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The Iowa Council of Foundations understands the importance of engaging young people in philanthropy. Through the Youth Philanthropy Initiative of the Iowa Council of Foundations, the ICoF supports the efforts of grantmakers to give students the opportunity to make funding decisions at a young age though program support, strategic planning, national resources, networking and much more.

History

In 2007 the Iowa Council of Foundations (ICoF) began discussions on the possibility of incorporating a youth philanthropy component as part of its programming based on an inquiry from the Midwest Youth Philanthropy Network. The Midwest Youth Philanthropy Network (MYPN) had been established to foster communication between youth philanthropy programs in the Midwest and, as MYPN grew, it turned its attention to finding a statewide organization in Iowa to house its operations.

With expertise and experience in philanthropy, the ICoF was an ideal candidate. To support a full-time Coordinator of Youth Philanthropic Initiatives for the program, the ICoF partnered with AmeriCorps State of Promise. Since 2007, the Youth Philanthropy Initiative of the ICoF has been working to connect and offer resources to youth philanthropy programs throughout the state, as well as to provide information to nonprofit organizations that have an interest in engaging youth in the decision-making process.

How We Can Help

The Youth Philanthropy Initiative supports foundations in the creation, implementation, support and improvement of student grantmaking programs. Whether your foundation has been engaging students for 20 years or is just beginning to think of ways to work with the next generation, the ICoF is here to assist you! Through our network, you will:

• Connect with directors of youth philanthropy programs across Iowa
• Have access to national youth philanthropy learning opportunities
• Gain access to materials and resources to build the framework youth philanthropy programming
• Become eligible to have ICoF staff facilitate customize sessions for your youth grantmaking program
• Much, much more!