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

This year the legislature funded RSAD at $750,000 ($75,000 per participant with a 50% cash match). Up to ten districts can be certified per grant cycle.  All project expenses (grant request + cash match) must directly relate to the promotion of a nonprofessional sporting event and be incurred within the fiscal year in which grant funding is being requested (July 1 – June 30).

FY2026 RSAD Cycle

June 30, 2025: Application Available
July 31, 2025: Applications due by 4:00 p.m. CT
August 28, 2025: Award letters are sent
 

Additional Information

• FY26 RSAD Program Guidelines
• FY26 Designation Application
• RSAD Scoring Rubric
• FY26 RSAD Event Economic Impact Table
• FY26 RSAD Event Size Report
• Minority Impact Statement (editable)
• Minority Impact Statement
• W-9
• Final Report Worksheet

FY2025 RSAD Recipients

Discover Ames
Cedar Rapids Tourism Office
Cedar Valley Sports Commission
Council Bluffs Convention & Visitors Bureau
Fort Dodge Convention & Visitors Bureau
Greater Des Moines Convention & Visitors Bureau
Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau
Sioux City Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau
Think Iowa City
Travel Dubuque