Grants for Nonprofit Organizations

The Community Foundation has two competitive grant programs made possible by contributions to the Better Together Fund: Leadership Grants and Capacity Building Grants.

Applications for these grant programs are available through our online web portal called Manage My Grants. For instructions on how to use Manage My Grants click here. To obtain a user name and password please contact the Community Foundation by email or at 515-447-4219. Click here to watch a video about our grantmaking programs.

Leadership Grants

The Community Foundation plays a key role in providing significant funding to projects that strengthen Greater Des Moines by proactively addressing our community’s most pressing needs and promising opportunities. This grant program seeks to create tidal waves of impact around community issues. Review the Grantmaking Priorities. 

Leadership Grant Details & Application Cycle

• Review Leadership Grant Guidelines and Instructions.
• Spring Cycle: Letter of Intent (LOI) due by 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 3, 2019 
• Fall Cycle: Letter of Intent (LOI) due by 4 p.m. Tuesday, October 1, 2019 

It is required that an organization meet with a staff member at the Community Foundation before each Leadership Grant Letter of Intent cycle to discuss the proposal. Your Letter of Intent will not be considered for a Leadership Grant if you have not met with Community Foundation staff. Please contact Angie Dethlefs-Trettin, Chief Community Impact Officer, to schedule a conversation.   

Capacity Building Grants

Capacity Building Grants seek to strengthen an organization’s effectiveness. We provide funding for assistance in areas related to governance or management and coalition development/support around a community issue or priority. 

Capacity Building Grant Details & Cycle: 

• Review Capacity Building Grant Guidelines and Instructions.
• Capacity Building Grants are awarded throughout the year and can be requested at any time.  

Organizations interested in this grant program are strongly encouraged to contact Brianne Sanchez, Director of Nonprofit Relations, to discuss the proposal.