There From the Beginning
When visionary leaders came together to start the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines in 1969, they did so with a shared dream.
They recognized that for Greater Des Moines to grow and develop, charitable giving had to play a critical role in supporting a high quality of life, vibrant cultural sector, education for all, innovative businesses, desirable recreational opportunities and a strong workforce. Establishing a community foundation provided a unique opportunity to be a resource and leader for the future of Greater Des Moines. It is our mission to ensure this dream continues to be realized today and for generations to come.
Our History
For more than 55 years, the Community Foundation has shaped the story of our community by working alongside countless partners to address pressing needs and promising opportunities to make Greater Des Moines greater. Through its leadership, grantmaking and collaborations, the Community Foundation welcomes new ideas and approaches to solve problems, inspire action and build a vibrant community.
Highlights from our History
William & Eleanor Friedman establish the first donor advised fund and Equitable Life of Iowa establishes the first corporate advised fund.
Monroe Colston is hired as the Community Foundation’s first president.
United Way of Central Iowa moves its endowment to the Community Foundation creating the first agency fund. John and Zelda Grubb make a generous gift to the Community Foundation’s Better Together Fund to activate the organization’s grantmaking.
Johnny Danos joins the Community Foundation as president. The Better Together Fund reaches $1.2 million in assets to support transformational community investments through Community Foundation Leadership Grants.
The Community Foundation establishes affiliate community foundations in counties throughout the state.
$100 million in assets and 330 charitable giving funds are administered by the Community Foundation.
The Nonprofit Accounting Services program begins to provide professional accounting and administrative services to nonprofits.
Barry Griswell joins the Community Foundation as president. Charitable Investment Partners program begins to provide the opportunity for fund holders to continue to invest their charitable assets with their trusted professional advisors.
Kristi Knous becomes president of the Community Foundation.
Keep Iowa Growing launches to provide an opportunity to grow giving through agricultural gifts.
$543 million in assets are administered by the Community Foundation.
GIVEdsm is created as a unique online platform to maximize giving by connecting donors with needs in the community.
$1.2 billion in total assets are administered by the Community Foundation and nearly $100 million in grants are distributed to nonprofit organizations.
Looking Forward
Over 50 years later, we continue to help realize our founders’ vision for our community. As a convener we have set the table for critical community conversations, resulting in real impact. As a funder we have made the dreams for our city a reality by investing in the projects and organizations that are making Greater Des Moines greater. As a partner we have worked alongside thousands of generous individuals, families, advisors and businesses to ensure that their charitable wishes and dreams are fulfilled today and for generations to come. Together, we are fulfilling a world-class vision for what our community can become.
It takes a strong community to build a strong foundation and we thank you for the many years of support. Together, we’ve created real and lasting impact, but we are only getting started. We are simply better together.