A recent headline in The Wall Street Journal read “Corporate Social Responsibility: Good Citizenship or Shareholder Rip-Off?” The “experts” went on to debate this issue for more than 9,000 words.

We only need a few words to convey the positive and dramatic impact corporate philanthropy has in Greater Des Moines. Words such as Principal Riverwalk, Meredith Trail and Wells Fargo Arena. These signature projects are just a few examples of how charitable giving by local businesses serves as a catalyst for enhancing the quality of life in our community.

At the Greater Des Moines Community Foundation, we have the privilege of helping business leaders reach their philanthropic goals by creating charitable funds that fuel grants for community betterment.

For example, Storey-Kenworthy/Workspace created a corporate philanthropy fund as a mechanism for its companies, founding family members and employees to give back to the community. Partnering with the Community Foundation allows Storey-Kenworthy and its leaders to enhance the impact of their charitable dollars while avoiding the administrative hassles that come with managing a private foundation.

“Our donor-advised fund allows us to focus more on philanthropy and less on paperwork,” said Dave Kenworthy, the president of Storey-Kenworthy/Workspace.

The Community Foundation also manages charitable giving funds for Holmes Murphy & Associates Inc. and provides insight on local grant-making opportunities.

“The Greater Des Moines Community Foundation has encouraged great leaders in the Des Moines area to contribute to the cause of community philanthropy,” said Doug Reichardt, the company’s chairman and CEO. “Our absolute trust in the Community Foundation and its due diligence helps make it easier for Holmes Murphy & Associates to accomplish its corporate philanthropy goals.”

Some companies choose to address needs and gaps in our community that are directly related to their line of business. For example, Delta Dental of Iowa makes grants from its charitable fund to provide dental services to underserved populations.

Members of the Contributors Breakfast Club were among the first business leaders to formalize group giving at the Community Foundation.

“We wanted to create a more enduring and formal structure for our group giving, but we didn’t want the ongoing administrative headaches of managing our own foundation,” said Todd Elverson, a member of the club. “We developed a model plan, the Community Foundation enthusiastically embraced our concept, and together we created a charitable fund that serves our needs. We are proud to have paved the way for many groups that are following in our footsteps by combining their giving power for greater impact.”

The Rotary Club of Des Moines set and reached a 10-year goal of building a million-dollar endowment. Tom Carpenter says the Community Foundation helps the Rotary stay informed about emerging issues in Greater Des Moines.

The Des Moines 20/30 Society is an organization of young leaders established for the purpose of leveraging member donations with corporate matches, employer matches, private sponsor dollars, alumni dues, event income and foundation grants.

“Our combined giving power enables us to make grants to organizations and events that will enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors in their 20s and 30s in Des Moines,” said Ryan Staiert, vice president of the 20/30 Society.

The Greater Des Moines Community Foundation thanks all the businesses, organizations, visionaries and volunteers who are giving back to help our community move forward.

Johnny Danos is president of the Greater Des Moines Community Foundation.