What We Do
The Iowa Council of Foundations (ICoF) is a membership based organization that serves grantmakers that provide funding to support charitable projects and programs in Iowa.
Our Mission: The mission of the Iowa Council of Foundations is to strengthen philanthropy and effective grantmaking.
Our Vision: The vision of the Iowa Council of Foundations is to be the premiere resource for philanthropy and effective grantmaking for Iowa.
We are the place where grantmakers come together to access information, build skills and develop relationships to enhance philanthropy in Iowa.
Access to Information
Through membership meetings, special topical sessions/briefings, and newsletters/updates, the Iowa Council of Foundations keeps its members informed of important information related to our collective work.
Building Skills through Continuing Education
Professional development offered through the Iowa Council of Foundations' various educational sessions help members develop and refine skills in a variety of areas.
Developing Relationships by Networking
Iowa Council of Foundations' programs provide members the opportunity to get to know their colleagues in other grantmaking organizations, to share information about programs and priorities, and to build cooperative relationships.
How We Serve Grantmakers
The ICoF is a 501(c)3 organization serving foundations and other grantmakers. It does not typically make grants, nor does it directly serve nonprofit organizations seeking grants. Membership in the ICoF offers grantmaking organizations opportunities for networking, knowledge building and professional development - all with a focus to improve philanthropy and effective grantmaking. The Iowa Council of Foundations itself is also engaged nationally with colleague organizations and is a member of the Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers.
We Currently Have Two Initiatives
Iowa Community Foundations
Since 2005, the Iowa Council of Foundations has been named the Lead Philanthropic Entity in Iowa and has managed the Iowa Community Foundations Initiative which engages approximately 130 community foundations and community foundation affiliates all across Iowa. To learn more, click here.
Youth Philanthropy Initiative of the Iowa Council of Foundations
Since 2007, the Youth Philanthropy Initiative of the Iowa Council of Foundations 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. To learn more about this initiative, click here.