Mission of the West Des Moines Community Foundation:

Our mission is to preserve and improve the quality of life in West Des Moines by engaging others in philanthropic support and services.

Giving in West Des Moines

The West Des Moines Community Foundation is an all-volunteer board of citizens committed to improving the quality of life in our city. When you donate to the WDMCF, you can be confident that your dollars go to support proven local programs in a thoughtful and diligent manner. All Community Foundation grants are overseen by our independent Board of volunteers, in close consultation with City leadership, and as an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines.

Our Foundation maintains four separate funds under the West Des Moines Community Foundation umbrella for donors who wish to further direct their contributions:

Click on any fund to make a gift online:

• WDMCF Passthrough Fund
  • Our most flexible and impactful giving option. The Passthrough Fund allows the full amount of any donation to go to grantees as vetted by our Board. Donations to this passthrough fund are not eligible for Endow Iowa credits, but may be tax deductible for you.
• WDMCF Endowment
  • A long-term endowment. Annual spending is limited to 5% of principle. Endow Iowa eligible.
• WDMCF Recreation & Trails Endow Iowa Fund
  • A long-term fund dedicated to developing trail resources. Annual spending is limited to 5% of principle. Endow Iowa eligible.
• WDMCF Arts & Culture Endow Iowa Fund
  • An emerging Endowment fund focused on the arts. Annual spending will be limited to 5% of principle when fully endowed. Endow Iowa eligible. 

As an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, our several approaches to giving are personal, simple and flexible. By partnering with us you focus on the joy of supporting the causes you care about in ways that fit your needs, while we ensure the administrative details of giving are taken care of at the highest standard. We offer a variety of charitable giving fund options to match your needs and provide access to unique tax-wise giving opportunities like Endow Iowa, a 25% state tax credit. We are also here to ensure that your charitable legacy continues for generations to come so that the causes and community you care about today will benefit from your generosity after your lifetime. Whether working with us directly or through your trusted professional advisor, we are here to meet your giving goals and make West Des Moines better together.

Learn more about how we are making West Des Moines a better place to live and see our impact that was featured in West Des Moines City Magazine.

West Des Moines Community Foundation Grants

Grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities serving the West Des Moines community. Grant selections are made in an effort to create a better quality of life for people in West Des Moines. The local governing committee reviews the applications from charitable organizations serving their community. 

Grant Applications Due: first day of each quarter (January, April, July, and October)

A response of Accepted or Denied or More Information Needed will be returned within 30 days

Click here to download the grant application.

Advisory Board Members