Record Near $100 Million in Charitable Grants Distributed from Community Foundation Funds in 2025
Feb 12, 2026
Nearly $100 million in grants were distributed to nonprofit organizations in 2025 from charitable giving funds held at the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, a nearly 20% increase over the previous year. More than 2,900 charities received support as fund holders responded to pressing needs and promising opportunities. Thanks to the generosity and support of Iowans, more than $105 million in new gifts were made by donors to charitable giving funds to ensure sustainable support for the causes they care about.
"Over the past year, the challenges facing our local nonprofit organizations have been unprecedented, and donors responded to those pressing needs with overwhelming support,” said Kristi Knous, president of the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines. “These milestones reflect both the generosity of all who call our communities home and the trust they place in the Community Foundation to amplify impact through a Better Together spirit.”
2025 in Review:
· Nearly $100 million in grants distributed to nonprofit organizations.
· Over 2,900 charities received support as fund holders responded to critical community needs.
· Nearly $2.9 million in grants were activated from the Better Together Fund to address promising opportunities in the community.
· More than $105 million in new gifts were made to Community Foundation funds.
· 164 new charitable funds were established, for atotal of 2,763 funds under administration.
· Over 1,100 nonprofit staff and board members attended trainings and convenings to strengthen the sector.
· The Community Foundation served as the host foundation supporting affiliate community foundations in 46 counties and communities throughout Iowa.
· $1.2 billion in total assets under administration as of December 31, 2025.
· More than 31,000 financial transactions processed to support charitable giving and grantmaking.
“As we reflect on an incredible year, we are deeply grateful for the Iowans that make a significant impact on the charitable causes they care about. This shared commitment to accountability, collaboration and charitable giving builds strong communities,” said Debbie Hubbell, chair of the Community Foundation Board of Directors.
The Community Foundation will host its Annual Celebration Luncheon and Report to the Community on Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Community Choice Convention Center Ballroom, 833 5th Avenue, Des Moines. Registration is now open and can be found by visiting the Community Foundation events page.