Women Non-Profit Organizations in Iowa

Founded on February 25, 1984, when forty-one Iowa attorneys gathered to draft its constitution, the Iowa Organization of Women Attorneys (I.O.W.A.) has evolved into a vital community for legal professionals based in Des Moines, Iowa. What began as a focused effort to address the needs and concerns of women in the Iowa legal profession has blossomed into a statewide membership organization that spans all judicial districts. I.O.W.A. is built on the principle that women deserve equal standing and opportunity within the legal profession and society at large. The organization's volunteer-driven leadership ensures that decisions reflect the real experiences and priorities of its diverse membership. I.O.W.A. creates meaningful connections among women legal professionals at all career stages, from law students exploring their options to experienced judges and practitioners. The organization's commitment extends beyond professional advancement to include advocacy for justice and equality for all persons within Iowa. Members benefit from a supportive community that understands the unique challenges and opportunities facing women in law. I.O.W.A. provides essential resources, networking platforms, and collaborative opportunities that strengthen both individual careers and the broader legal community. By maintaining strong connections with local bar associations and statewide organizations, I.O.W.A. ensures that women's voices and perspectives shape the future of the legal profession in Des Moines and throughout Iowa. The organization's four-decade history demonstrates its enduring commitment to promoting diversity, equality, and professional excellence.

Since 1994, the Iowa Women's Foundation has been the driving force behind improving opportunities for Iowa's women and girls. Founded by 27 visionary women in Iowa City who asked, "What if every woman and girl in Iowa had a fair opportunity to achieve her personal best?" IWF has grown into a trusted partner serving communities throughout Coralville, Iowa, and beyond. The organization's mission is straightforward yet powerful: when Iowa's women and girls succeed, businesses thrive, communities flourish, and the entire state wins. What sets the Iowa Women's Foundation apart is its commitment to understanding root causes rather than treating symptoms. By conducting targeted research to identify the biggest barriers women face, IWF ensures that every grant, advocacy effort, and educational initiative addresses real, documented needs. Over 25 years, the foundation has built a flexible, adaptable structure that evolves with Iowa's changing landscape while remaining steadfast in its core values. IWF believes in the power of collaboration and partnership, bringing together organizations and community members across Iowa to work toward shared goals. The foundation's holistic approach recognizes that women's success is interconnected—addressing childcare barriers helps with employment, improving education and training opens doors to economic self-sufficiency, and accessible transportation and mentorship create networks of support. For women and girls in Coralville and throughout Iowa seeking support, resources, or partnership opportunities, the Iowa Women's Foundation represents a committed ally invested in their long-term success and wellbeing.

Since its founding in 1920 in Waterloo, Iowa, Business and Professional Women of Iowa has embodied the powerful principle of "women helping women." What began as six local clubs with 48 trailblazing members has grown into a thriving statewide network serving women across Iowa. BPW Iowa's century-long legacy reflects a deep commitment to empowering women in all stages of their work lives through education, awareness, and advocacy within a supportive community. The organization's mission centers on developing and advancing women personally and professionally, recognizing that women's success strengthens entire communities. BPW Iowa addresses the diverse needs of working women through carefully designed programming, including professional development seminars, meaningful networking events, educational scholarships, and proactive legislative advocacy. The organization's values are rooted in collaboration and mutual support, creating spaces where women can build relationships, share experiences, and collectively advance toward greater equity. Operating as a non-partisan 501(c)(4) non-profit, BPW Iowa focuses on issues directly impacting women's lives without aligning to political parties. For over a century, the organization has maintained its founding vision while adapting to contemporary challenges, including formal updates to its organizational structure in 1974 and 2021. Today, BPW Iowa continues its tradition of advancing equity for women across the state, building on the foundation laid by its first president, Mamie Ives, and creating lasting opportunities for generations to come.