iowa college foundation

Where the Future of Iowa Belongs

Every scholarship awarded, every degree earned, and every future transformed begins with opportunity. Through partnerships and philanthropy, we help students access Iowa’s independent colleges and universities, creating pathways to success and strengthening Iowa’s future.

WHO WE ARE

Strengthening Iowa Through Higher Education

The Iowa College Foundation brings donors and colleges together to change lives. For more than 70 years, we’ve supported independent institutions across Iowa, helping students access the education they need to succeed.

Through scholarships, unrestricted support, and strategic initiatives, we remove financial barriers and open doors to opportunity. The result is more graduates, stronger communities, and a more vibrant future for Iowa.

OUR SERVICES

Advancing Opportunity Across Iowa

At the Iowa College Foundation, we create the conditions for Iowa’s independent colleges to thrive. Where the Future of Iowa Belongs begins with strong institutions and empowered students. We deliver three core areas of support to our member colleges:

Advocacy

We champion the value and impact of independent higher education across Iowa, highlighting its powerful contributions to students, communities, and our state’s workforce.

Philanthropy

We build meaningful partnerships with donors, businesses, and philanthropic organizations to secure unrestricted annual support, student scholarships, and program funding that reduce financial barriers and deliver exceptional education.

Initiatives

We partner with member institutions and donors to identify and fund strategic initiatives that address priority needs and strengthen the long-term success of Iowa’s independent colleges.

member schools

PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Invest in Iowa’s Future 

Your generosity removes financial barriers so students can access exceptional independent higher education and build a brighter future for Iowa.

SEE THE IMPACT

WHY SUPPORT ICF

When you support ICF, the results are powerful: more students graduate with less debt, over 70% stay in Iowa to build careers and strengthen communities, and one gift creates meaningful statewide impact. By giving through ICF, you help preserve choice, excellence, and innovation at our member colleges while investing in a stronger, more prosperous future for our state.

 TESTIMONIALS

Partners & Students

“The work you and this organization do is so important and impactful. You make it possible for me to attend college without the weight of a heavy financial burden.”

Kaitlyn

William Penn University

“Thank you for providing scholarship support to students like me. It will help me continue my studies at William Penn for the next four years. My family and I truly appreciate what you are doing. It means so much.”

Maddison

William Penn University

“With this scholarship, I’m able to continue and complete my education at Drake University. Thank you for your generosity.”

Elizabeth

Drake University

“I’m so grateful to receive this scholarship because it helps me reach my future. Your generosity has made a real difference in my life, and I am sincerely thankful.”

Ines

Drake University

“Thank you for my scholarship. Without your assistance, I would be in a much tougher spot financially.”

Katie

Drake University

“Your thoughtfulness helps pave pathways for our students, and we are grateful to have you on this journey with us. We sincerely appreciate ICF.”

Dr. Rachelle Keck

President, Grand View University

“Thanks to generous donors like you, I can experience more at Wartburg.”

Alina

Wartburg College

LEARN MORE

Frequently Asked Questions

The Iowa College Foundation (ICF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1952 that supports independent colleges and universities in Iowa. For more than 70 years, we have connected generous donors and businesses with our members institutions to make private higher education more affordable and accessible while strengthening Iowa’s future workforce.

Giving through ICF amplifies your impact across the entire state. A single gift can support students and programs at all ICF member colleges, creating broader access and a stronger statewide talent pipeline. ICF provides an efficient, coordinated way to give while still allowing you to direct funds toward your priorities.

Your gift directly reduces financial barriers for students and provides critical unrestricted support to Iowa’s independent colleges. ICF distributes over $1M+ in support each year. Many graduates from our member colleges stay in Iowa building careers and powering our state’s economy.

Yes. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, all gifts to ICF are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

Students gain increased access to excellent private higher education. Our member colleges receive flexible funding to maintain high-quality programs. Iowa businesses and communities benefit from a stronger, more prepared local workforce. The impact of donations are felt across multiple groups and the state of Iowa as a whole.

100% of your donation goes directly to students and member colleges through annual funding, scholarships, and strategic initiatives. ICF’s operations budget is fully covered by member dues from the colleges we serve. This unique model ensures every dollar you give has maximum impact on education and student success.

STAY INFORMED

LATEST NEWS & UPDATES

  • 3 min|

    Iowa College Foundation Unveils a New Brand Identity Built for Iowa’s Future

  • 1 min|

    Marty Fredericks Named Chair of Iowa College Foundation Board of Governors

  • 1 min|

    ICF Welcomes Tara K. Connolly as President-Elect