Kari McCann Boutell, President
Iowa Council of Foundations
The Endow Iowa program celebrated its 15th Anniversary with a proclamation signing in Governor Reynolds’ office on December 20, 2018. The program began in 2003 with $2 million in tax credits available. Demand for the tax credits has continued to grow and since 2013, $6 million has been available annually through this 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. The program is utilized by a wide range of donors, including individuals, businesses and financial institutions, with a majority of donations at the $1,000 level or less.
Benefits of this program are many and include keeping charitable dollars in Iowa to assist nonprofits, charitable causes and communities across the state. Since the inception of the Endow Iowa Tax Credit program, Iowa community foundations have leveraged more than $264 million in permanent endowment fund gifts. The contributions were made through 35,732 donations. 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 $17.7 million to nonprofits and charitable causes in the state.
The program is administered by the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) in collaboration with the Iowa Council of Foundations (ICoF). Thank you to the community foundation leaders who were able to join us for the proclamation signing at the Capitol and to each of you for being a part of the success of this program over the last 15 years. Pressing on in the new year!
Pictured (L to R): Nicole Brua-Behrens, Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation; Charla Schafer, Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine; Kristi Knous, Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines; Rebecca Krohn, Siouxland Community Foundation; Diane Ross, South Central Iowa Community Foundation; Governor Kim Reynolds; Shelly Maharry, Community Foundation of Johnson County; Kari McCann Boutell, Iowa Council of Foundations; Stephanie Snyder Hausman, Community Foundation of Carroll County; and Donna Dostal, Pottawattamie County Community Foundation
