Iowa Council of Foundations

Strengthening, guiding, and growing philanthropy in Iowa

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Endow Iowa

The Endow Iowa Tax Credit program was created to enhance the quality of life for the citizens of this state through increased philanthropic activity by encouraging new investments to existing community foundations across Iowa.

Those who give to a permanently endowed fund at a qualified community foundation or affiliate organization are eligible to receive a 25% state of Iowa tax credit for their gift. Community members who give are also able to take advantage of the tax credits in conjunction with federal tax deductions.

The Endow Iowa Tax Credit is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis for gifts made to a permanent endowment fund, established for the benefit of Iowa charitable causes, at a qualified community foundation in Iowa. The tax credits can be claimed by individuals, businesses, or financial institutions. The program is administered by the Iowa Economic Development Authority. For more information please visit their website or contact your local community foundation for information or an application.

Additional information for Donors

Endow Iowa Tax Credit Illustration

Here is what the gift could mean for you:

Gift Amount $1,000 $10,000 $100,000 $400,000
Endow Iowa Tax Credit (25%) (250.00) (2,500.00) (25,000.00) (100,000.00)
Net Federal Deductible Gift $750.00 $7,500.00 $75,000.00  $300,000.00
Federal Tax Savings (37%) (277.50) (2,775.00) (27,750.00) (111,000.00)
Net Cost of Gift $472.50 $4,725.00 $47,250.00 $189,000.00

* For ease of illustration, the examples above do not factor in the federal/state net tax effect. Examples assume the donor is in the 37% tax bracket and plans to claim a charitable deduction on the federal tax return.

Changes to Endow Iowa Effective January 1, 2026

Per SF 657 (Endow Iowa section begins on page 45: Division XII), passed and signed in May/June 2025

  • The annual tax credit allocation is reduced from $6 million per year to $3.5 million per year.
  • The maximum tax credit amount per taxpayer is reduced from $100,000 to $50,000 per year.
  • Gifts to corporate-named endowments are not eligible.

Changes to Endow Iowa Effective in 2023

  • Effective January 1, 2023: The maximum tax credit is lowered to $100,000 per taxpayer.
  • Effective July 1, 2023: The Iowa Economic Development Authority will discontinue the waitlist process until the waitlist is cleared.
  • Effective July 1, 2023: Applications must be submitted within twelve months of the date of the gift.

Impact on Communities

Since 2004, Endow Iowa has leveraged over $435 million in endowment gifts to support Iowa communities and charitable causes. The program benefits Iowans and Iowa communities in many ways including:

STRENGTHENING communities through philanthropy.
LEVERAGES 4 private dollars for every public dollar invested in the program.
CREATES charitable giving vehicles in communities of all sizes.
KEEPS DOLLARS IN IOWA and invests in Iowa’s future.
PROVIDES a new opportunity for collaboration.
ENCOURAGES contributions that provide support now and in the future.
DEVELOPS local community leadership; and
Positions Iowa as a NATIONAL LEADER in supporting and promoting philanthropy.

As donors invested in endowment funds at Iowa community Foundations, those funds continue to grow. Those funds then distribute grant dollars to nonprofits and charitable causes in Iowa on an annual basis. Endow Iowa supports giving now and in the future.

Community Foundations

  • Iowa Community Foundations
  • CF Snapshot Newsletter Archive
  • Connect Conference Resources
  • County Endowment Fund
  • Endow Iowa
  • Grant Opportunities
  • Legislative Resources
  • Trainings
  • Iowa Transfer of Wealth


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