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Community Foundations serve a specific geographic area; in Iowa that may mean a particular city, county or region. No matter what area is being served by a community foundation, there are some distinct features that serve as common threads for all of the community foundations networked with the Iowa Community Foundations.
You receive personalized service. We make giving easy, flexible and effective, accepting a wide variety of gifts and providing donors the greatest flexibility in meeting charitable giving goals. You can contribute cash, stocks, property, and bequests. You may establish an Unrestricted, Field of Interest, Designated or Donor Advised Fund in your name or in the name of a loved one. Your gift will gain the maximum tax advantage under state and federal law.
We can help you achieve your charitable giving goals.
You gain local expertise. Staff members and members of the governing bodies have in-depth understanding of the issues, opportunities and resources that shape Iowa communities. They monitor all areas of community need — including human services, education, the environment, healthcare, the arts and economic development. Community Foundations can help you learn more about local agencies and programs that make a difference in areas you care about most.
Iowa Community Foundations connect people who care with causes that matter.
You support community leadership. Community Foundations invest in the long term and foster the development of new organizations and programs and support those causes that are already making a difference. Iowa Community Foundations act as a catalyst in their communities bringing diverse interests and individuals, business, and organizations together to address issues that matter to us all.
Our business is building community.
Community Foundations in Iowa should continuously seek the highest standards in terms of legal, ethical and effective practices. Iowa Community Foundations involved and highlighted within this website either have been confirmed in compliance with the National Standards for US Community Foundations and/or recognized by the State of Iowa as an Endow Iowa Qualified Community Foundation; there are specific difference which are outlined below.
We encourage you to expect the highest standards from charitable organizations, and Iowa Community Foundations remain committed to exceeding your expectations. Please be sure to ask your local community foundation which set/s of standards they or their host community foundation meet.
The National Standards for US Community Foundations were established by the Council on Foundations in Washington, D.C.. Community foundations that are confirmed in compliance with the National Standards demonstrate excellence in important areas including client service, fiscal accountability, grantmaking and community leadership. Intended both as a blueprint for internal organizational development and as a tangible set of benchmarks for external assessment of performance, the 43 National Standards address such areas as governance; resource development; stewardship and accountability; grantmaking and community leadership; donor relations; and communications. To learn more about meeting the National Standards for US Community Foundations, please visit the Council on Foundations website.
Iowa has 11 community foundations (many having affiliated community foundations as well) that have been confirmed in compliance by the Council on Foundations as meeting the National Standards for US Community Foundations; this shows their connection to a growing and dynamic movement to strengthen the effectiveness of the community foundation field.
Iowa Community Foundations Confirmed in Compliance with the National Standards for US Community Foundations can be found here.
The State of Iowa identifies and recognizes community foundations that “substantially comply” but not full meet the National Standards for US Community Foundations. Those community foundations (also eligible for the legislative programs) can be found under the appropriate listing by clicking here.
Iowa Community Foundations offer maximum federal and state tax benefits; we can work with you and/or your professional advisor to create specialized charitable instruments tailored to your estate and financial plans.
There is so much more we'd like you to know.
For more information please contact your local community foundation.
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