ICF Difference

Unique to Iowa

Unlike most higher education organizations, ICF operates a statewide community campaign model similar to a United Way for independent higher education.

Each year, volunteer Area Chairs, business leaders, and advancement professionals from ICF member colleges work together to connect Iowa businesses and donors with student opportunity across the state.

Through more than 20+ regional campaigns each year, this collaborative effort helps remove financial barriers and expand access to Iowa’s independent colleges and universities.

Statewide Engagement

Campaign Network

ICF’s statewide campaign network connects businesses, volunteers, and independent colleges through coordinated regional efforts that support Iowa students and strengthen communities across the state.

Meet Our Area Chairs

ICF’s Area Chairs serve as community ambassadors and campaign leaders across Iowa. Their relationships, leadership, and advocacy help connect businesses and donors to the future of Iowa’s workforce.

College Representatives

Advancement professionals from ICF member colleges participate in coordinated regional campaigns throughout the year. Working together rather than independently, these representatives help strengthen donor engagement and business partnerships across Iowa.

Statewide Campaign Calendar

ICF coordinates more than 20 statewide campaign efforts annually, bringing together business leaders, volunteers, and college representatives to support students across Iowa.

Workforce Partnership

Invest in Iowa’s Future Workforce

Through ICF’s statewide campaign network, businesses and donors help support scholarships, strengthen independent higher education, and invest in the future leaders of Iowa communities and industries.

Interested in supporting a campaign or having your business participate? Connect with ICF to learn more.

ICF Model

Statewide Campaign

ICF brings together volunteer leaders, businesses, and Iowa’s independent colleges through a collaborative statewide campaign model that supports student opportunity and strengthens Iowa’s future workforce.

Community Leadership

Volunteer Area Chairs serve as ambassadors in their regions, helping connect businesses and communities with opportunities to support Iowa students and independent higher education.

College Partnership

Advancement professionals from ICF member colleges work together through coordinated regional campaigns to engage donors and strengthen statewide partnerships.

Statewide Impact

Together, these partnerships generate unrestricted and scholarship support that strengthens Iowa’s independent colleges and expands opportunities for students statewide.

Why Partner with ICF

Statewide Partnership

  • Statewide Reach: ICF coordinates more than 20 regional campaigns annually, connecting businesses and communities with Iowa’s independent colleges and universities across the state.

  • Collaborative Approach: Unlike traditional fundraising models, ICF brings colleges together in coordinated campaigns that strengthen relationships and expand statewide impact.

  • Business Engagement: Area Chairs and campaign volunteers help build meaningful partnerships between Iowa businesses and higher education institutions preparing tomorrow’s workforce.

  • Student Opportunity: Campaign support helps provide unrestricted and scholarship funding that removes financial barriers for students pursuing independent higher education in Iowa.

  • Workforce Development: ICF member colleges educate future leaders in healthcare, business, education, technology, agriculture, and other critical Iowa industries.

  • Community Investment: Supporting ICF’s statewide campaigns is an investment in stronger communities, economic growth, and the future vitality of Iowa.

Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions About the Iowa Education Network Campaign

ICF’s Statewide Campaign Network is a statewide coalition of volunteers, business leaders, donors, and independent colleges and universities working together to expand educational opportunity across Iowa. Through locally led campaigns, the network helps connect communities with opportunities to support students attending Iowa’s independent colleges and universities.

The network is built on the belief that access to higher education benefits not only individual students, but also the communities, employers, and industries that depend on a well-educated workforce.

The Statewide Campaign Network raises scholarship and institutional support that helps reduce financial barriers for students pursuing degrees at Iowa’s independent colleges and universities. These investments make higher education more accessible while helping colleges and universities provide the resources students need to succeed.

By supporting student access and completion, the network helps create opportunities for learners to achieve their educational goals and prepare for successful careers.

Area Chairs are volunteer leaders who provide local leadership for ICF’s regional campaigns. They help identify prospective supporters, build community awareness, and strengthen relationships with businesses, donors, and civic leaders throughout their regions.

Their knowledge of local communities and commitment to higher education help expand ICF’s reach and connect more individuals and organizations to the Foundation’s mission.

ICF coordinates more than 20 regional campaigns annually across Iowa. Each campaign is led by local volunteers and supported by representatives from ICF member institutions, creating a statewide network of advocates working toward a common goal: expanding access to independent higher education.

Together, these campaigns help generate support for students while building lasting partnerships within communities throughout the state.

Businesses can partner with ICF through charitable giving, sponsorships, campaign participation, workforce development initiatives, and collaborative partnerships with ICF member institutions. These opportunities allow employers to invest in student success while supporting the development of Iowa’s future workforce.

Businesses may also engage through internships, career exploration opportunities, employee involvement, and other initiatives that strengthen connections between higher education and the workplace.

ICF’s collaborative model brings together 21 independent colleges and universities through a single statewide fundraising effort. Rather than competing for support, member institutions work collectively to increase awareness, strengthen donor engagement, and expand educational opportunity for students across Iowa.

This approach allows volunteers, businesses, and donors to make a broader statewide impact while supporting the long-term vitality of Iowa’s independent higher education sector.