In July of 2007, the Boards of Directors of the Community Foundation of Fort Dodge and North Central Iowa and the United Way of Greater Fort Dodge finalized a partnership that had been planned for more than three years.  The boards voted to formally merge to create this new entity which is the first of its kind in the United States, and, for that matter, in the world.

    The United Way and Community Foundation of Northwest Iowa is a perfect marriage.  Northwest Iowa has ONE organization that will work to meet both the long-term educational, health, social, recreational, environmental and cultural needs of its citizens, and to help the communities in our service area identify and respond to current, critical human needs.  Significant savings are realized through the efficiencies of operating just ONE organization.  As a result, more of our donors' gifs can be utilized to meet community needs, and donors have ONE organization, governed and operated by local leaders that are known and trusted, that can help them make a difference.

    We are excited about the opportunity to set an example for the rest of the nation on how a community can work together to achieve common goals for its residents.  We hope you will join us.

Making A Difference In Peoples Lives...

Put Community First Today, make one annual gift that will...

    - Promote financial stability and independence.
    - Improve people's health.
    - Help children achieve their potential.

Put Community First Tomorrow by...

    - Creating a fund that will help the agency or cause that you believe in today, while assuring that funds are in place to continue the important work  you desire to be accomplished, far into the future.

    - Establish a named fund for someone you love, and create a lasting legacy that will make sure he or she is remembered for years even generations to come.

    - Take advantage of tax savings that are ONLY available through community foundations that can earn you a 20% tax credit on your Iowa return in addition to the standard charitable federal and state deductions.