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2011 Tax Credit Application --click here
To go to the Iowa Department of Economic Development
tracking of tax credits spent for the year-- click here
Jim Sandager Article in the Des Moines Register---Click here
Endow Iowa Tax Credit Program
Get credit(s) for creating lasting good.
Giving through the community foundation to the causes you care about is rewarding—in more ways than one. Your gift creates
lasting change in the community, and the Endow Iowa Tax Credit Program offers you generous tax incentives to make it easier
for you to give more for less. Those who give to a permanently endowed fund at a qualified community foundation or affiliate
organization, including Story County Community Foundation, are eligible to receive 25% tax credits for their gifts. Community
members who give also are able to take advantage of the federal tax deductions along with the Endow Iowa tax credits.
Tax credits are offered on a first come, first served basis, with approximately $3.7 million available annually statewide. The
Endow Iowa tax credits can be claimed by individuals, businesses or financial institutions.
Since 2003, more than $50 million has been invested in community foundations through Endow Iowa, improving residents’ lives
both now and for years to come.
Endow Iowa Fast Facts
Across the state:
· Endow Iowa was created in 2003 to encourage gifts to permanent endowments at qualified community foundations.
· Donors will be eligible to receive 25% tax credits for donations to qualified community foundations and affiliates.
· Donors are eligible for Endow Iowa tax credits in addition to appropriate federal tax benefits.
· Approximately $4 million in tax credits will be available annually through Endow Iowa.
· Endow Iowa tax credits have the potential to generate an estimated $16 million in permanently endowed gifts at Iowa community foundations
and
affiliates per year.
· In 2008, more than $3.15 million in Endow Iowa tax credits were awarded, generating more than $15 million in charitable gifts.
· In 2008, donors received tax credits for more than 1,881 separate donations to 68 different community foundations and affiliate organizations
through Endow Iowa.
· Since 2003, more than $50 million has been invested through Endow Iowa to improve residents’ lives.
· Endow Iowa is an effective investment in Iowa’s future: For every $1 of tax credit that the state offers, community foundations leverage $5 to
support efforts that enhance the quality of life in communities across Iowa.
Additional Resources:
· Iowa Council of Foundations’ website for Iowa Community Foundations: www.iowacommunityfoundations.org
· Iowa Department of Economic Development (IDED): www.iowalifechanging.com/endowiowa
The Endow Iowa program is part of an effort to enhance philanthropic activity in the State of Iowa by encouraging contributions
to community foundations. The program provides significant additional tax incentives for individual, business or organizational
donors of community foundations.
Endow Iowa consists of two components:
• Tax Credits to Donors;
• Grants to community foundations (or affiliates)
How supporting Endow Iowa helps build Iowa's Community Foundations:
*Strengthens communities through philanthropy. Endow Iowa endorses the importance of philanthropy and encourages all
Iowans to invest in their communities through endowment funds. These funds are permanent resources that build the capacity for
communities to become self-sufficient by providing financial support to charitable projects and community betterment programs
now and in the future.
* Develops local community leadership. Endow Iowa encourages leaders to mobilize community organizations and encourage
charitable contributions. Community endowments help citizens promote, plan and prepare for the future and manifest their own
community visions. More than 1,500 Iowa leaders are engaged in the community foundation movement annually.
* Creates philanthropic vehicles in communities of all sizes. Wealth often leaves Iowa’s communities and counties because there
were no vehicles in place to receive gifts. Endow Iowa creates and provides the tools and vehicles to create endowment funds
while strengthening existing community foundations. It is a low-cost way to positively impact Iowa forever.
* Encourages contributions that provide support NOW and in the future. The current Endow Iowa Tax Credit is an effective
incentive for donors to make charitable contributions NOW and in the future. Endow Iowa establishes community endowments
that create eternal financial sources to fund community betterment.
* Keeps dollars in Iowa… and invested in Iowa’s future. Annually, Iowans transfer more than $4.9 billion through probate estates,
with each estate averaging $274,425. Planned giving creates a way for Iowans to leave wealth to their local communities and at
the same time avoid federal estate taxes and the capital gains tax that force many wealthier citizens out of the state. Collectively,
if Iowans would gift even 5% of their estates annually into endowment funds at community foundations, we would see more than
$245 million each year reinvested into community-based endowment funds that would grow to even greater levels in time.
* Prepares Iowa for the golden age of philanthropy. The nation is about to embark on the Great Wealth Transfer; more dollars are
going to transfer hands in the next 50 years – an estimated $41 trillion – than ever before. As the leading state with citizens 75
years and older, Iowa cannot afford to miss this wave.
* Provides a new opportunity for collaboration. Endow Iowa relies on existing infrastructure and community foundations
(confirmed in compliance with national standards) to incubate funds and mentor communities on growing and managing
endowments. These endowment funds may be unrestricted for broad community needs. They could be scholarships for local high
school graduates, or designated for a specific area of interest in the community such as environment or economic development.
The funds could be an endowment for a specific nonprofit organization or could be a donor advised fund allowing families to
teach the value of giving to young Iowans. Businesses, individuals, families, organizations--- all coming together to build
endowments for a collective future
For good for ever
Story County Community Foundation
is an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines
416 Douglas, Suite 202
P.O. Box 1666
Ames, IA 50010-1666
515-232-9200
www.storycountyfoundation.org | email: storycounty@storycountyfoundation.org