IWF awards annual Core Grants to programs that tackle at least one of the six identified barriers to women’s economic self-sufficiency:
Employment
IWF funds programs that supports women in seeking or maintaining employment. Examples may include resume-writing and job-application assistance, employment retention curriculum, and career advancement programs.
Childcare
IWF funds programs that increase access to quality and affordable childcare. Examples may include building new childcare centers, expanding existing centers, furniture and equipment purchasing, training curricula for new providers, before/after-school programming, and efforts to increase options for second/third-shift workers.
Housing
IWF funds programs that assist women and children experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity. Examples may include emergency shelters, transitional housing programs, and life-skills programs to maintain stable housing.
Education & Training
IWF funds programs that prepares women and girls to enter the workforce or advance within their field. Examples may include job-specific training, apprenticeship programs, financial literacy education, and employment readiness programs.
Transportation
IWF funds programs that help women obtain safe and quality means of transportation. Examples may include assistance with finding and securing a vehicle, financial-lending and credit-building education, vehicle maintenance skill-building, and financial support for registration and title fees.
Mentorship
IWF funds programs that encourage women to share their talents to inspire a new generation of female leaders. Examples may include professional networking programs, career exploration programs, role model pairing programs, and leadership skills and self-esteem building programs.
Applying for a 2025 Core Grant
Eligibility Requirements
Core Grants are awarded to:
- 501(c)3 organizations or licensed childcare centers
- Serving women and/or girls in Iowa
- Tackling at least one of the six barriers listed above
Ineligible Requests:
- Capital campaigns
- Reimbursement for previously incurred expenses
- Political candidate campaigns
- Promotion of religious activities
Grant Informational Sessions
The 2025 Core Grant Cycle will kick-off with two virtual informational sessions. Both will cover grant priorities, timeline, application details, and a walkthrough of the online portal.
SESSION ONE: April 22 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
SESSION TWO: April 23 | 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Unable to attend either session? Check back on this page where a recording will be posted!
Application Process
The first step of the application process is submitting a Letter of Interest (LOI)
- Open from April 28 – May 16
- Designed to reduce the administrative lift of applicants
- Provides a brief description of your organization and funding proposal
- Eligible requests will be later invited to submit a full application
Check back on this page when the portal opens April 28!
Core Grant Examples
Click here to learn about previous grantees and their incredible programs
New Grantmaking Timeline!
APRIL & MAY
- April 22 and 23: IWF will host two virtual Information Sessions to walk through the application process and answer questions
- April 28 through May 16: Letters of Interest will be open (a brief description of your funding request for eligibility screening)
JUNE
- Approved applicants will be invited to complete a full application online
AUGUST
- Awardees will be selected after review from community volunteers, the IWF Grants Committee, and the IWF Board of Directors
- All applicants will be notified of their status
SEPTEMBER
- Funds will be dispersed to awardees
OCTOBER
- Awardees will be celebrated at the IWF Annual Luncheon!
