who we are
The Iowa Women’s Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of Iowa’s women and girls through systems-level change.
Meaningful change starts with understanding what’s really happening. That’s why we invest in research that reveals the barriers women and girls face—and in the solutions that remove them.
As a catalyst for change, IWF utilizes its grantmaking process to vet the biggest and brightest ideas for sustainable impact and uncover innovative solutions for persistent issues in Iowa.
Our work brings people, data and resources together to build lasting pathways to economic prosperity for women and families across Iowa.
Our Values
Everything IWF does is guided by our:
Commitment to Diversity
All IWF operations will be structured to represent and support the diversity of women in rural and urban communities throughout the state of Iowa. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated.
Development of Financial Resources
All contributions are valued and will be used to support IWF research, education, advocacy, collaboration and grantmaking to facilitate positive social change for women and girls in Iowa.
Expansion of Choices
IWF initiatives will serve to protect and expand women’s freedom to make choices in every aspect of their lives.
Collaborative Partnerships
IWF will seek active, collaborative partnerships with other organizations and community partners to pursue shared goals and reduce duplication of services.
Integrity & Accountability
IWF will maintain the highest fiscal and ethical standards in all operations. This information will remain publicly available. All initiatives will be nonpartisan and without any political or religious affiliation.
Our History
On August 27, 1994, a group of 27 women met in Iowa City to discuss the needs of Iowa’s women and girls. They posed the question, “What if every woman and girl in Iowa had a fair opportunity to achieve her personal best?”
The meeting resulted in a unanimous vote to establish the Iowa Women’s Foundation (IWF)—Iowa’s first statewide organization focused on addressing the barriers to women’s economic prosperity.
The founders got to work, laying the foundation for a strong, flexible structure that has allowed the organization to become what it is today. IWF was incorporated in November 1994 and obtained 501(c)(3) status in October 1995.
Today, IWF remains the only statewide organization working to enhance and improve women’s economic prosperity in a comprehensive way.
Stay in the Loop
Be the first to hear about new initiatives, upcoming events and the ongoing work to support Iowa’s women and girls.