Student Philanthropy and Grants Opportunities


At the University of Iowa, alumni and friends have built a culture of philanthropy that we call Hawkeyes Give Back. This represents a desire to contribute to campus and the world through time, talent, and treasure.

The idea of Hawkeyes Give Back is everywhere at Iowa—from learning in classrooms and researching in labs, to building state-of-the-art facilities and giving back in our communities.

We offer many opportunities for Hawkeyes to engage with philanthropy and learn how it positively impacts their college experience.


Upcoming Events

Learn more about upcoming events on Hawkeyes Give Back.

Philanthropy Lecture Series

Each spring and fall, an Iowa alum or friend returns to campus to share their story about how they give back and empower others. These programs inspire students and the broader campus community to incorporate philanthropy into their lives.

Student Advancement Network

Current Iowa students who join the Student Advancement Network (SAN) serve as representatives of the student body for alumni and donors. Members also educate their peers about the importance of philanthropy and engagement, their different forms, and how they enhance the college experience.

For more information, follow SAN on Facebook and Instagram or email student.advancement@foriowa.org.

Student Impact Grants

Student Impact Grants provide funding for undergraduate and graduate student activities outside of the classroom, like research, travel, and service projects. The goal of the grant is to enable students to pursue opportunities that might not otherwise be possible without financial assistance. The grants are made possible by a partnership between the University of Iowa Office of the President and Student Advancement Network (SAN).

Volunteer Opportunities

Hawkeyes can give the gift of time by signing up for unique volunteer opportunities on campus, supporting areas such as Hancher and University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics.

Fellowship and Internships

Iowa students and recent graduates are invited to apply for a yearlong post-grad fellowship or summer internship.

Williams Fellowship

In this one-year, full-time paid position with benefits, the Williams Fellow can “test drive” a career in philanthropy and alumni engagement by working at the University of Iowa Center for Advancement. The fellow develops a better understanding of the organization by rotating through its various departments.

Applications are typically accepted starting in January with a February deadline.

Summer Internships

Summer internships provide a meaningful opportunity for Iowa students to learn about the impact alumni engagement and philanthropic support has on their university, while also exploring their career goals within a nonprofit or higher education setting. This eleven-week, full-time, paid experience provides opportunities for students with a variety of career aspirations.

Applications are typically accepted at the beginning of the spring semester.

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Hawkeyes share their go-to spots in Iowa City, past and present, to get their caffeine fix. ILLUSTRATION: Jimmy Losasso Coffee shops are integral to Iowa City?s identity as a UNESCO City of Literature, serving as vibrant hubs of connection and creativity where students and community members can settle in with a good book, focus on homework, or kindle friendships. Although some past favorites have closed over the years, several shops owned by University of Iowa alumni remain dedicated to keeping Iowa City caffeinated. Recently, we asked Hawkeyes on Facebook to name their favorite Iowa City coffee spots, both past and present. Their responses showed just how much UI students and alumni love a good cup of joe. PHOTO: PRESS COFFEE Press Coffee Press Coffee, 1120 N. Dodge St. in Iowa City, was overwhelmingly recommended by the Hawkeye community. Press is co-owned by alumni Kate Ford (03BM) and Lisa Edwards (10BFA), whose shared backgrounds as baristas and roller derby teammates set in motion their partnership. ?Press Coffee Iowa City is the best coffee shop in the state with the raddest owners and staff.? ?Nichole Nidey PHOTO: UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARKING OFFICE Great Midwestern Ice Cream Company Affectionately known as ?Great Mid,? this blast from the past?formerly located at 126 E. Washington St. in downtown Iowa City?was an alumni favorite. Who would have thought to buy their morning coffee at an ice cream parlor? ?Great Midwestern! I miss it so much?I can't believe it's gone even after 20+ years. I'm still in mourning.? ?Mandy McClenahan ?Great Midwestern Ice Cream Company was the besssstt.? ?Amanda Grace PHOTO: Java House Java House Java House holds a special place in the hearts of Hawkeyes. Its founder, Tara Cronbaugh (98BA), developed a business plan in a UI entrepreneurship class in 1993 before opening the first Java House location on the second floor of Prairie Lights Books the following year. The Washington Street location soon debuted, and the Mormon Trek Boulevard and First Avenue locations followed in 1998 and 2003, respectively. ?Java House downtown!? ?Erika Earp ?Love the chai latte at The Java House.? ?Connie Cramer Caster PHOTO: Sidekick Coffee and Books Sidekick Coffee and Books Sidekick Coffee and Books, 1310? Melrose Ave. in Iowa City, offers gourmet coffee and teas alongside baked goods and books. Owner Katy Herbold (03BA), who has a passion for promoting literacy, originally opened Sidekick with a focus on children?s books. The demand for adult titles, however, prompted the shop to rapidly expand its selections. ?Sidekick Coffee & Books?owned by an amazing Iowa alum!? ?Melinda Moe ?Sidekick for the amazing chai & cute environment or Press!? ?Jaci Albrect PHOTO: Daydrink Daydrink Daydrink, 518 Bowery St. in Iowa City, is a sustainability-minded coffee shop. With a slogan of ?A Coffee Shop That Gives a Damn,? Daydrink offers glass jars for to-go orders and ethically sourced coffee that is roasted in-house. ?DAYDRINK forever!? ?Matt Cabel ?Daydrink on Bowery! So many weird and wonderful concoctions to try, super smooth coffee, and plenty of fun things to look at while you hang out there.? ?Sasha Alexander .socialpost { padding: 30px; margin: 15px 0; border: 0px solid #eee; border-radius: 20px; background: #F5F5F5; display: flex; align-items: center; } .socialcomment { width: 80%; } .socialcomment p{ margin: 0; font-family: "Roboto", sans-serif; color: #333; text-align: left; font-weight: 500; font-size: 1.25rem; } .socialcomment span { font-size: .9em; font-style: italic; } .portrait.right.writer { float: left; margin: 0; padding: 0 25px 0 0; width: 20%; min-width: 80px; max-width: 100px; }

Iowa alumni with shared connections are invited to join an affinity group. Some of these organizations are an extension of student interests, like Alumni Band or Dance Marathon Alumni Group.

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