Endow Iowa State Tax Credit

Endowed vs. Non-Endowed Funds 

Endowed funds are intended to be preserved forever, with a portion of the earnings available for spending. It is a permanent savings account that grows through investment and financial contributions from donors. Distributions from the fund are capped at 5% per year and are used to provide stability and long-term support to organizations, creating an even bigger impact in the future! 

Non-endowed funds are invested for growth in the same way as an endowed fund, but funds are not permanent, and they are immediately available for distribution.

Endow Iowa State Tax Credit ­  

When you make a gift to one of our permanently endowed funds, it will cost you far less thanks to Iowa’s innovative Endow Iowa 25% State Tax Credit! As a nationally accredited community foundation, we have been proud to offer this program, which gives donors who give to a permanently endowed fund at a qualified community foundation an opportunity to receive a 25% state of Iowa tax credit for their gift.

The state of Iowa offers $6 million in Endow Iowa Tax Credits each year to promote giving to permanent endowments that benefit organizations and citizens in Iowa. This program is producing substantial and sustainable support to nonprofits in Iowa. You can take advantage of this opportunity by: 

  • Establishing an endowment fund to achieve your personal charitable goals 
  • Giving to one of our existing endowment funds 

Updates to Endow Iowa State Tax Credit

Due to the growing popularity of the Endow Iowa 25% State Tax Credit, the Iowa Economic Development Association (IEDA) has made a couple of changes to the program.

Here’s what you need to know as you consider a gift to an endowed fund:

  • Since January 1, 2023, maximum tax credit is lowered to $100,000 per taxpayer (or $200,000 per couple).
  • In May 2023, a legislative bill, HF 710, was signed into law by Governor Reynolds providing a one-time allocation of $7 million to the Endow Iowa Tax Credit Program to clear the wait list. Donors previously on wait lists for 2023 and 2024 received 2023 tax credits. IEDA will no longer maintain a waitlist.
  • Beginning January 2024, tax credits will be distributed on a first come, first served basis. Donors are encouraged to give early each tax year to take advantage of this program.

If you have questions or would like to learn more about this program, please contact us any time. Thank you for investing in the city we love!