Iowa Women's Foundation

06/05/2026

Another inspiring grantee visit, this time to Anchored Hope in Ames! 🏘️💜

IWF awarded $50,000 to support housing and programming for young women ages 18–24 who have aged out of or experienced the foster care system.

Organizations like Anchored Hope are creating stability, opportunity and community for young women navigating some of life’s most challenging transitions. We’re proud to support work that helps build brighter futures and stronger pathways forward across Iowa.

06/01/2026

The Iowa Women’s Foundation has always been committed to meaningful, measurable impact for women and girls across our state.

This year, we’re proud to share our first Annual Report, giving a thoughtful look at the work, partnerships and progress that continue to move Iowa forward.

We’re grateful to everyone who makes this work possible. Read the full report at:https://iawf.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/IWF_Annual_Report_2025_DIGITAL-1.pdf

05/28/2026

We’re looking ahead to this fall — and we’re excited to share an early glimpse of what’s to come.

The Iowa Women’s Foundation is proud to welcome Josie Cox, a world-renowned journalist and author, as the keynote speaker for our 2026 Annual Luncheon.

Known for her work at the intersection of gender, power, and the global economy, Josie brings a perspective that challenges assumptions and sparks meaningful conversation.

📅 October 20, 2026
📍 Coralville, Iowa

We invite you to save the date.

05/27/2026

Please join us in congratulating Deann Cook, retired President & CEO of the Iowa Women’s Foundation, on being named a 2026 Women of Influence honoree by the Des Moines Business Record.

Throughout her career, Deann has been a tireless advocate for Iowa’s women and girls — championing economic self-sufficiency, advancing equity, and helping create opportunities for generations to come. Her leadership helped strengthen IWF’s mission and expand its impact across our state.

We are grateful for the vision, compassion, and dedication Deann has shared with our organization and communities throughout Iowa. This recognition is incredibly well deserved.

Congratulations, Deann! 💜

05/21/2026

When women thrive, communities don’t just grow — they transform.

At IWF, we focus on more than short-term solutions. We invest in the data, partnerships, and policies that create lasting change for women and girls across Iowa.

Because economic security isn’t one issue — it’s a system. And systems can be changed.

Join us in moving this work forward by donating today.

05/19/2026

“Childcare is foundational to workforce participation and long-term financial stability for women and families.”

That’s what drives Jaimie Miller, IWF Board Vice Chair, in her leadership.

Her perspective reflects what we see every day—that issues like child care and financial stability aren’t separate from the economy. They ARE the economy.

We’re proud to work alongside leaders who are helping connect the dots and move solutions forward.

05/18/2026

A reminder to our nonprofit partners across Iowa: Letters of Interest for the current grant cycle are due TONIGHT.

Organizations interested in applying are encouraged to review eligibility requirements and available funding priorities on our website. You can also access a recording of our recent information session to learn more about the application process and what makes a strong submission.

If your organization has started its submission, it must be completed by 11:59 p.m. TONIGHT to be considered for our 2026 grant cycle.

IWF awards Core Grants to programs that tackle one of the six identified barriers to women’s self-sufficiency—learn more about these barriers and how to apply.

05/15/2026

We were thrilled to support Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa at its 10th Annual Inspiring Women of Iowa event last week!

Each year, this event honors women who lead with courage, confidence and character—making Iowa, and the world, a better place. Those values are at the heart of Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa’s mission and align beautifully with our own. 🌎💜

Congratulations to all of the Inspiring Women of Iowa finalists and award recipients! 👏

05/13/2026

Last week, our friend Jayme hosted a "Pour it Forward" wine-tasting event and graciously donated a portion of the proceeds to the Iowa Women's Foundation!

What a fun way to connect with more women in our state to talk about our work and why it matters. And of course, thank you, Jayme, for the invaluable opportunity to continue expanding our resources for Iowa's women and girls! 🍷🙌

05/11/2026

IWF President & CEO Claudia Schabel recently visited Dress for Success Des Moines in Urbandale — where confidence and opportunity come together to support women in the workplace.

As a 2025 grantee, Dress for Success received $20,000 to support Career Center expansion and digital literacy classes, equipping participants with computer skills essential for both personal and professional success.
Through a powerful combination of support, professional attire, and career development tools, women gain the resources and confidence needed to move forward.

Because when women are equipped to succeed, the impact extends far beyond the workplace.