2025 Leadership Grant Recipients

May 4, 2026

Local, nonprofit organizations are at the heart of our community, driving quality of life across the region. Through the Better Together Fund Leadership Grant program, support is directed to the dedicated nonprofit sector working to address root causes, challenge systems and create lasting change. 

These 2025 Leadership Grant recipients are designed to activate solutions, not simply fund projects. Leadership Grants are grounded in alignment with the region’s shared vision for the future. 

Each year, priorities are shaped by more than 20 community plans developed by those closest to the work, including:

  • Capital Crossroads Roadmap
  • Central Iowa Food Security Plan
  • The Blueprint to Address Homelessness
  • One Economy Report: A Path Forward
  • Safe and Thriving Youth Plan 
  • and others 

This ensures the Community Foundation’s grantmaking program is reflective of the community and fosters inclusive engagement to improve quality of life for all. Leadership Grants catalyze and challenge Greater Des Moines to impact systems change and significantly influence community outcomes and opportunities.

Moving the Needle on Student Success

Strategic expansion of By Degrees Foundation’s whole-school K–12 feeder pattern model in north Des Moines, emphasizing long-term student success. Sustained educational programming is paired with tangible financial investments to help close opportunity gaps and promote generational wealth-building. 

“Funding from the Community Foundation strategically supports postsecondary and career exploration, early financial investment and authentic family engagement as deliberate components of each student’s journey.” — EMILY WESTERGAARD, CEO, By Degrees Foundation

Addressing Homelessness and Affordable Housing 

Expansion of affordable housing options for individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability through Greater Des Moines Supportive Housing. Integrated on-site services, including case management, financial literacy, employment support and specialized programming will help residents build a stronger foundation for long-term success. 

“Housing is foundational. This investment strengthens our community’s housing continuum by expanding supportive units at a time of significant need and creates environments where individuals can stabilize, access services and work toward long-term housing security.” — EMILY OSWEILER , CEO, Greater Des Moines Supportive Housing

Central Iowa Emergency Rental Assistance Study

A local research study activates approximately $1.7 million in emergency rental assistance for individuals and families experiencing a housing crisis in Polk, Dallas or Warren Counties over a two-year period, supported through a funding collaborative and coordinated by the Mid-Iowa Health Foundation.

“This is an opportunity to improve our current systems by investing in research that provides recommendations to most effectively achieve the desired outcome of keeping community members experiencing a crisis in stable housing.” — DR. NALO JOHNSON, President & CEO, Mid-Iowa Health Foundation

Work that Impacts Housing Coalition

The Polk County Housing Trust Fund implements a pre-apprenticeship program designed to upskill and reskill individuals in the trades while simultaneously completing deferred home maintenance repairs for qualified homeowners.

“This community initiative combines housing and workforce development, while providing support for community members to realize stable careers with livable wages. Simultaneously, the apprentices are helping repair housing in neighborhoods that are often overlooked.” — JULIAN D. NEELY, Director of Advancement and Community Investment, Polk County Housing Trust Fund

Urbandale Food Pantry 

The Urbandale Food Pantry’s community hub model addresses the root causes of food insecurity by co-locating collaborative service partners, making navigation and access to additional resources easier for individuals and families seeking support. 

“This grant is an investment in what matters most: people. The Community Foundation sees our vision for well-rounded support services and is helping reduce food insecurity in more meaningful, dignified and connected ways.” — PATTY SNEDDON-KISTING CEO, Urbandale Food Pantry