The MidAmerican Energy Foundation has awarded grants totaling more than $500,000 to 15 organizations in the third quarter, the foundation announced this week. The foundation is funded by company shareholders, and it assists nonprofits and communities the company serves through its corporate citizenship program, CARES. The program focuses on community enhancement, arts and culture, environmental respect, STEM education, and safety. “We are proud to continue providing support to organizations that help make the communities we serve stronger and sustainable,” Kathryn Kunert, MidAmerican’s vice president of economic connections and integration, said in a release. In Des Moines, the East High School Alumni Foundation ($250,000), Hope Ministries ($100,000) and Des Moines Performing Arts ($12,500) were among the organizations that were awarded grants.