Endow Iowa

Helping Ensure Strong Community Foundations

Community foundations enhance the lives of people across Iowa and improve the economies of the communities they serve. This program helps those foundations attract donations.

Donors to a community foundation may receive a state tax credit equal to 25% of eligible gifts.
The maximum tax credit per eligible taxpayer is $50,000, meaning the maximum eligible gift per eligible taxpayer is $200,000 per calendar year.
Tax credits through this program can be claimed by individuals, businesses, or financial institutions.

The program is administered by the Iowa Economic Development Authority in cooperation with the Iowa Council of Foundations (ICOF).

Beginning January 1, 2026, the maximum amount in tax credits IEDA can award through the program for each calendar year is reduced from $6 million dollars to $3.5 million.

Funding for 2026 is currently available and IEDA is accepting applications.

Applications are accepted on a first come, first serve basis. Once all available credits have been allocated, IEDA will stop accepting applications. Applications will become available once credits are again available. Community foundations should cease accepting applications until tax credits are again available.

Eligibility

The gift must be made to a permanent endowment fund that has been established for the benefit of Iowa charitable causes. The permanent endowment fund must be established within the qualified foundation or an eligible community affiliate organization. Applications for Endow Iowa must be submitted within 12 months of the date of eligible donation. Applications that are submitted more than 12 months after the date of an eligible donation will be denied.

Current qualified community foundations are: