"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.
Harvesting Our Potential: Growing Skills, Confidence and Sustainability – CORE Grant
For 20 years the WFAN’s Harvesting Our Potential (HOP) program has been inspiring and growing women farmers and advocates by empowering them to become active farmers, mentors, and advocates.
Hawkeye Childcare Director Credential
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 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.
Iowa Women in Trades: Apprenticeship Opportunity Network – CORE Grant
The Iowa Women in Trades: Apprenticeship Opportunity Network links unemployed or underemployed Iowa women with opportunities to prepare for and enroll in Iowa Registered Apprentice programs in construction trades.
Lil’ Wildcat Education Center Playground
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
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
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
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%.
Smart Girls – Core Grant
The SMART Girls program provides the space, support and tools needed to navigate adolescence and grow into self-sufficient women.
SMART Girls Program at Council Bluffs and Carter Lake Boys & Girls Clubs – CORE Grant
The SMART Girls program provides the space, support and tools needed to navigate adolescence and grow into self-sufficient women.