For over 55 years, the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines has proudly carried out our mission to grow greater giving, connect donors to causes and provide leadership to improve quality of life for all. We have invested both dollars and much-needed capacity building resources in the continued success of our local nonprofit sector, or as we like to call it – our for-impact sector. They are truly the epicenter of our communities and are consistently at the forefront, making critical impact. They take action and inspire transformational change for those they serve – making stronger communities for all of us.
As a partner for and with our for-impact sector, we have stood with them throughout 2025, closely monitoring federal and state policy and funding changes that hold significant impact on the services provided by Iowa nonprofits. This has been a highly challenging start to the year for our local nonprofit organizations as they scramble to ensure people remain fed and housed, mental health services remain available, our newest refugee community members receive transition services, and the doors to our arts and cultural organizations remain open. Honestly, the list of challenges they are now facing goes on and on. Recent decisions have created uncertainty, disruption and fear amongst the nonprofit sector. This unpredictability affects funding, services, staffing and ultimately, the communities we collectively love and support.
We can’t underestimate the downstream effects, and the financial and human risk of nonprofits losing out on government funding. According to the Urban Institute, 62% of Iowa Nonprofits receive federal grants, estimated at $1.3 billion statewide; and Polk County alone receives $344 million in federal grants, enabling critical services for our neighbors. With funding cuts and freezes, gaps are growing into chasms that can’t be filled. According to the 2024 Central Iowa Nonprofit Sector Survey, an already financially fragile nonprofit sector was already experiencing shifting funding streams, with widespread changes to broader economic, social and technological trends that influence how donations are made.
While philanthropy is finding ways to leverage support in these unprecedented times, private donors cannot make up for all that has been lost by funding and policy changes. Nonprofits and those they serve are at great risk of financial shortfalls, causing programs to be cut, staff to be eliminated and those in need to suffer deeply. The profound ripple effects on our communities disproportionately affect our most vulnerable populations. And it affects all of us.
The Community Foundation exists to inspire greater giving and create greater impact. While government funding streams and priorities may change, we remain unwavering in our commitment to our nonprofit partners and the communities and people they serve across Central Iowa. We stand with our nonprofits and seek responsive solutions as new needs arise. We advocate for federal funding to resume and continue and for policy to be reflective of critical community and human needs.
As someone who loves the communities we serve and understands the vital role nonprofits play, we are asking that you stand with us as a catalyst for good. Now is the time to share your voice, monitor critical policy decisions, increase your giving and volunteerism and lift-up our critical for-impact sector.
Our communities, and the vibrant region we love to call home, depend on us being better together.
To learn more about the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, our resources for nonprofits, or to find your local affiliate community foundation, visit desmoinesfoundation.org.