Events

*OnBoard: The Basics of Being an Effective Board Member

When
-
Event status
Scheduled
Attendance Required
No
Description
Intended Audience: Newly elected board members, volunteers interested in board service, seasoned board members seeking to re-familiarize themselves with the role and responsibilities, executive directors and nonprofit leadership staff. Session Facilitator: Angela Dethlefs-Trettin, Chief Community...

*OnBoard: The Basics of Being an Effective Board Member

When
-
Event status
Scheduled
Attendance Required
No
Description
Serving as a board member is an incredible opportunity to lead within the nonprofit sector and put your passion for a charitable cause into practice. Along with an affinity for the mission, effective board members must possess a clear understanding of roles and responsibilities to keep your...

Small-Shop Fundraising: Punch Above Your Weight

When
-
Event status
Scheduled
Attendance Required
No
Description
Teams made up of a few fundraisers — or even just one — know what it’s like to do more with less. Many of these shops are small but mighty. The most successful tend to focus on the fundamentals and prioritize tactics that have the greatest impact. How can small fundraising teams set their...
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.