"Women’s foundations work … helps guarantee that (women and girls) can achieve economic (and social) balance."
— Stephanie Clohesy, Founder & Donor
The Iowa Women’s Foundation (IWF) is proud to partner with over 100 state-based organizations. Since 1994, over $2 million has been awarded to more than 350 programs, benefitting thousands of women and girls in all 99 Iowa counties.
To learn more about the projects we have funded for over 25 years, you can search below or download our Grants at a Glance.
Growing Beyond Barriers – CORE Grant
Crittenton Center
The Sioux City Community School District developed a program to provide support to high school parents and assist them in completing their educations. This project is designed to get student parents into the classroom with as little disruption as possible, advocating for those who need an extra voice to reach their potential.
Hawkeye Childcare Director Credential
Hawkeye Community College Foundation – BCCSF Grant
Hawkeye Community College Foundation seeks to provide licensed childcare directors (or individuals nearing completion of Iowa licensure requirements) an opportunity to explore the entrepreneurial intricacies of opening their own centers. Additional centers expand both the number of employment opportunities and available childcare spaces.
Hawkeye Childcare Disparity Scholarships – CORE Grant
Hawkeye Community College Foundation
Hawkeye tries to carefully balance the expense of providing quality childcare with the need for affordable access for students who face greater than normal obstacles in pursuing, achieving, and succeeding in educational goals.
Lil’ Wildcat Education Center Playground
Lil’ Wildcat Education Center – BCCSF Grant
The Lil' Wildcat Education Center will accommodate up to 60 children, ages two-weeks-old to 11 years-old, and offer care five days a week, 12 hours a day. LWEC will offer a before and after-school program as well as 3-year-old preschool.
Northeast Iowa Child Care & Discovery Center
Sunflower Child Development – BCCSF Grant
IWF's grant will pay for Design Development Phase II Architectural Services for a new child care “Discovery Center” increasing child care capacity from 135 children to 200 – 300 children. It will incorporate high-quality STEAM learning and play areas for the childcare attendees and other children on evenings and weekends.
Refugee Child Care Business Development Program – CORE Grant
Lutheran Services in Iowa
LSI's Child Care Business Development program helps refugee women increase their families’ financial stability by becoming registered in-home child care providers through the Iowa Department of Human Services (IDHS).
Removing Child Care As A Barrier To Women’s Economic Self-Sufficiency – CORE Grant
Grin & Grow Child Care Ltd.
This program works to remove the barrier of accessing affordable, quality child care to obtain/maintain work or training and decrease the work force gap while increasing women’s economic security for female-head of households based on poverty guidelines under 200%.
Clinton Early Head Start – BCCCSF Grant
Community Action of Eastern Iowa
Head Start/Early Head Start is a comprehensive program providing education, family, health, mental health and nutrition services to children from income eligible programs.
GLOW (Girls Leading Others Wisely) Program – Core Grant
Mason City Family YMCA
GLOW is an 8-week mentoring program for girls aged 7-12 of various cultural and socio-economic backgrounds to connect with one another, engaging in discussions and activities that help them build towards future success.
Marita Theisen Child Care Center – BCCCSF
Friends of St. Mary’s DBA Steeple Square
The Marita Theisen Child Care Center at Steeple Square was established in response to urgent calls from the community for affordable quality child care. The Center currently has enrolled more than 40 children, 70% of whom are from low-income families.
