Our "Why"

We were founded to empower nonprofits in the state of Iowa. We understand (and champion) the many ways community-owned, for-purpose organizations help Iowans live richer, fuller, lives.

Iowa Nonprofit Alliance

We Make It Possible for Nonprofits to Achieve More

Iowa Nonprofit Alliance is the statewide association for nonprofit organizations in Iowa. Our members represent a diverse range of sectors, sizes, and stakeholders.

Did You Know...

The nonprofit sector is the 3rd largest non-government employer in the state of Iowa. In fact, 1 out of every 10 Iowans works for a nonprofit.

Nonprofits create over $14 BILLION dollars in economic activity within Iowa every single year.

Nonprofits organizations provide social services, recreational opportunities, health and wellness initiatives, arts & cultural experiences, educational opportunities, workforce development, environmental initiatives, and much, much more.

Meet The Board

INA strategy is guided by elected board members representing member organizations. These individuals bring a diverse range of sectors, organizations, partners, and perspectives to INA.

Paul Thelen

Board President

Member Organization

Larned A. Waterman Nonprofit Resource Center

Emily Shields

Board Vice President

Member Organization

Community Colleges for Iowa

Brian Aronson

Board Treasurer

Member Organization

Creative Planning

Julianne Gassman

Board Secretary

Member Organization

University of Northern Iowa

Jen Smyser

Board Member

Member Organization

Stanley Center for Peace and Security

Kimberly Kolakowski

Board Member

Member Organization

Firefly

Amy Croll

Board Member

Member Organization

Homeward Iowa

Meet the Staff

INA operations are led by an experienced team of nonprofit professionals. They possess decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, management, marketing, fundraising and more.

Executive Director

Jordan DeGree

Founder and executive director of Idea Bright, an Iowa nonprofit, and an accomplished entrepreneur and educator.

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Communications Director

Rachel Dilling

Former Iowa nonprofit executive director who possesses a healthy dose of marketing, communications, and event planning experience.

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Innovation Services Director

Eric Dregne

Experience leading community foundation efforts and initiatives, plus a proven background in business innovation and management.

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Founding Members

If it takes a village to raise a child, it takes an entire state to raise a sector (ok, maybe not our most elegant analogy). Check out the hundreds of organizations, individuals, businesses, and allies that helped launch the Iowa Nonprofit Alliance in 2022!

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Guiding Values

Community built on relationships

Iowa Nonprofit Alliance (INA) unifies and serves a rich community of nonprofits by offering connection to peers and partnership with those who share our vision. To foster positive relationships, all of INA’s members engage each other with mutual respect, empathy, and integrity.

Diversity fueling strength and purpose

INA deeply values and finds strength in the diversity of its membership. INA brings together and amplifies diverse voices, experiences, and perspectives from across the nonprofit sector as we fulfill our mission and vision.

Reflexivity resulting in real action

INA encourages the sector’s collective reflection on its practices for learning, adaptation, continuous improvement, and innovation.

Excellence driving betterment

INA offers training for increased nonprofit capacities and individual professional development, provides access to mission-critical resources for effectiveness, and advocates for the sector as key to making Iowa a better place.

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