Endow Iowa: A Wonderful Opportunity to Grow Perpetual Commitment to Your Organization

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Do you have an accumulated balance in your account that isn't waiting for an apparatus or other major purchase? 

Do you have a few significant supporters who might be interested in an additional State of Iowa tax break for a gift to your organization?

Does it sound nice to have a gift amount that you could count on year after year? 

If you answered yes to any of these questions, and you are an IRS-recognized 501 (c) (3), your organization might be a good candidate for establishing a endowment through your local community foundation to maximize the impact of the Endow Iowa program. A video explanation of the program may be found here. 

Endowment accounts can be opened for less than you might think. Once your endowment is established, you will be able to count on a percentage of that principal supporting your operations every year in perpetuity. Talk about a gift for the future of the community! 

Qualified Endow Iowa gifts receive a 25% State of Iowa tax credit in addition to the normal charitable income tax deductions. Donors with appreciated stock can avoid capital gains tax and receive even greater state benefits through a stock gift to an Endow Iowa qualified account.  These credits make the net cost of a gift significantly smaller than the original amount.

Some of the requirements of the program include:

• Gifts must be made to a permanent endowment fund at a qualified community foundation  
• Endowments must benefit one or more Iowa causes

The State of Iowa Legislature established the Endow Iowa program in the early 2000's. It has resulted in an investment of more than $50 million to benefit great causes in our wonderful state for so many tomorrows.

Ready to start growing your organization's future? Contact your local community foundation to learn more about how Endow Iowa can benefit your donors, your community and your organization.  

Building for Your Department's Future - Starting With a Firm Foundation

Long term financial sustainability for any organization or family starts with a firm foundation. For many nonprofits, that foundation comes in the form of an endowment. As they grow, endowments provide ongoing and increasing annual operations support for your organization.

Think your fire association might want to look into an endowment fund? Consider starting that conversation with your local community foundation. They will be happy to share with you the unique tax advantages of the Endow Iowa program. If you establish your endowment through your community foundation, your donors receive credit for 20% of their donation off their Iowa income taxes in addition to the applicale federal deductability.

Potential donors/sources that may help get your endowment opened include:
1. Current members
2. A designation by your current members of all or a portion of any incentives or call reimbursement arrangement you may have with your city, county or township
3. Retired members
4. Your largest regular donors

To discuss options for communication pieces, campaign plans and more for starting your endowment, contact FlashPoint President Dawn Svenson Holland today.