Better Together.
Better Forever.

Be Part of Something Bigger

Strengthen the community you love for generations to come.

Community Foundation President Kristi Knous honored with Character Champion Award

Aug 7, 2026

The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University hosted the 2026 Iowa Character Awards honoring twelve Iowa individuals and groups for demonstrating exceptional character, including president of the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, Kristi Knous.

Business Succession Planning: Four Questions and One Word of Caution

Aug 6, 2026

At the Community Foundation, we’re helping business owners structure their personal and family philanthropy. A natural extension of that work is to explore ways a business owner’s succession plan can incorporate gifts to favorite charities and causes. Some attorneys, CPAs and financial advisors are surprised to learn how many charitable planning options may be available in connection with a business succession event.

GIVEdsm

We know you have a heart for giving, but with so many wonderful nonprofits in the area, staying up-to-date on the most pressing needs in our community can be a challenge. We want to make giving simple. That is why we have created GIVEdsm. GIVEdsm is an online resource that allows the opportunity to learn about the needs of our nonprofits and offer support to those that match your interests.

Connections that Count

"If you have the desire to make a difference but aren't sure how to make it happen, the Community Foundation is the perfect resource. They will take the time to understand the impact you want to achieve and set you up for success. Their research, scheduling of site visits and more has provided a personal approach to connecting with the causes we care about."

- Darcy Hathaway

Your Partner in Giving

"By partnering with the Community Foundation, we continue to learn. Whether attending an event to learn about new opportunities or participating in training for nonprofit volunteers so we can better serve the organizations we care about, the Community Foundation is more than a partner in giving; they are a partner in transforming Des Moines."

Better Together.Better Forever.