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    3. Iowa Women'S Foundation
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    Iowa Women'S Foundation

    ActiveHuman Services
    CORALVILLE, IAWebsite3197743813

    About Iowa Women'S Foundation

    To improve the lives of Iowa’s women and girls.

    Focus Areas

    ChildcareHousingTransportationEmploymentMentorshipEducation & Training

    Who They Fund

    immigrant and refugee children and familiesrural communities and small townsgirls and adolescent females (career exploration in trades)women entrepreneurssurvivors of trafficking and exploitationfamilies with young children / parents seeking employmentchild care providers / centers (for capacity and expansion)

    About Iowa Women'S Foundation

    Iowa Women's Foundation backs Iowa organizations that remove barriers to women’s economic self-sufficiency, and its recent grantmaking shows that mission in practice. A $35,000 award to Lutheran Services in Iowa for an Immigrant and Refugee Child Care Business Development Program is the largest grant in the recent list, pointing to a strong interest in child care access and workforce-linked support for immigrant and refugee families. Other awards show the same pattern at a smaller scale: Hawkeye Community College Foundation received $25,000 for Hawkeye Responsive Childcare, and Dorothy's House received $25,000 for service expansion for survivors of trafficking and exploitation. The foundation’s portfolio also reaches girls’ career exploration, women’s entrepreneurship, housing-related supports, and transportation. Recent grants to Iowa Jobs for Americas Graduates, NewBo City Market, and Oakridge Neighborhood indicate that IWF funds practical programs tied to employment pathways and day-to-day stability. Across the recent awards, the foundation favors direct program support, expansion of services, and capacity-building projects that help organizations serve women, girls, and families more effectively.

    What Iowa Women'S Foundation Funds

    Child care is a central theme in Iowa Women's Foundation funding. Recent awards include $25,000 to Hawkeye Community College Foundation for Hawkeye Responsive Childcare and $15,000 to Sumner Daycare and Learning Center Inc for addressing a daycare desert in Sumner to reduce barriers to employment. The foundation also supported facility and classroom improvements, including $10,000 to The Kids Spot for furnishing child care center classrooms and $10,000 to Wayland Area Childcare Organization for furniture and educational materials for a new center opening in January 2024. Beyond child care, the foundation funds pathways to economic opportunity. Iowa Jobs for Americas Graduates received $25,000 for engaging girls in career exploration of the trades, and NewBo City Market received $25,000 for entrepreneurship equity for women. It also supports services for survivors, including $25,000 to Dorothy's House for service expansion for survivors of trafficking and exploitation.

    How Iowa Women'S Foundation Gives

    Typical awards cluster tightly: the p25, median, and p75 are $10,000, $10,000, and $25,000. The recent grants list also includes a $35,000 outlier and several $25,000 awards, which suggests a structure built around modest operating and program grants with room for larger targeted support. The foundation accepts unsolicited applications for Core Grants and Emergency Grants, while the 2024 30th Anniversary Grant was invite-only and one-time. Recent recipients appear across multiple years, including Iowa Jobs for Americas Graduates, Lutheran Services in Iowa, Eyes Open Iowa, and Catherine Mcauley Center, showing repeated support for some organizations rather than only one-off gifts.

    Financial Snapshot

    Annual Giving

    $165K

    Total Assets

    $2.1M

    Total Revenue

    $1.4M

    Total Expenses

    $943K

    Typical Grant Size

    Most grants fall between $10K and $25K, with a median of $10K.

    25th Percentile

    $10K

    Median

    $10K

    75th Percentile

    $25K

    Geographic Reach

    Local1 state funded

    About 100% of grants go to recipients in IA.

    Funding intensity
    Low
    High
    Headquarters

    Leadership

    DEANN COOK

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    EIN: 42-1431092
    3 filings on record
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    Funding Style

    direct program supportstart-up & first-year operating supportcapital infrastructure & facility buildoutservice expansion / access increasecapacity building for providers (training, materials)

    Topics

    child care access expansion (daycare deserts)early childhood education & classroom furnishingsimmigrant & refugee child care training and availabilityafter-school program provision in rural communitiesworkforce development & trade-skills for girlsentrepreneurship and economic equity for womenservices for survivors of human trafficking and exploitation

    Where Iowa Women'S Foundation Makes Grants

    Grant dollars stay within Iowa, and the recipient list is spread across the state. Des Moines appears repeatedly, alongside Cedar Rapids, Sioux City, Waterloo, Iowa City, and West Des Moines. Other Iowa cities in the recent grants include Clinton, Dubuque, Cedar Falls, Solon, Sumner, La Porte City, Wayland, Lake City, Roland, and Griswold. The recipient country distribution is entirely U.S.-based, with 42 grants to U.S. organizations.

    Frequently Asked Questions About Iowa Women'S Foundation

    What kinds of organizations does Iowa Women's Foundation fund?

    It funds Iowa organizations working on employment, childcare, housing, education and training, transportation, and mentorship. Recent grants also show support for programs serving immigrant and refugee families, girls in career exploration, women entrepreneurs, and survivors of trafficking and exploitation.

    How large are typical grants?

    Typical grants are $10,000 at the 25th percentile, $10,000 at the median, and $25,000 at the 75th percentile. The recent list also includes a $35,000 grant and several $25,000 awards.

    Does Iowa Women's Foundation accept unsolicited applications?

    Yes for Core Grants and Emergency Grants. Core Grants are annual grants of up to $50,000, and Emergency Grants are small, one-time-only awards for immediate needs. The 30th Anniversary Grant was invite-only.

    What is the foundation’s main geographic reach?

    Its giving is local and all recent grants in the data went to Iowa recipients. Recent awards reached Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Sioux City, Waterloo, Iowa City, West Des Moines, Clinton, Dubuque, and several smaller Iowa communities.

    Do any organizations receive support more than once?

    Yes. The recent list includes repeat recipients such as Iowa Jobs for Americas Graduates, Lutheran Services in Iowa, Eyes Open Iowa, and Catherine Mcauley Center, with awards appearing in more than one year.

    Latest 990 Filing

    2025

    Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2025.

    Open Grant Opportunities

    Current and upcoming funding from Iowa Women'S Foundation that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.

    Open nowCloses in 13 days (Jul 10, 2026)Award: Up to $50K

    Core Grants

    ChildcareHousingTransportation+3 more

    Who can apply: 501(c)(3) organizations or licensed childcare facilities physically located in Iowa; registered in-home providers included; serve women and/or girls in Iowa; proposed work must tackle at least one of the six barriers; operational expenses are eligible (with some exclusions).

    Deadline: LOI due May 18, 2026; eligible applicants invited June 8-12, 2026; full applications due July 10, 2026.

    View & apply
    Open nowRolling / open intakeAward: Small one-time emergency awards

    Emergency Grants

    ChildcareHousingTransportation+3 more

    Who can apply: Nonprofits, childcare centers, and grassroots organizations in Iowa that address one of the six barriers to women’s economic self-sufficiency; funds are for immediate emergency needs of the organization.

    Deadline: Applications are awarded throughout the calendar year as needed; reopens in January if funds are expended.

    View & apply

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    Deadlines and eligibility are summarized from public sources and may change — always confirm the details on the funder's official application page before applying.

    Recent Grants

    Most recent grants reported to the IRS.

    RecipientLocationAmountYearPurpose
    CATHERINE MCAULEY CENTERCEDAR RAPIDS, IA$25,0002025PROGRAM SUPPORT
    GIRLS INCORPORATED OF SIOUX CITYSIOUX CITY, IA$25,0002025PROGRAM SUPPORT
    GIRLS ON THE RUN EASTERN IOWAIOWA CITY, IA$25,0002025PROGRAM SUPPORT
    YWCA OF CLINTON IOWACLINTON, IA$25,0002025PROGRAM SUPPORT
    LUTHERAN SERVICES IN IOWADES MOINES, IA$25,0002025PROGRAM SUPPORT
    EYES OPEN IOWAWEST DES MOINES, IA$25,0002025PROGRAM SUPPORT
    GIRL SCOUTS OF EASTERN IOWA AND WESTERN ILLINOISCEDAR RAPIDS, IA$7,5002025PROGRAM SUPPORT
    GIRL SCOUTS OF GREATER IOWADES MOINES, IA$7,5002025PROGRAM SUPPORT
    THE KIDS SPOTLAKE CITY, IA$25,0002024FURNISHING CHILD CARE CENTER CLASSROOMS
    IOWA JOBS FOR AMERICAS GRADUATES (IJAG)DES MOINES, IA$25,0002024REMOVING BARRIERS TO CAREER EXPLORATION FOR IOWA GIRLS
    DOROTHY'S HOUSEDES MOINES, IA$25,0002024SERVICE EXPANSION FOR SURVIVORS OF TRAFFICKING AND EXPLOITATION
    YOUNG WOMEN'S RESOURCE CENTERDES MOINES, IA$25,0002024PARENTING AND LIFE SKILLS PROGRAM
    ST MARK YOUTH ENRICHMENTDUBUQUE, IA$22,2002024PROVIDING RURAL COMMUNITY ACCESS TO AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS
    EYES OPEN IOWAWEST DES MOINES, IA$10,0002024WORKING TO INSTITUTIONALIZE SEX EDUCATION (WISE)
    LITTLE CHARGER EARLY LEARNING CENTERGUTHRIE CENTER, IA$10,0002024CAPITAL CAMPAIGN TO BUILD A CENTER
    LITTLE KNIGHTS LEARNING CENTERLA PORTE CITY, IA$10,0002024ARCHITECTURAL PLANS FOR A NEW FACILITY
    WAYLAND AREA CHILDCARE ORGANIZATIONWAYLAND, IA$10,0002024FURNITURE AND EDUATIONAL MATERIALS FOR NEW CENTER OPENING JAN 2024
    HOUSE OF HOPEWATERLOO, IA$10,0002024TOTAL TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM EXPANSION
    GIRLS ON THE RUN EASTERN IOWAIOWA CITY, IA$7,8002024GIRLS ON THE RUN NEW CURRICULUM SUITE
    Lutheran Services in IowaDes Moines, IA$35,0002023Immigrant and Refugee Child Care Business Development Program
    Hawkeye Community College FoundationWaterloo, IA$25,0002023Hawkeye Responsive Childcare
    Iowa City Sober LivingSolon, IA$25,0002023Start Up Costs for Year 1 Operating Expenses
    Iowa Jobs for Americas GraduatesDes Moines, IA$25,0002023Engaging Girls in Career Exploration of the Trades
    Oakridge NeighborhoodDes Moines, IA$25,0002023Vehicle Maintenance and Financial Planning
    Girls Inc of Sioux CitySioux City, IA$25,0002023Giving Girls Trade Skills For Life
    NewBo City MarketCedar Rapids, IA$25,0002023Entrepreneurship Equity for Women
    Sumner Daycare and Learning Center IncSumner, IA$15,0002023Addressing Daycare Desert in Sumner to Reduce Barriers to Employment
    4 Cs Community Coordinated Child CareIowa City, IA$15,0002023Child Care Solutions Fund Marketing
    Noble Initiative FoundationGriswold, IA$10,0002023Griswold Child Development Center Project
    Discoveries Learning CenterDenver, IA$10,0002023Advancement of Childcare Access for the Denver Community
    To The RescueCedar Rapids, IA$10,0002023Building Child Care Solutions
    Williamsburg Community Child Care CenterWilliamsburg, IA$10,0002023W4CS Classroom Furnishings and Materials
    Shooting Star ChildcareElkhart, IA$10,0002023Helping Bring Growth to a Small Rural Town
    Sprouts Early Learning AcademyCarlisle, IA$10,0002023Classroom Expansion
    Wildcat ABC Child CareCarlisle, IA$10,0002023Building Addition and Classroom Furnishings
    MICAH House CorporationCouncil Bluffs, IA$10,0002023Building Beyond Shelter
    Council Bluffs Schools FoundationCouncil Bluffs, IA$10,0002023Early Learning Center
    Waverly Child Care and PreschoolWaverly, IA$10,00020232022 Expansion Project
    Catherine McAuley CenterCedar Rapids, IA$10,0002023Expanding Refugee Child Care Training Opportunities and Increasing Child Care Availability
    WaypointCedar Rapids, IA$10,0002023KidsPoint Child Care Scholarships
    City of RolandRoland, IA$10,0002023Little Norse Childcare Academy
    Community United Child Care Centers IncCedar Falls, IA$10,0002023CUCCC Nordic Drive Renovation and Addition

    CATHERINE MCAULEY CENTER

    $25,000
    CEDAR RAPIDS, IA2025

    PROGRAM SUPPORT

    GIRLS INCORPORATED OF SIOUX CITY

    $25,000
    SIOUX CITY, IA2025

    PROGRAM SUPPORT

    GIRLS ON THE RUN EASTERN IOWA

    $25,000
    IOWA CITY, IA2025

    PROGRAM SUPPORT

    YWCA OF CLINTON IOWA

    $25,000
    CLINTON, IA2025

    PROGRAM SUPPORT

    LUTHERAN SERVICES IN IOWA

    $25,000
    DES MOINES, IA2025

    PROGRAM SUPPORT

    EYES OPEN IOWA

    $25,000
    WEST DES MOINES, IA2025

    PROGRAM SUPPORT

    GIRL SCOUTS OF EASTERN IOWA AND WESTERN ILLINOIS

    $7,500
    CEDAR RAPIDS, IA2025

    PROGRAM SUPPORT

    GIRL SCOUTS OF GREATER IOWA

    $7,500
    DES MOINES, IA2025

    PROGRAM SUPPORT

    THE KIDS SPOT

    $25,000
    LAKE CITY, IA2024

    FURNISHING CHILD CARE CENTER CLASSROOMS

    IOWA JOBS FOR AMERICAS GRADUATES (IJAG)

    $25,000
    DES MOINES, IA2024

    REMOVING BARRIERS TO CAREER EXPLORATION FOR IOWA GIRLS

    DOROTHY'S HOUSE

    $25,000
    DES MOINES, IA2024

    SERVICE EXPANSION FOR SURVIVORS OF TRAFFICKING AND EXPLOITATION

    YOUNG WOMEN'S RESOURCE CENTER

    $25,000
    DES MOINES, IA2024

    PARENTING AND LIFE SKILLS PROGRAM

    ST MARK YOUTH ENRICHMENT

    $22,200
    DUBUQUE, IA2024

    PROVIDING RURAL COMMUNITY ACCESS TO AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS

    EYES OPEN IOWA

    $10,000
    WEST DES MOINES, IA2024

    WORKING TO INSTITUTIONALIZE SEX EDUCATION (WISE)

    LITTLE CHARGER EARLY LEARNING CENTER

    $10,000
    GUTHRIE CENTER, IA2024

    CAPITAL CAMPAIGN TO BUILD A CENTER

    LITTLE KNIGHTS LEARNING CENTER

    $10,000
    LA PORTE CITY, IA2024

    ARCHITECTURAL PLANS FOR A NEW FACILITY

    WAYLAND AREA CHILDCARE ORGANIZATION

    $10,000
    WAYLAND, IA2024

    FURNITURE AND EDUATIONAL MATERIALS FOR NEW CENTER OPENING JAN 2024

    HOUSE OF HOPE

    $10,000
    WATERLOO, IA2024

    TOTAL TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM EXPANSION

    GIRLS ON THE RUN EASTERN IOWA

    $7,800
    IOWA CITY, IA2024

    GIRLS ON THE RUN NEW CURRICULUM SUITE

    Lutheran Services in Iowa

    $35,000
    Des Moines, IA2023

    Immigrant and Refugee Child Care Business Development Program

    Hawkeye Community College Foundation

    $25,000
    Waterloo, IA2023

    Hawkeye Responsive Childcare

    Iowa City Sober Living

    $25,000
    Solon, IA2023

    Start Up Costs for Year 1 Operating Expenses

    Iowa Jobs for Americas Graduates

    $25,000
    Des Moines, IA2023

    Engaging Girls in Career Exploration of the Trades

    Oakridge Neighborhood

    $25,000
    Des Moines, IA2023

    Vehicle Maintenance and Financial Planning

    Girls Inc of Sioux City

    $25,000
    Sioux City, IA2023

    Giving Girls Trade Skills For Life

    NewBo City Market

    $25,000
    Cedar Rapids, IA2023

    Entrepreneurship Equity for Women

    Sumner Daycare and Learning Center Inc

    $15,000
    Sumner, IA2023

    Addressing Daycare Desert in Sumner to Reduce Barriers to Employment

    4 Cs Community Coordinated Child Care

    $15,000
    Iowa City, IA2023

    Child Care Solutions Fund Marketing

    Noble Initiative Foundation

    $10,000
    Griswold, IA2023

    Griswold Child Development Center Project

    Discoveries Learning Center

    $10,000
    Denver, IA2023

    Advancement of Childcare Access for the Denver Community

    To The Rescue

    $10,000
    Cedar Rapids, IA2023

    Building Child Care Solutions

    Williamsburg Community Child Care Center

    $10,000
    Williamsburg, IA2023

    W4CS Classroom Furnishings and Materials

    Shooting Star Childcare

    $10,000
    Elkhart, IA2023

    Helping Bring Growth to a Small Rural Town

    Sprouts Early Learning Academy

    $10,000
    Carlisle, IA2023

    Classroom Expansion

    Wildcat ABC Child Care

    $10,000
    Carlisle, IA2023

    Building Addition and Classroom Furnishings

    MICAH House Corporation

    $10,000
    Council Bluffs, IA2023

    Building Beyond Shelter

    Council Bluffs Schools Foundation

    $10,000
    Council Bluffs, IA2023

    Early Learning Center

    Waverly Child Care and Preschool

    $10,000
    Waverly, IA2023

    2022 Expansion Project

    Catherine McAuley Center

    $10,000
    Cedar Rapids, IA2023

    Expanding Refugee Child Care Training Opportunities and Increasing Child Care Availability

    Waypoint

    $10,000
    Cedar Rapids, IA2023

    KidsPoint Child Care Scholarships

    City of Roland

    $10,000
    Roland, IA2023

    Little Norse Childcare Academy

    Community United Child Care Centers Inc

    $10,000
    Cedar Falls, IA2023

    CUCCC Nordic Drive Renovation and Addition