Nearly $100 million in charitable grants were distributed to nonprofit organizations in 2025 from funds held at the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, marking a nearly 20% increase over the previous year, the foundation announced Thursday.

More than 2,900 charities received funding as donors responded to urgent community needs and emerging opportunities. Donors also contributed more than $105 million in new gifts to charitable funds, helping ensure sustainable support for causes across Central Iowa and beyond.

“Over the past year, the challenges facing our local nonprofit organizations have been unprecedented, and donors responded to those pressing needs with overwhelming support,” Kristi Knous, president of the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, said in a prepared statement. “These milestones reflect both the generosity of all who call our communities home and the trust they place in the Community Foundation to amplify impact through a Better Together spirit.”

Among the year’s highlights, nearly $2.9 million in grants were activated through the foundation’s Better Together Fund, which supports promising community opportunities.

Donors also established 164 new charitable funds in 2025, bringing the total number of funds under administration to 2,763.

The foundation reported $1.2 billion in total assets under administration as of Dec. 31, 2025, and processed more than 31,000 financial transactions during the year. 

In addition to grantmaking, more than 1,100 nonprofit staff and board members participated in trainings and to strengthen the sector. The organization also continued serving as the host foundation supporting affiliate community foundations in 46 Iowa counties and communities.

“As we reflect on an incredible year, we are deeply grateful for the Iowans that make a significant impact on the charitable causes they care about,” Community Foundation board chair Debbie Hubbell said in a prepared statement. “This shared commitment to accountability, collaboration and charitable giving builds strong communities.”

Looking ahead, the Community Foundation’s 2026 grant cycle is now open, including its Leadership, Capacity Building and Strategic Alignment grant programs.

The foundation will also host its Annual Celebration Luncheon and Report to the Community on April 23 at the Community Choice Convention Center in Des Moines.