Eighteen months ago, the University of Iowa Center for the Book launched UICB 2021, a challenge grant initiative sponsored by the Windgate Charitable Foundation (WCF). The WCF generously proposed the following: if the program raises $2.5 million on its own, the WCF will match with a $2.5 million gift.

As the UI Center for the Book nears the challenge deadline of December 31, 2021, it’s pleased to report that due to its community's generosity, word-spreading, good cheer, and big heart, the program has raised over $2.3 million thus far. While both private gifts and institutional support help explain part of this surge, the donations have come from everywhere and everyone. The UICB cannot thank its donors enough.

The Center for the Book (UICB) is the most innovative combined book arts and book studies program in higher education today. Its students go on to careers as book artists, printers, conservators, book designers, librarians, publishers, and scholars. Many of its graduates teach in prestigious workshop and academic programs or schools. Securing the Windgate Charitable Foundation matching gift will address three crucial UICB needs: student funding, endowed faculty support, and professional travel.