Here at the Iowa Council of Foundations (ICoF), our calling is pretty simple.
OUR MISSION: To strengthen and grow philanthropy in Iowa.
OUR VISION: Be a trusted partner and resource for philanthropy and funders in Iowa.
OUR VALUES: As a collaborative learning organization, the ICoF values excellence, innovation, inclusiveness and integrity.
OUR ROLE: To act as a broker for philanthropy in Iowa and our members. To achieve this, we will utilize an opportunity lens to identify innovative regional and national programs and services that ICoF can bring to our state, our members and Iowa communities.
We are a membership-based organization that serves grantmakers who provide funding support to charitable projects and programs in Iowa. We strive to strengthen and promote philanthropy, facilitate and promote effective philanthropic grantmaking, and to provide a forum for the exchange of information on programs and issues.
OUR STRATEGIC PRIORITIES: Our work is guided by the four strategic priorities outlined below.
- Increase philanthropic AWARENESS in Iowa
- Increase philanthropic IMPACT through ICoF members
- Increase philanthropic RESOURCES connected to ICoF
- Advance racial EQUITY in philanthropy in Iowa
You can learn more about how we deliver on these strategies through the ICoF annual reports.
How We Serve Our Members
The Iowa Council of Foundations is the place where grantmakers come together to access information, build skills and develop relationships to enhance philanthropy in Iowa.
Access to Information
Having all of the facts is essential. 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
Philanthropy is ever changing, so continuing education is key. Professional development is offered through the Iowa Council of Foundations’ various educational sessions to help members develop and refine skills in a variety of areas. These include everything from grantmaking processes to leading effective meetings.
Developing Relationships by Networking
In philanthropy, as in life, communication is key. The Iowa Council of Foundations offers programs that provide members with the opportunity to get to know their colleagues in other grantmaking organizations, to share information about programs and priorities, and to build cooperative relationships.
Our work and programs focus on improving philanthropy and effective grantmaking in Iowa. We engage nationally with colleague organizations as a member of the United Philanthropy Forum, connecting our state to new ideas, funding opportunities and partnerships.
