For more than 25 years, the Iowa Psychological Foundation (IPF) has existed as a non-profit organization to raise funds to benefit psychology in Iowa. IPF is a 501c3, so your donations are tax deductible (unlike IPA, which is not eligible for non-profit status because some of its funds pay a lobbyist). 

In a nutshell, IPF’s 8-member board raises money then gives it away. We hope you will consider donating through the webpage or by supporting the upcoming auction at the Spring Conference. 

• Our top priority is to support psychologists in clinical, teaching and research roles. IPF aims to enhance psychologists’ knowledge base and effectiveness.

• Second, IPF seeks to raise awareness of the vital role psychological research, evidence-based assessment and practice plays in strengthening the health, productivity, and happiness of all Iowans.

• Third, IPF seeks to fund community projects focused on enhancing the mental health of Iowans.

• Fourth, IPF wants to financially support projects. Applications for small and larger grants are on the Foundation tab of IPA’s website.

Check out what IPF donations supported in 2020-2021.  To raise awareness of IPF’s new-ish small grants program, IPF is gifting projects in each of Iowa’s four congressional districts in 2021-2022.

• Provided $250 gift to Iowa City High School to support the Navigating Emotions and Stress Through Training (NESTT) program. NESTT services are backed by research rooted in trauma-informed practice to create a safe space for all students and a trauma-sensitive school experience. (2021)

• Gifted $250 Please Pass the Love, a Polk County program committed to increasing school mental health (SMH) programming. This organization focuses on providing culturally responsive services and evidence-based supports to school systems. (2021)

• Provided the Iowa Psychological Association a $5000 grant to help develop a Director of Professional Affairs (DPA) position. (2020)

• Gave $160 grant to support a University of Northern Iowa undergraduate student’s research on suicide prevention. (2020)

• Gave two $250 awards and one $500 award to early career psychologists to support them as they launch careers to serve Iowans. (2020) 

Email me if you have questions about applying for IPF funds, want to donate or join our board. 

Karen Nelson is the current president of the Iowa Psychological Foundation. More information about the Board of Directors can be found here.