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Nonprofits and Philanthropy

The Community Foundation

Community Foundation awards $500,000 in Leadership Grants for education, housing stability

The Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines has awarded $500,000 in Leadership Grants to support initiatives that help students prepare for college and careers and assist families with housing during financial emergencies.

Two grants were …

Food bank shelving filled with donated tinned food ready for distribution

Polk County, partners launching multicultural food pantry 

Polk County, in collaboration with local partners, is launching a multicultural food pantry in February, the first of its kind in Central Iowa. The Global Neighbors Multicultural Welcome Pantry will expand food assistance by offering …

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Anonymous $1 million gift establishes first endowment for UnityPoint Health-Eyerly Ball

UnityPoint Health – Eyerly Ball, a community-based mental health service provider, has received an anonymous $1 million gift that establishes the organization’s first endowment.

The endowment will provide unrestricted annual support for Eyerly Ball leadership …

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The Directors Council introduces first advocacy agenda

The Directors Council, a nonprofit organization focused on strengthening leadership, civic participation and economic opportunity in Polk County, has released its 2026 One Economy Advocacy Agenda, the organization’s first agenda. 

Building on the research and …

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LCS Foundation raises $1 million for Alzheimer’s in 2025 

The LCS Foundation announced it raised more than $1 million in 2025 to support the fight against Alzheimer’s disease and other related dementias, one of the foundation’s pillars. The money was raised through corporate and …

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Grubb YMCA to close Feb. 28 to make way for new community center

After more than 30 years of serving Des Moines families, the John R. Grubb Community YMCA, 1611 11th St., will be closing its doors Feb. 28 so the city can prepare the site for the …

National Alliance on Mental Illness Iowa - NAMI

NAMI Iowa announces 2026 legislative priorities

National Alliance on Mental Illness Iowa announced its legislative priorities for the 2026 Iowa legislative session. As the state’s largest mental health nonprofit, NAMI Iowa represents individuals, families and advocates across the state through 13 …

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AARP Iowa grant opportunity announced

AARP Iowa is inviting local eligible nonprofit organizations and governments across the state to apply for the 2026 AARP Community Challenge through March 4. The grants fund quick-action projects to help communities become more livable …

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Meals from the Heartland hosting MLK Day packaging event

Meals from the Heartland is hosting a packaging event on on Jan. 19 in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Volunteers will gather to package meals that will be shared with children and families …

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Variety radiothon raises over $221,000 

Variety — the Children’s Charity of Iowa raised a record $221,000 for the Variety Compassion Fund during its annual Two Days of Compassion Radiothon. The fund supports Iowa children and families experiencing pediatric medical crises, …