LETTERS OF SUPPORT FOR STATE OF IOWA FUNDING OPPORTUNITY - THRIVE IOWA APPLICATIONS
On October 1, 2026, the State of Iowa - Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HSS) released a Request for Proposal (RFP) to select qualified respondents to serve as the primary organization to support the Thrive Iowa initiative. According to the RFP:
"Thrive Iowa is a community-led initiative to move families from crisis to career utilizing the collective impact model with support from Restore Hope. The initiative’s overarching goals include family stability in 13 areas of Social Determinants of Health with an emphasis on family preservation and prevention of child welfare crisis. The initiative provides training, collaborative case management, and technical support to create sustainable, impactful changes in each participating site."
Currently, there are 22 counties in Iowa participating in the Thrive Iowa initiative (see flyer attached). With this RFP, HHS is seeking to secure seven additional agencies across seven different counties to serve as the "backbone organization" of this initiative. Story County is listed as one of the seven counties where Thrive Iowa is anticipated to be launched in January 2027. See the full RFP description for additional information.
If an organization within Story County is selected from this RFP process, it will be awarded $160,000 for the first 6-months (1/1/27-6/30/27), and the anticipated funding for each consequent year is $320,000 per year (with up to three one-year extension terms will be considered) is $320,000 per year; however, the exact amount may vary. The funding will primarily be used to hire and maintain one Thrive Coordinator and two Thrive Navigators to implement the Restore Hope model and administer the HopeHub System. The deadline for the application is November 16, 2026.
As part of the application process, applicants are asked to provide letters of support from community partners. In the past week, City staff have been asked for letters of support by two local agencies who are applying for the grant: Mid-Iowa Community Action and Cornerstone Church. If both apply, they will be competing for the opportunity. It is possible that additional letters of support may be requested before the deadline.
As of writing this memo, City staff has not yet been able to meet with either agency to learn more about how becoming part of Thrive Iowa will impact their operations, if awarded. Staff is prioritizing these meetings for the week of October 26.
Due to the time constraints (the RFP closes November 16), City staff is seeking Council authorization to approve and authorize the Mayor, on behalf of the Council, to sign letters of support for Thrive Initiative applicants as recommended by City staff, once City staff conversations with applicants have occurred.
- Approve and authorize the Mayor, on behalf of the Council, to sign letters of support for Thrive Initiative Applicants as recommended by City staff, once City staff conversations with applicants have occurred.
- Do not approve providing letters of support.
- Refer back to staff for additional information.
City staff believes having an agency in Story County serve as the backbone organization of the Thrive Iowa Initiative will greatly benefit the Ames community and the remainder of Story County. Furthermore, that providing letters of support from the Council is appropriate and will strengthen applications.
City staff generally supports local agencies applying for the Thrive Iowa Initiative. However, since staff has not yet met with all applicants to learn more about their requests, staff is seeking Council authorization for the Mayor to sign letters of support, on behalf of Council, as recommended by City staff following discussions with each applicant. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council approve Alternative #1, as described above.