Iowa Women's Foundation

The Iowa Women's Foundation, based in Coralville, IA, is a comprehensive resource organization dedicated to improving the lives of Iowa's women and girls through research-driven initiatives and strategic grantmaking. As Iowa's only statewide organization focused on enhancing women's economic self-sufficiency, IWF employs a multifaceted approach that includes advocacy, education, collaboration, and targeted funding to address systemic barriers to success. The organization has identified six critical barriers impacting women's economic advancement: employment, childcare, housing, education and training, transportation, and access to mentors. Through their core grants and emergency grants programs, IWF has distributed over $1.68 million to more than 300 organizations across all 99 Iowa counties. The foundation's distinctive strength lies in its research-based methodology—IWF uncovers the most significant obstacles women face and directs resources accordingly, ensuring maximum impact across Iowa communities. Their comprehensive grantmaking process, combined with advocacy and educational programming, creates lasting change rather than temporary relief. Whether supporting childcare solutions for businesses through CAREForce for our WORKForce, facilitating mentorship connections, or addressing housing and transportation challenges, the Iowa Women's Foundation serves as a catalyst for systemic change. Organizations and community partners throughout Coralville and across Iowa benefit from IWF's collaborative approach to breaking down barriers and creating pathways to success for women and girls at every stage of life.