Iowa Code Title VI. Human Services [Chs. 216-255A] § 217.41. Refugee services foundation

1. The department shall cause a refugee services foundation to be created for the sole purpose of engaging in refugee resettlement activities to promote the welfare and self-sufficiency of refugees who live in Iowa and who are not citizens of the United States. The foundation may establish an endowment fund to assist in the financing of its activities. The foundation shall be incorporated under chapter 504.

2. The foundation shall be created in a manner so that donations and bequests to the foundation qualify as tax deductible under federal and state income tax laws. The foundation is not a state agency and shall not exercise sovereign power of the state. The state is not liable for any debts of the foundation.

3. The refugee services foundation shall have a board of directors of five members. One member shall be appointed by the governor and four members shall be appointed by the director. Members of the board shall serve three-year terms beginning on July 1, and ending on June 30. A vacancy on the board shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment for the remainder of the term. Not more than two members appointed by the director shall be of the same gender or of the same political party.

4. The refugee services foundation may accept and administer trusts deemed by the board to be beneficial. Notwithstanding section 633.63, the foundation may act as trustee of such a trust.