Best and Brightest Program - Rural Healthcare Workforce Recruitment in Iowa
This funding record is inactive. Please see the program website or contact
the program sponsor to determine if this program is currently accepting applications or will
open again in the future.
Julie Jones
515.242.5934
julie.jones@hhs.iowa.gov
The Best and Brightest program will grant funding to recruit healthcare providers in rural Iowa by offering competitive incentives that make rural practice both attractive and sustainable.
Funds may be used for recruitment bonuses, relocation costs, and other incentives for professional who will provide in-person, full-time care in rural Iowa.
The program's expected outcomes are to:
- Increase rural provider-to-population ratios
- Enhance access to primary and specialty care services in rural communities
Eligible applicants include public, private, nonprofit, academic, community-based or governmental organizations or healthcare facilities that employ healthcare providers who provide direct care services to patients. The practice site(s) for the recruited healthcare provider must be in a rural area as determined by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Rural Health Grants Eligibility Analyzer.
Healthcare providers eligible for recruitment incentives must meet all of the following requirements.
- Provide services in one of more of the following
areas of practice:
- Maternal/child health
- Cancer
- Cardiovascular health
- Mental/behavioral health
- Chronic disease prevention and management
- Be licensed to practice in Iowa as one of the
following professions prior to September 29, 2027:
- Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
- Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP)
- Registered Nurse (RN)
- Physician Assistant (PA)
Project period: February 15, 2026 -
September 30, 2031
Estimated number of awards: 150
Estimated total program funding:
$18,000,000
Links to the application instructions and other forms/guidance are available on the program website.
Submit applications online through the Iowa grants management system.
For complete information about funding programs, including your
application status, please contact funders directly. Summaries are provided
for your convenience only. RHIhub does not take part in application processes
or monitor application status.