Events

*From Contact to Connection: How Nonprofits Build Power and Move Policy

When
-
Event status
Scheduled
Attendance Required
No
Description
In today’s policy landscape, nonprofits are no longer optional participants in policymaking — they are essential partners. As gridlock persists at the federal level and more decisions shift to states and local governments, lawmakers increasingly rely on trusted nonprofit leaders for credible...

*Modern Grantseeking 101: Practical Steps to Find, Match & Manage Grants

When
-
Event status
Scheduled
Attendance Required
No
Description
Unlock a modern, practical approach to grant funding. In this session, we’ll break down how nonprofits of all sizes can use AI, 990 data, and peer insights to quickly identify aligned funders and uncover non-solicitation opportunities that often go unnoticed. We’ll also walk through simple...

Iowa Nonprofit Alliance Regional Event

When
-
Event status
Scheduled
Attendance Required
No
Description
The Iowa Nonprofit Alliance is hitting the road in 2026, and we’re excited to kick off our regional gatherings in Dubuque! Join us on January 15 from 3:30–5 p.m. at the Dupaco Voices Building Rooftop for an energizing, connection-focused event designed to help nonprofits better understand and...

*Craft an Engaging Donor Communications Plan for 2026

When
-
Event status
Scheduled
Attendance Required
No
Description
A strong donor communications plan is essential to keep supporters engaged, appreciated, and inspired to give — especially heading into a year of financial uncertainty. Yet one study finds that fewer than half of nonprofits have a written annual plan to guide consistent donor outreach. Taking time...

DonorConnect: Community Foundation Better Together Fund Spotlight

When
-
Event status
Scheduled
Attendance Required
No
Description
DonorConnect is a conversation series designed to bring our community together to learn about and discuss our region’s most pressing issues and promising opportunities. Progress happens when communities come together around shared priorities and a vision for what’s next. In 2025, the Better Together...

Understanding Nonprofit Law -- Practical Guidance for Nonprofit Leaders (Live Q&A)

When
-
Event status
Scheduled
Attendance Required
No
Description
Operating a nonprofit requires navigating legal challenges and requirements, which can seem like a daunting task. Elizabeth Schmidt, author of “Rules of the Road for Nonprofit Leaders: Using the Law to Achieve Your Mission,” has translated those rules into understandable, affirmative statements that...

Community Foundation Snapshot: How We Can Help Your Nonprofit in 2026

When
-
Event status
Scheduled
Attendance Required
No
Description
Who : Staff, board members and volunteers of nonprofit organizations. Session Facilitator: Dr. Ellie Burns, Senior Director of Nonprofit Relations Join us to learn about opportunities for your organization to partner with the Community Foundation in 2026! In this session, Ellie Burns will review our...

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...
Handshake in the form of a heart.

Nonprofit Training on Collaboration

In today’s rapidly changing environment, nonprofits are being called to work smarter, deeper, and more collaboratively. From informal cooperation and shared staffing to administrative consolidation and full organizational merger, there exists a broad continuum of collaboration. This interactive virtual session explores how purpose-driven organizations can assess, initiate, and sustain collaborative efforts that strengthen their missions and amplify community impact.

The session features national, state, and local leaders who offer insight, experiences, and resources to assist executives and boards as they explore collaborative opportunities. 

Format: Recording
Recording Date: Wednesday, December 10, 2025, from 9am to 11am. 

View the recording here


 

 

Donate Icon: Hand holding a heart.

Giving Tuesday 2025

Nonprofits strengthen our communities, and Iowans strengthen our nonprofits. 

Giving Tuesday 2025 continued to break previous records with an estimated 38.1 million participants. Donations increased 13% to $4 billion. Giving of goods also increased by 4% with 13.5 million participants. 

The largest increases were in volunteerism-- up 20% to 11.1 million participants--and those who spoke out about causes they care about--up 26% to 20.9 million participants. 

According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau and AmeriCorps, Iowa consistently ranks as one of the top states for charitable giving (6th) and volunteerism (10th). Iowa has historically been a top state when measured by the percentage of residents (81.5%) who read, watch, or listen to news or information about political, societal, or local issues. 

#GivingTuesday

Photo of audience and keynote speaker.

2025 Iowa Nonprofit Summit

Summit 2025 attracted over 200 nonprofit leaders from across Iowa and beyond!

 We had an excellent pre-conference legislative panel featuring Senator Mike Bousselot, Senator Izaah JB Knox, and Representative Heather Matson--as well as a fabulous capitol tour and twilight "summit" to the dome. Our conference speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, and summiteers were all outstanding! Very special thanks to National Council of Nonprofits President & CEO Diane Yentel and Independent Sector's President & CEO Dr. Akilah Watkins for contributing their expertise, insight, and energy to the charitable and philanthropic leadership of Iowa!

If you attended the conference, please complete our evaluation form as we begin preparations for Summit 2026! 
*The LAWINRC is a proud Summit partner. 

Staff collaborating

30,771

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.