Community Foundation Celebrates Over $51 million in Contributions in 2014

Mar 9, 2015

The Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines celebrates a successful 2014 with over $51 million in contributions made to funds held at the organization last year. This tremendous success ensures charitable support of the community and state for generations to come. Achievements include:

  • Over $51 million in charitable gifts were made by donors to Community Foundation funds in 2014.
  • The Community Foundation’s net assets under administration grew to over $375 million as of December 31, 2014.
  • 183 new charitable funds were established with the Community Foundation for a total of 1,379 funds under administration.
  • Collectively, nearly $26 million in grants were made in 2014 from charitable funds held at the Community Foundation and the Community Foundation’s Better Together Fund.
  • The Community Foundation invested $515,000 in initiatives and opportunities strengthening Greater Des Moines through seven Leadership Grants supported by the Community Foundation’s Better Together Fund. Initiatives supported in 2014 include:
    • Community Youth Concepts: Project Forever Home
    • DesMoinesArt.: Affordable permanent workspace for artists
    • Des Moines Art Center: Conservation of environmental sculpture
    • Orchard Place: Implementation of Sanctuary Model
    • Polk County Conservation: Jester Park Conservation Center
    • Primary Health Care: Centralized Intake System for Greater Des Moines
    • Harbor of Hope: Lifetime Recovery Program

“2014 was a banner year thanks to the generosity of Iowans using the Community Foundation as their charitable giving resource,” says Community Foundation president Kristi Knous. “Each dollar gifted or granted represents more than just a number; it represents an investment in our most important issues, initiatives and needs for generations to come.”

“The mission of the Community Foundation is to improve quality of life for all by promoting charitable giving, connecting donors with causes they care about and providing leadership on important community issues,” says board chair Cara Heiden. “As we reflect upon the success of 2014, it is a privilege to see our mission in action and statewide impact being achieved.”

                                                                                

According to Knous, “For all the success the Community Foundation has experienced in 2014 we owe the communities we serve a tremendous thank you. Through collaboration quality of life is improving for all; we are truly better together.”