Better Together Award Recipients Announced

May 13, 2013

The Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines announced recipients of Better Together Awards at its annual Celebration Luncheon and Report to the Community. The Better Together Award recognizes nonprofit organizations, civic groups, and individuals who are building social capital in our community.

Central Iowa Shelter & Services was recognized as the organization recipient and received a $2,500 grant from the Community Foundation to advance its social capital work. Additional finalists for the Better Together Organization Award included the FreeStore and Iowa International Center.

This year, for the first time, the Community Foundation recognized both of its individual finalists as award recipients. Lieutenant Joe Gonzalez of the Des Moines Police and Mark Ackelson of the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation received Better Together awards and each received a $1,000 Giving Card from the Community Foundation to invest in a local nonprofit of their choice that is building social capital.

Social capital is defined as connections among diverse people or groups, based on trust, that enhance cooperation for mutual benefit.  Those who build social capital possess a unique set of skills and attitudes that enable them to collaborate effectively, make connections between diverse sectors, bridge differences and nurture social networks to make a difference.