Affiliate Community Foundations

Local leadership, shared purpose and collective impact - working together to address pressing needs and strengthen rural Iowa communities.

The Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines serves as the host foundation for 46 county and community affiliates. While all grantmaking is carried out at a local level, operational and technical support is provided by the Community Foundation for our affiliates — so they can focus on making a lasting impact in their local communities.

The counties and communities highlighted in green are affiliates of the Community Foundation. Click below to be connected to your local community foundation representative.

How does the Community Foundation Support Affiliates?

The Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines provides operational and technical support to affiliate community foundations. We assist with federal and state tax returns, annual audit and investment management of assets, assist with distribution of grants and more. We also provide support to grow and maximize charitable giving through charitable funds established by local donors and organizations.

Along with providing these services, we offer marketing support to grow awareness of the local affiliate community foundation's services

What do Affiliates do & Who do they Serve?

Affiliate community foundations allow local people to make local decisions and create local impact. Each affiliate can hold charitable giving funds, accept donations and award grants to the causes and organizations important to each community.

If you would like to get involved with your local affiliate community foundation, please reach out to the local contact person's information included on the map above.

How does the County Endowment Fund Support Affiliates?

Twenty years ago, a group of state leaders had the foresight and opportunity to make positive, lasting change in the communities they love. The County Endowment Fund Program was born and has since provided significant support to affiliate community foundations throughout the state of Iowa.

The program annually redistributes a percentage of gaming revenues to counties in support of local charities and community projects. Throughout these past 20 years, this program has made counties and communities vibrant and fostered quality of life across our great state.

Do Affiliates Have Access to the Endow Iowa Program?

Yes. Endow Iowa Tax Credits are available on qualified gifts made through a qualified Iowa community foundation, like the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines and its affiliate community foundations.

Resources

Funds at your local community foundation provide a simple, powerful and personal approach to giving. We offer a variety of fund types to meet your needs, and we accept a variety of gift types to meet your giving goals.
As Iowans we are proud of our agricultural roots. For generations our commitment to the land and livestock has not only fed the world, it has built strong communities. Gifts of agriculture keep Iowa growing, providing an opportunity to continue a legacy of community support today and for generations to come.
Your charitable giving goals are as unique as you are, and our Giving Guide is a tailored tool that can help you focus and optimize giving to the causes you care about. You can do self-guided exploration and complete exercises to help determine what types of charitable giving is most important to you.

For questions, or to be connected to your local community foundation, contact:

Contact Us

Brianne Fitzgerald, CAP®, MA
Vice President of Affiliates
fitzgerald@desmoinesfoundation.org
Phone (515) 447-4210