Building Iowa’s Future

Advancing Student Success

ICF supports student success, builds institutional capacity, and advances the vital role Iowa’s independent colleges and universities play in developing the workforce, leaders, and communities that drive our state forward.

Our initiatives focus on expanding access to higher education, strengthening philanthropy, supporting workforce development, and creating pathways to student success. By connecting philanthropy, education, and industry, ICF develops collaborative solutions that increase opportunity, enhance institutional effectiveness, and help prepare the next generation of Iowa leaders.

Opportunity Scholarship

The Opportunity Scholarship provides tuition assistance for students from low-to-moderate income families, helping reduce financial barriers to ICF’s member schools.

Iowa Transfer Pathway Initiative

The Iowa Transfer Pathway Initiative improves transfer opportunities between Iowa community colleges and independent colleges while helping students save time, reduce credit loss, and complete bachelor’s degrees.

Handshake Workforce Initiative

The Handshake Workforce Initiative connects Iowa employers with students through workforce data, internships, and career pathway opportunities that strengthen Iowa’s talent pipeline.

Philanthropic Capacity Building

ICF’s Philanthropic Training Initiative brings advancement professionals from member colleges together for collaborative professional development focused on fundraising strategy and donor engagement, helping strengthen philanthropic capacity across Iowa’s independent colleges and universities.