Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines Distributes Nearly $100 Million in Grants
The Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines announced Thursday that it distributed nearly $100 million in charitable grants in 2025, a nearly 20% increase over the previous year. The funds benefited more than 2,900 charities as donors responded to pressing needs and promising opportunities across Central Iowa and beyond.
The foundation also reported that donors contributed more than $105 million in new gifts to charitable funds during the year, ensuring continued support for a wide range of causes. This influx of support comes as nonprofit organizations continue to navigate unprecedented challenges, according to Kristi Knous, president of the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines.
“Over the past year, the challenges facing our local nonprofit organizations have been unprecedented, and donors responded to those pressing needs with overwhelming support,” Knous said in a prepared statement. “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.”
A significant portion of the grantmaking focused on community-led initiatives. Nearly $2.9 million in grants were activated through the foundation’s Better Together Fund, which supports promising community opportunities. The foundation also saw the establishment of 164 new charitable funds in 2025, bringing the total number of funds under its administration to 2,763.
As of December 31, 2025, the Community Foundation reported total assets under administration of $1.2 billion, processing more than 31,000 financial transactions throughout the year. Beyond direct grantmaking, the organization invested in strengthening the nonprofit sector itself, with more than 1,100 nonprofit staff and board members participating in training programs.
The Community Foundation also continues to serve as a host foundation, supporting affiliate community foundations in 46 Iowa counties and communities. This collaborative approach extends the reach of charitable giving across the state.
Debbie Hubbell, chair of the Community Foundation board, emphasized the importance of shared commitment to charitable giving. “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,” Hubbell said in a prepared statement. “This shared commitment to accountability, collaboration and charitable giving builds strong communities.”
Looking ahead, the Community Foundation’s 2026 grant cycle is now open, including its Leadership, Capacity Building and Strategic Alignment grant programs. The foundation will also host its Annual Celebration Luncheon and Report to the Community on April 23 at the Community Choice Convention Center in Des Moines.
The Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines has been a designated 501(c)(3) organization since September 1995. According to its December 2024 tax filing, the organization operated a donor-advised fund, and reported revenue of $160,755,314 and expenses of $96,607,690 for the year. Karla Jones, Chief Financial & Administrative Officer, received compensation of $221,077, while Lynne Yontz, Chief Charitable Giving Officer, received $172,237.
