Events

*Advocacy 101: Foundations of Advocacy

When
-
Event status
Scheduled
Attendance Required
No
Description
Policymakers need public input to develop good ideas into good policy, and nonprofits are valued experts in our areas of specialty. Nonprofits of all shapes and sizes must partner with our governmental partners through advocacy and lobbying to cultivate strong, thriving, joyful communities. Are you...

Telling Your Financial Story

When
-
Event status
Scheduled
Attendance Required
No
Description
Every nonprofit has a financial story and funders pay attention. The ability to effectively communicate your organization's financial model, budget strategy, and true costs can make the difference between a funded proposal and one that falls short. Yet many nonprofits struggle to tell this story...

*Beginning Grantseeking

When
-
Event status
Scheduled
Attendance Required
No
Description
Where does the grantseeking process start? How do you find funders interested in your organization and your programs? There are proven tactics for finding funders that are a good fit for your organization–and plentiful resources online–many of them free! In this three-hour live online training, we...
Outline of state of Iowa in black and gold.

Iowa Nonprofit Summit

The Iowa Nonprofit Summit is where Iowa’s nonprofit community comes together to learn, connect, recharge, and imagine the future of the sector. Join nonprofit professionals, leaders, partners, and supporters from across the state September 14–15 at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny for 1.5 days of ideas, inspiration, and meaningful connection.

Explore engaging educational sessions, learn from peers and experts, share challenges and solutions, and connect with people who share your commitment to making our communities even better places to live, learn, and grow. The Summit also features the Nonprofit Excellence Awards and a special Legislative Reception for Iowa Nonprofit Alliance members.

Leave with new ideas, meaningful connections, and renewed energy for your mission, your community, and the future of Iowa.

You may learn more and register here. 

*The LAWINRC is a proud partner in producing this annual conference. 

Boyd Law Building--University of Iowa College of Law

Introducing the Nonprofit Structure and Strategy Clinic

The University of Iowa College of Law is expanding its support for Iowa's charitable and philanthropic sector through the Nonprofit Structure and Strategy Clinic.

Beginning with the 2026–27 academic year, law students, under the supervision of experienced attorneys, will provide legal services to eligible nonprofit organizations across Iowa. The Clinic will assist with matters such as nonprofit formation, governance, tax-exempt recognition, contracts, and additional legal needs.

Housed within the Larned A. Waterman Iowa Nonprofit Resource Center, the Clinic combines hands-on legal education with the Center's longstanding commitment to strengthening Iowa's nonprofit community. In doing so, it prepares the next generation of lawyers to partner with nonprofit leaders in advancing their missions and strengthening communities.

The Clinic is now accepting client applications for the Fall 2026 semester. To learn more about the Clinic, the legal services it provides, and how to apply, visit the Clinic website.

Icon of a person raising their hand to volunteer.

Iowa Volunteer Time Now Valued Over $30/Hour

According to a 2026 report by Independent Sector, the average value of volunteer time exceeded $30 per hour in Iowa for the first time in 2025.

Iowa has long ranked among the nation’s leading volunteer states with more than one in three Iowans volunteering. From food pantries and youth programs to arts organizations and community health initiatives, volunteers continue to strengthen our communities from river to river. 

The report also reflects the important work of nonprofit organizations, schools, congregations, and community groups that successfully recruit, support, and retain dedicated volunteers. Strong volunteer engagement remains one of the defining strengths of Iowa’s nonprofit sector.

Individuals interested in exploring volunteer opportunities — and organizations seeking to connect with volunteers — may visit Volunteer Iowa's online volunteer matching system here.

You may view the 2026 Value of Volunteer Time Report here.

Staff collaborating

31,279

The number of nonprofit corporations in the state of Iowa.
Helping hand

Top ten

Iowa ranks in the top ten with 29.9% of Iowans volunteering.
Student group

25 Years

In 2025, the LAWINRC celebrates its 25th year of serving and supporting Iowa’s nonprofit sector.