Des Moines Social Club receives $350,000 in grants for Firehouse location from Community Foundation
Sep. 5, 2012
The Des Moines Social Club received another boost toward its $3.5 million fundraising goal to purchase and renovate the Firehouse at the corner of 9th and Mulberry in downtown Des Moines. The Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines is providing a $100,000 Leadership Grant in support of the project. The Community Foundation Leadership Circle, a giving circle comprised of 16 community leaders, is supporting the Social Club with a $250,000 grant.
"The Des Moines Social Club brings vibrancy and life to downtown Des Moines and enhances the arts and culture scene in our community. Keeping the Social Club downtown in a space that will meet the current and future needs of the arts community is a win for Greater Des Moines," says Kristi Knous, president and chief operating officer at the Community Foundation.
Leadership Circle Member Mark Oman said, "The members of our group recognize the incredible potential and momentum the Social Club generates for Central Iowa. A new generation of young professionals and residents are engaged in the variety of activities taking place at the Social Club."
The Des Moines Social Club is a nonprofit organization that uses art as a catalyst to create unprecedented community engagement. In existence since 2009, the Des Moines Social Club is working to purchase and restore Fire Station #1 as its permanent home in downtown Des Moines.
Executive Director of the Des Moines Social Club Zachary Mannheimer said, "The Community Foundation has been with us every step of the way on this incredible journey. Their generous gift to us is a major signal that the community is behind us and working together to create an Arts Incubator to support the local creative movement. We are thrilled with their support and look forward to collaborating as we bring this concept to fruition."
The Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines Leadership Circle is a group comprised of donors who have created a substantial endowment that supports projects or causes that provide long-term community impact and address the most critical needs in Greater Des Moines. Leadership Circle donors pledge $2 million through initial contributions and deferred gifts. Backed by its funding ability, the Leadership Circle provides grants to projects that provide significant community enhancements.
Leadership Circle Members Include: Sunnie Richer & Roger Brooks, Suzie Glazer Burt, Patty & Jim Cownie, Richard L. Deming, M.D., Michele & Barry Griswell, Charlotte & Fred S. Hubbell, Sharon & Kyle J. Krause, Jill & Mark Oman and Emily & Fred Weitz