Nonprofit Resources
The Community Foundation recognizes the nonprofit sector's vital role in creating a vibrant and thriving community. Nonprofit organizations provide essential programs and are a driving economic force for our community.
Nonprofit Grant Programs
The Community Foundation offers three competitive grant programs made possible by the Better Together Fund.
- Leadership Grants provide significant funding to projects that improve quality of life in Greater Des Moines. Our grantmaking priorities are focused around equity and support projects that have the potential to create significant impact on community issues and opportunities.
- Capacity Building Grants invest in initiatives that enable nonprofits to strengthen their boards and governance, enhance internal management, and strategically plan for the future.
- Strategic Alignment Grants invest in the exploration and/or implementation of strategic alignment strategies between two or more nonprofits that enhance systemic support around a community issue or priority, align operations or programming, or deepen partnerships.
GIVEdsm
is the Community Foundation’s online interactive platform that allows
nonprofit organizations impacting Greater Des Moines to post funding
opportunities that can be searched by Community Foundation charitable
fund holders and the greater community. Nonprofits can submit capital
campaigns, requests for general support and timely funding needs.
Trainings for Nonprofit Board and Staff
Strong nonprofit organizations must have effective and engaged leadership. The Community Foundation offers affordable professional development opportunities to enhance the governance, management and skills of local nonprofit board and staff members. View upcoming training opportunities.
For Impact Leaders
The Community Foundation hosts For Impact Leaders, a nine-month peer learning cohort focused on the development of engaged and knowledgeable nonprofit leaders in Greater Des Moines. The program is an individualized learning experience with an emphasis on personal development that can be translated to leading purpose-driven work and assist in generating a healthy and sustainable nonprofit organization.
Colleague Connect
Colleague Connect is a series of conversation and networking groups set in a fun, informal and confidential setting. The content of the meeting can include round table discussions, idea sharing or a speaker. Group members and staff commit to creating a confidential space for peer groups to share resources, discuss insights and troubleshoot challenges.
Nonprofit Endowments
The Community Foundation works with nonprofit organizations to establish
endowment funds
and invest assets, providing responsible fund management. Distributions
from the fund are granted back to the nonprofit organization to be used
at the discretion of its governing board. Strong nonprofits recognize
the importance of sustainability and building endowments that support
the future of their organization.
Nonprofit Employment Opportunities
We are pleased to make connections between charitable organizations and purpose-driven professionals. Search our listing of nonprofit jobs or submit a job posting here.
Nonprofit Consultants
The Community Foundation is committed to increasing the capacity of the local nonprofit sector. Because of this commitment, we maintain a list of local consultants who are interested in working with nonprofit organizations. View nonprofit consultants.
LeadershipLink
Strong nonprofit organizations need strong leadership. LeadershipLink is a tool to connect nonprofits seeking board or committee members with those in our community wanting to serve. We encourage nonprofit organizations to post all volunteer leadership opportunities with your nonprofit organization on LeadershipLink. Looking to develop your leadership through board service? Search opportunities posted on LeadershipLink.
Helpful Links
From grantwriting to governance, we’ve curated several online resources to help your nonprofit organization succeed in fulfilling its mission. View our library of links to helpful online resources.
Nonprofit Link E-Newsletter
The Community Foundation distributes a monthly newsletter that provides information, resources, and event details to support nonprofit organizations in Greater Des Moines. Sign up to receive the Nonprofit Link.
For questions or more information about nonprofit resources at the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines contact Ellie Burns, Senior Director of Nonprofit Relations at burns@desmoinesfoundation.org or (515)-883-2629.