least three city council members of a city located within the proposed district. Events that received funding through the Meet in Iowa Program administered by IEDA and the Iowa Restaurant Association/Iowa Hotel and Lodging Association are not eligible to receive RSAD funding. Recipients of Sports Tourism Program grants are also ineligible. 

Funding

RSAD awards are $50,000 and require a 50% cash match. Up to ten districts can be certified per grant cycle.

FY2024 RSAD Cycle

June 9, 2023: Application available
July 14, 2023: Applications due by 4:00 p.m. CT
August 16, 2023: Award letters are sent

Additional Information

• FY23 RSAD Program Guidelines (FY24 guidelines to come)
• FY23 RSAD Scoring Rubric
• FY23 RSAD Event Economic Impact Table
• FY23 RSAD Event Size Report
• Minority Impact Statement (editable)
• Minority Impact Statement
• W-9
• Final Report Worksheet

FY2023 RSAD Recipients

Cedar Valley Sports Commission
Council Bluffs Convention & Visitors Bureau
Discover Ames
Fort Dodge Convention & Visitors Bureau
Greater Burlington Convention & Visitors Bureau
Greater Des Moines Convention & Visitors Bureau
Iowa City/Coralville Convention & Visitors Bureau
Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau
Sioux City Convention & Visitors Bureau
Travel Dubuque