Community Foundations Celebrate the Impact of Endow Iowa Tax Credit

Since the inception of the Endow Iowa tax credit in 2004, Iowa community foundations have leveraged over $435 million in permanent endowment fund gifts to support Iowa communities, nonprofits and charitable causes. The contributions were made through more than 53,000 donations benefiting each of Iowa’s 99 counties. 

Serving as host for affiliate community foundations in 37 Iowa counties, the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines has facilitated over $45 million in gifts to Endow Iowa funds benefiting every county it serves. Tax credits leveraged have resulted in over $188 million benefiting Iowa charities since the program's inception.

Making Iowa Better Together, Better Forever: 

	"The Endow Iowa program is a testament to the foresight and collaborative spirit of our legislative leaders, the community foundation network and our state's donor community," says Dan Houston. Read more about how the Houstons utilize Endow Iowa to give back to their community.
	"Through the scholarships it provides, the Jeanne Hopson Angel Endowment funds our dream to serve the whole community," shares David Kilpatrick, Playhouse executive director. "There is no better testament to Jeanne's legacy than to ensure we are eliminating barriers to participation." Read more about how Endow Iowa enabled the Hopson family to create an endowment.
	“Working with the Community Foundation has given us flexibility. The goals and beliefs of the Community Foundation are similar to ours and our partnership has provided us with the right vehicle to give,” says Louis. Learn more about how the Fingermans used Endow Iowa to support their giving.
	“Kim and I have benefited greatly from the support of this community. We have both enjoyed successful careers, and our children received excellent educations,” says Roger. “We feel very fortunate and want to do our part to give back.” Learn more about how Endow Iowa has been a key part of their giving plan.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The Endow Iowa tax credit is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to donors who make a gift to a permanent endowment fund, established for the benefit of Iowa charitable causes, at a qualified community foundation in Iowa. Qualified community foundations are accredited through the National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations. The program is utilized by a wide range of donors, including individuals, businesses and financial institutions, with a majority of donations being $1,000 or less. These dollars will continue to grow in endowment funds in perpetuity, improving lives for Iowans both now and for years to come. Last year alone, Endow Iowa funds at Iowa community foundations granted $32.2 million to nonprofits and charitable causes across the state. 

BROAD BENEFITS

There are many benefits of this program, but the primary goal is to keep charitable dollars in the state. When the program began, legislators were eyeing a generational transfer of wealth. Twenty years later, that transfer continues to present a tremendous opportunity for Iowans. Transfer of Wealth Opportunity State of Iowa, a recent study commissioned by the Iowa Council of Foundations (ICoF), estimates that more than $30.4 billion in Iowa assets will change hands in the next 10 years with the passing of older residents. Over 40 years, the figure swells to $128 billion. If heirs and successors live out of state, those assets— from agricultural land to stock dividends— may leave the community where they were generated. Endow Iowa incentivizes donors to invest those resources right here in Iowa.

The program is administered by the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) in collaboration with the ICoF, whose mission is to strengthen, guide and grow philanthropy in Iowa.