The IOWA Foundation

What The IOWA Foundation does

The IOWA Foundation (legally Impactful Opportunities With Athletes Foundation) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit incorporated in Iowa in December 2018 and granted tax-exempt status in May 2021. Headquartered at 3100 5th Ave., Des Moines, Iowa, the organization operates with a six-member volunteer Board of Directors led by founder and President Travis Gorsch, with no disclosed paid staff. Its mission is to eliminate barriers to entry in youth sports and education across Iowa by connecting athletes (college, NFL, former Hawkeyes such as Tim Dwight and Tavian Banks) with underserved youth and community-serving nonprofits.

The foundation delivers three program pillars: Youth Sports (free camps and clinics, equipment donations, coaching authorizations, officials certification, league scholarships), Education (childhood literacy, health & fitness, sport management careers, scholarships, S.T.E.A.M.), and Community Investment (volunteerism, donations, community partnerships, advocacy, Adopt-a-Trail). Programs are distributed through direct delivery at schools, parks, and community centers, and through partnerships with school districts (DMPS, Iowa City CSD, Cedar Rapids CSD, Davenport CSD), nonprofit intermediaries (Big Brothers Big Sisters, UMPS CARE, Can Play, Girls on the Run, Rally for Reid), collegiate athletic programs (Drake Football, Iowa State, Grand View), and youth sports leagues. There is no proprietary technology platform; the organization relies on its website, email newsletter, and social channels for outreach.

The foundation is funded through a tiered corporate sponsorship program (Hall of Fame $10,000+, Gold $5,000-$9,999, Silver $2,500-$4,999, Bronze $1,000-$2,499, Honorable Mention $100-$999), individual donations via PayPal, fundraising events (Run at Riverview 5k, TnT Football Camps), and grants. All programs and services are provided free of charge to youth participants. Named outcomes include 1,000+ cumulative youth served through TnT Football Camps by 2025, $17,500+ raised for West Des Moines programs in 2024, and 90 volunteer hours from 21 Drake Football student athletes across four DMPS schools in 2023.

Name

The IOWA Foundation

Legal name

Impactful Opportunities With Athletes Foundation

Website

https://theiowafoundation.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2018

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The IOWA Foundation (Impactful Opportunities With Athletes Foundation) is a Des Moines-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that partners with athletes to deliver free youth sports camps, equipment donations, coaching scholarships, and literacy programs to underserved K-12 youth across Iowa.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth Development Nonprofit Services

NAICS

Sports and Recreation Instruction (61162), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813), Civic and Social Organizations (813410)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)

akta.pro primary industry

Sports Fundraising & Development Services (Foundations, NIL Collectives Support) (MPAKAKAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Arts, Sports & Recreation-Based Youth Development Nonprofits (BPAGADAJ), Athletics Fundraising, Sponsorships & NIL Support (EDALAIAN)

Keywords

• Youth sports programs
• Youth development foundation
• Community youth services
• Athletic scholarships funding
• Childhood literacy programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Des Moines

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Corporate Sponsorships: Corporate partners provide financial support at various tiers (Hall of Fame $10,000+, Gold $5,000-$9,999, Silver $2,500-$4,999, Bronze $1,000-$2,499, Honorable Mention $100-$999) as well as in-kind donations.
2. Individual Donations: Individual donors contribute through PayPal and other donation mechanisms. The foundation provides donation options on their website.
3. Fundraising Events: The foundation organizes and participates in fundraising events such as the Run at Riverview 5k and TnT Football Camps where proceeds support various causes and organizations.
4. Grant Funding: As a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization incorporated in December 2018, the foundation likely receives grant funding from charitable foundations and government entities.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

The IOWA Foundation (Impactful Opportunities With Athletes Foundation) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that partners with athletes to provide free youth sports camps and clinics, equipment donations, coaching authorization and officials certification scholarships, and childhood literacy programs across Iowa. All programs are delivered free of charge to youth participants, funded through corporate sponsorships, individual donations, fundraising events, and grants.

Product overview

The IOWA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (dba Impactful Opportunities With Athletes Foundation) that does not offer a technology product or software platform. Instead, it operates as a charitable foundation focused on youth sports and education support through direct programs and services including youth sports programming (camps, clinics, equipment donations, coaching authorizations), education initiatives (literacy, health & fitness, scholarships, S.T.E.A.M.), and community investment (volunteerism, donations, partnerships). The organization does not have a product portfolio in the traditional SaaS or technology sense.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Youth Sports Camps & Clinics Free youth sports camps and clinics across multiple sports (football, basketball, wrestling, floor hockey, softball, soccer) delivered in partnership with athletes and community organizations for K-12 youth in Iowa.
• Equipment Donations Free distribution of athletic equipment (soccer balls, baseball pants, cleats, gloves) and school supplies (backpacks, shoes) to underserved youth and youth-serving organizations across Iowa.
• Coaching Authorization Scholarships Scholarships that fund coaches to pursue Iowa Coaching Authorization through partnership with the National Education and Athletic Certification Association (NEACA), addressing the shortage of qualified coaches in Iowa.
• Official Leadership Program (Officials Certification) Officials certification program training teenage umpires in mechanics and life skills, delivered in partnership with UMPS CARE Charities; each graduate receives $150 for equipment.
• Childhood Literacy & Reading Programs Reading and literacy initiatives delivered at Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS) in partnership with Drake Football student athletes and Champions For Literacy, serving elementary school students.
• Youth Running Program Free youth running program in partnership with Des Moines Parks & Recreation held at East High School, serving 55+ kids with focus on health and fitness.
• League Scholarship Program Scholarships covering league participation fees for youth athletes and fundraising support for athletic leagues such as wrestling, tennis, and football camps.

Quantifiable outcome

• Served 1,000+ youth cumulatively through TnT Football Camps
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers15 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

30 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• UMPS CARE CharitiescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to deliver Official Leadership Program training teenage umpires in mechanics and life skills. Travis Gorsch serves as instructor. 20-25 graduates per session, each receiving $150 for equipment.
• We Will CollectivecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOngoing partnership for youth basketball clinics with Iowa State Men's Basketball team. Delivered multiple free youth basketball clinics in Des Moines.
• TnT Camps (Tim Dwight & Tavian Banks)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with former Iowa Hawkeye football legends Tim Dwight (NFL) and Tavian Banks for free youth football camps. Served 400+ youth annually at Hoover High School.
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central IowamajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMultiple partnerships including Big Draft campaign (6,000 mentors in 60 days), after-school soccer programs, Sports Buddies matching program (15 matches), and youth referrals to basketball and soccer clinics.
• Drake FootballmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for 8-week reading program at DMPS schools. 21 student athletes volunteered 90 hours at Findley, Greenwood, Hubbell, and Moulton Elementary Schools.
• Iowa WildminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for free Floor Hockey clinic with Des Moines Bucs players to teach youth K-6th Grade fundamentals of hockey.
• Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor educational partner for Lead & Read events, reading programs, basketball league participation, track championships, and general program delivery across multiple schools.
• Champions For LiteracymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for Lead & Read literacy events with Iowa State athletes at King and Moulton Elementary Schools.
• NEACAmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with National Education and Athletic Certification Association to provide coaching authorization scholarships to coaches facing financial barriers.
• DEITY FastpitchminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to host free Softball Skills Clinic for girls in 1st-3rd Grade coached by Southeast Polk High School Softball team.
• Rally for Reid FoundationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFundraised $3,000 to provide scholarships for youth to attend football camp with former Iowa/NFL players. Volunteers assisted at annual camp.
• Grand View Women's WrestlingmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHosted free Girls Wrestling Camp for ~90-100 participants in 3rd-12th Grade led by Alexis Gomez and team members.
• Can PlayminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for bringing participants to basketball camps with Iowa State athletes; co-sponsored youth baseball pants distribution.
• YMCA of Greater Des MoinesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for youth basketball clinic referrals; co-sponsored programs for underserved youth.
• Fellowship of Christian Athletes (Central Iowa)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for reading program connections and community service coordination with Drake Football program.
• Des Moines Parks & RecreationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOngoing partnership for youth basketball league clinics; partnered for Youth Running Program at East High School.
• Iowa Demon HawksminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvided after-school soccer programs at Edmunds, Findley, King, and Moulton Elementary Schools.
• Iowa SWARMminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFootball players (Deontae Craig, Yahya Black, Logan Jones, Jermari Harris) served as coaches at TnT Football Camps.
• RAYGUNminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIn-kind donor providing Amazing Iowa Athletes books; community building partner connecting athletes to organizations.
• Girls on the Run of Central IowaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization connecting athletes and organizations for youth in Iowa.
• Iowa Migratory Education ProgramminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRecipient of soccer cleats donation for program participants.
• Tanager Place (Cedar Rapids)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRecipient of baseball equipment donation (cleats, gloves, pants).
• Boys 2 Men (DMPS)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRecipient of 20 soccer balls donation.
• United Way of Jasper CountyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerReceived over $1,700 donation from Newton TnT Football Camp proceeds in 2024.
• Des Moines MenaceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHosted free soccer clinic for Big Brothers Big Sisters matches before a game.
• Iowa CubsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner through UMPS CARE Blue Crew Ticket program hosting youth at games.
• Iowa WolvesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSports Buddies program attended events including Iowa Wolves games.
• Kick It ForwardminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDonated soccer balls to youth at Birdland Park mini-pitch built by Kick It Forward.
• IGHSAU Girls WrestlingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated with Unbreakable Female Athlete to raise funds through apparel sales supporting girls wrestling programs.
• Unbreakable Female AthleteminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoordinated apparel fundraising campaign for IGHSAU Girls Wrestling programs.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Playworks: Nonprofit providing recess, coaching, and sports-based youth development programming in schools. Operates the same school-partnership GTM motion (DMPS, elementary schools) as The IOWA Foundation and competes for similar education and youth-development grants.
• Good Sports: Nonprofit that donates sports equipment to youth in need — directly overlapping The IOWA Foundation's equipment donation stream (soccer cleats, baseball gloves, backpacks). Similar donor base, sponsorship model, and beneficiary profile.
• Police Athletic League: National youth services nonprofit providing sports, education, and mentoring programs in underserved communities. Comparable mission, beneficiary demographics, and corporate sponsor profile (NFL Foundation, regional businesses).
• UMPS CARE Charities: Nonprofit delivering the Official Leadership Program — a co-developed program with The IOWA Foundation. Same youth-officials training niche and athlete-instructor delivery model.
• Fellowship of Christian Athletes: Faith-based athlete-centered nonprofit that The IOWA Foundation lists as a direct partner (Central Iowa FCA for reading program coordination). Same athlete-as-amplifier model and youth-development mission.
• Girls on the Run: National nonprofit combining running with life-skills curriculum for girls; The IOWA Foundation is a listed partner with the Central Iowa council. Direct overlap in youth running programming, mission framing, and beneficiary demographics.
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of America: Youth-mentoring nonprofit with which The IOWA Foundation has direct partnerships (Big Draft campaign, Sports Buddies matching, after-school soccer). Operates the same youth-development-via-relationship model with similar funder and volunteer base.

Broad incumbents

• YMCA of the USA: National youth sports, recreation, and community services network. The IOWA Foundation lists YMCA of Greater Des Moines as a partner. YMCAs serve the same youth-development-via-sports mission and overlapping demographic.
• Right To Play: International nonprofit using sport for youth development. Operates the same sport-as-development thesis at global scale with similar grantmaking, athlete-ambassador, and program-evaluation infrastructure.
• Boys & Girls Clubs of America: Large national youth development nonprofit offering sports, education, and mentorship programming. Operates at greater scale in similar outcome areas (youth athletics access, literacy, life skills) and competes for the same corporate and grant funding.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-iowa-foundation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about The IOWA Foundation