Community Fdn of Greater Des Moines F/K/a Greater Des Moines Community Fdn
The Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines is a public charity based in an individual recipient, Iowa, formed in 1969. It works with donors, families, businesses, nonprofits, and communities to establish charitable funds, connect donors with causes, and provide leadership on community issues. Its work includes grantmaking, fiscal sponsorship, and administrative and financial services for community initiatives and nonprofits.
Community Fdn of Greater Des Moines F/K/a Greater Des Moines Community Fdn at a glance
In short: Community Fdn of Greater Des Moines F/K/a Greater Des Moines Community Fdn gave $55.7M across 1,259 grants in 2024 (avg $44K), mostly in Iowa. 38% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $55,679,468
- +6.6% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 1,259
- -24.0% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $44,225
- +40.3% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $12,889
- Total assets
- $918,701,941
- +13.2% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 38% first-time grantees (252 of 661, 2024)
- Primary geography
- Iowa (88% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Community Fdn of Greater Des Moines F/K/a Greater Des Moines Community Fdn
- How to Apply
-
The sources describe required pre-application alignment conversations for Leadership Grants and encourage prospective Capacity Building applicants to discuss proposals with the foundation before applying.
- Review Cycle
- The 2026 Leadership Grant Cycle 2 Letter of Intent deadline was October 1 at noon, which has passed. The listed finalist application deadline is November 6 at noon, followed by finalist presentations on November 18 and award notifications on December 9.
- Deadline
- The 2026 Leadership Grant Cycle 2 Letter of Intent deadline was October 1 at noon, which has passed.
- Next open deadline
- January 15, 2027 (CCCF Standard Grant)
- Contact
Mailing address: 1915 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309-7271
Phone: (515) 883-2626
Website: https://desmoinesfoundation.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
5 open opportunities from Community Fdn of Greater Des Moines F/K/a Greater Des Moines Community Fdn
CCCF Standard Grant
Community Fdn of Greater Des Moines F/K/a Greater Des Moines Community Fdn
Amount
US $3,001 - US $10,000
Deadline
Expected ~January
Based on past cycles
CFGDM: Capacity Building Grants
Community Fdn of Greater Des Moines F/K/a Greater Des Moines Community Fdn
Amount
Up to US $7,500
Deadline
Deadline not published
CFGDM: Leadership Grants
Community Fdn of Greater Des Moines F/K/a Greater Des Moines Community Fdn
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who Community Fdn of Greater Des Moines F/K/a Greater Des Moines Community Fdn funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was The Catholic Foundation of Southwest Iowa ($7.7M across 5 grants). Together the top 10 received $23.0M.
Organizations only. It also paid 22 grants to individuals ($3,162,915), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
12,348 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 11,240 grants of 12,348 (91%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation’s website describes its Leadership Grant work as focused on Greater Des Moines. In 2024, 88% of grant dollars went to Iowa recipients; the next-largest state shares were South Carolina at 3%, Florida at 2%, Kansas at 2%, and Virginia at 1%. The 2024 awards included grants to organizations in Iowa and Florida, among other states.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 1,259 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Community Fdn of Greater Des Moines F/K/a Greater Des Moines Community Fdn open to new grantees?
38%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 252 of 661 grantees (38%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $26K; repeat grants $120K. How we count
Medians: $11K first-time, $20K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $42.6M (2021) to $81.6M (2020). In 2024 it made 1,259 grants totaling $55.7M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| The Catholic Foundation of Southwest Iowa Des Moines, IA | Grant Distribution | $7,339,995 |
| Spirit of Okoboji Okoboji, IA | Emerald Estates Purchase Support | $3,050,000 |
| Spirit of Okoboji Okoboji, IA | Green Ice Development Land Purchase. | $2,100,000 |
| United Community Services Inc West Des Moines, IA | Grant Distribution | $1,018,847 |
| Dowling Catholic High School West Des Moines, IA | Grant Distribution | $1,000,000 |
| Greater Des Moines Public Art Foundation - Co Community Foundation Des Moines, IA | Grant distribution for purpose of dsm international airport art | $1,000,000 |
| Maltz Jupiter Theatre Jupiter, FL | Grant Distribution-for the Purpose of the Conservatory | $1,000,000 |
| 5 grants to individuals Recipients not named | — | $2,209,075 |
| Des Moines Performing Arts Des Moines, IA | Operating Grant Cycle 2024 - First Quarter Payment | $500,000 |
| Catholic Tuition Organization Des Moines, IA | Grant Distribution | $415,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Community Fdn of Greater Des Moines F/K/a Greater Des Moines Community Fdn?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
The filing lists 1,259 grants in 2024, 1,656 in 2023, and 1,749 in 2022.
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $918,701,941 | $160,755,314 | $96,607,690 | $55,679,468 | 1,259 | $45,058,566 |
| 2023 | $811,888,171 | $109,094,031 | $72,508,750 | $52,216,521 | 1,656 | $28,980,553 |
| 2022 | $706,043,341 | $130,145,897 | $77,264,221 | $67,548,313 | 1,749 | $21,287,380 |
| 2021 | $756,930,676 | $144,988,273 | $59,798,330 | $42,642,894 | 1,479 | $51,896,969 |
| 2020 | $638,683,906 | $108,289,441 | $80,012,038 | $81,607,572 | 6,205 | $20,715,119 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s mission is to improve quality of life for all by promoting charitable giving, connecting donors with causes, and providing leadership on important community issues.
Its 2026 Leadership Grant priorities are expanding access to housing and transportation; advancing community health and resilience; fostering inclusive economic and workforce development; and cultivating a thriving and inclusive community. Examples of strategies include reducing homelessness and food insecurity, expanding access to health resources, addressing barriers to economic growth and career progression, and using arts and culture to advance community priorities. The foundation says these investments are rooted in alignment with community plans and inclusive engagement.
The foundation’s 2024 filing describes Leadership Grants as supporting projects and programs that improve quality of life in Greater Des Moines, and Capacity Building Grants as helping nonprofits strengthen effectiveness, management, and organizational capacity. Its website also describes Strategic Alignment Grants for nonprofit organizations exploring or implementing ways to deepen partnerships, align operations or programming, or enhance systemic support around a community issue.
In 2024, supported organizations included the Spirit of Okoboji, whose stated purpose is to support charitable and educational causes primarily in Iowa and the Okoboji area; United Community Services Inc., which says its mission is to create hope for healing and lifelong well-being; and the Greater Des Moines Public Art Foundation, which says it places art in public spaces through public and private collaborations. Other grantees included performing arts organizations and a university advancement organization.
Grantmaking
The 2024 filing lists 1,259 grants totaling $55,679,468. Itemized grants ranged from $5,010 to $7,339,995, with a median of $12,889. The foundation separately reported that more than $84 million was granted to charitable causes in 2024 through its grantmaking programs and donor funds.
The largest listed 2024 grants included $7,339,995 to The Catholic Foundation of an individual recipient for grant distribution; $3,050,000 and $2,100,000 to the Spirit of Okoboji for Emerald Estates purchase support and a Green Ice development land purchase; and $1,018,847 to United Community Services Inc. for grant distribution. Other listed awards included $1 million to the Greater Des Moines Public Art Foundation for DSM International Airport art, $1 million to Maltz Jupiter Theatre for its conservatory, $1 million to the University of Iowa Center for Advancement for a women’s basketball scholarship, and $500,000 to an individual recipient Performing Arts for an operating grant cycle payment.
The foundation’s website describes Leadership, Capacity Building, and Strategic Alignment Grants as competitive programs supported by the Better Together Fund. Capacity Building Grants support nonprofit governance, management, and strategic planning; the program information says awards are made throughout the year and encourages prospective applicants to discuss proposals with foundation staff before applying. The website says prospective Leadership Grant applicants must discuss project alignment with a Community Impact team member before submitting a Letter of Intent, and may share a draft LOI for feedback. Potential applicants are asked to connect their proposals to the grantmaking priorities and relevant community plans. The 2026 Leadership Grant materials say typical grant investments have exceeded $100,000.
The Capacity Building Grant program lists awards of up to $7,500. The Empowering Adair County Grant, affiliated with the foundation, lists awards of up to $10,000 for community betterment projects in Adair County; its stated eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) organizations and government units.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Susan Fitzsimmons as chair, Debbie Hubbell as vice chair, Gerry Neugent as secretary, and Steve Lacy as treasurer. Listed directors were Joyce Chapman, Franklin Codel, Marta Codina, Mary Coffin, Peter Cownie, and Suzanna De Baca.
Community Fdn of Greater Des Moines F/K/a Greater Des Moines Community Fdn is led by Kristine Knous, President on every filing since 2020; 8 of 39 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Kristine Knous
President
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$248K (2020) → $367K (2024)
Susan Fitzsimmons
Chair
Director → Vice Chair, 2022
Vice Chair → Chair, 2024
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Sarah Ramsey
Director of Donor Engagement
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
$108K (2024)
Dan Houston
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Franklin Codel
Director
Vice Chair → Chair, 2022
Chair → Director, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
George Hiller
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jill Oman
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
John Ruan IV
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Joseph Jones
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Joyce Chapman
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kathy Fehrman
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mark Rupprecht
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Marty Martin
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mary Coffin
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Peter Cownie
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Robert Riley Jr.
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Sheldon Ohringer
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Sunnie Richer
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Brad Schoenfelder
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Cynthia S. Thorland
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Izaah Knox
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Marta Codina
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Dan Keough
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Darren Rebelez
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Fred Hubbell
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Suzanna De Baca
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Adreain Henry
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ardis Kelley
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kuuku Saah
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Todd Millang
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Angela Dethlefs-Trettin
Chief Community Impact Officer
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$142K (2020) → $171K (2024)
Kris Pete-Swanson
Senior Vice President of Finance
Vice President of Finance & Controller → Senior Vice President of Finance, 2024
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$119K (2020) → $157K (2024)
Lynne Yontz
Chief Charitable Giving Officer
Chief Charitable Giving of → Chief Charitable Giving Officer, 2024
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$144K (2020) → $172K (2024)
Karla Jones
Chief Financial & Administrative Officer
Chief Financial & Administrator → Chief Financial & Administrative Officer, 2024
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$212K (2023) → $221K (2024)
Emily Toribio
Vice President of Marketing & Communications
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
$103K (2024)
Ryan Douglas
Senior Charitable Giving Advisor
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
$103K (2024)
Debbie Hubbell
Vice Chair
Director → Vice Chair, 2024
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Gerry Neugent
Secretary
Director → Secretary, 2022
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Steve Lacy
Treasurer
Director → Treasurer, 2023
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (14)
- Former: Allison Fleming (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Andrea Abel (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Teree Caldwell-Johnson (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Karla Jones-Weber (2020–2022) — Chief Financial & Administrator
- Former: Sara Bonney (2020–2022) — Chief Marketing Officer
- Former: Cara K. Heiden (2020–2021) — Secretary & Treasurer
- Former: Connie Wimer (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Fred Buie (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Jessica Snyder (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Kyle J. Krause (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Richard Deming MD (2020–2021) — Chair
- Former: Rosemary Parson (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Michael G. Gartner (2020) — Director
- Former: Nora Everett (2020) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $367K, to Kristine Knous (President). 8 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Community Fdn of Greater Des Moines F/K/a Greater Des Moines Community Fdn
How much does Community Fdn of Greater Des Moines F/K/a Greater Des Moines Community Fdn give each year?
Community Fdn of Greater Des Moines F/K/a Greater Des Moines Community Fdn gave $55.7M across 1,259 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $52.2M across 1,656 grants.
What is Community Fdn of Greater Des Moines F/K/a Greater Des Moines Community Fdn's typical grant size?
Community Fdn of Greater Des Moines F/K/a Greater Des Moines Community Fdn's median grant in 2024 was $12,889, and its average grant was $44,225, across 1,259 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Community Fdn of Greater Des Moines F/K/a Greater Des Moines Community Fdn that year got $26K on average.
Where does Community Fdn of Greater Des Moines F/K/a Greater Des Moines Community Fdn give grants?
Community Fdn of Greater Des Moines F/K/a Greater Des Moines Community Fdn gives mostly in Iowa: 88% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Des Moines, IA (375 grants), West Des Moines, IA (78 grants), Johnston, IA (34 grants) and Ames, IA (30 grants).
Does Community Fdn of Greater Des Moines F/K/a Greater Des Moines Community Fdn give general operating support?
Occasionally: 8% of Community Fdn of Greater Des Moines F/K/a Greater Des Moines Community Fdn's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (98 of 1,259) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990. Recurring purposes include "Grant Distribution" (529 grants), "2024 Contribution" (4 grants) and "Capital Project Grant 2024" (4 grants).
Who are Community Fdn of Greater Des Moines F/K/a Greater Des Moines Community Fdn's largest grantees?
Community Fdn of Greater Des Moines F/K/a Greater Des Moines Community Fdn's largest 2024 grantees include The Catholic Foundation of Southwest Iowa ($7,724,233 across 5 grants), Spirit of Okoboji ($6,158,850 across 17 grants) and Drake University ($1,839,911 across 45 grants), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. It also paid 22 grants to individuals ($3,162,915), which are not listed by name. Together they received 28% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Community Fdn of Greater Des Moines F/K/a Greater Des Moines Community Fdn?
Community Fdn of Greater Des Moines F/K/a Greater Des Moines Community Fdn reported $918.7M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $160.8M.
What does Community Fdn of Greater Des Moines F/K/a Greater Des Moines Community Fdn fund?
The foundation’s mission is to improve quality of life for all by promoting charitable giving, connecting donors with causes, and providing leadership on important community issues. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Community Fdn of Greater Des Moines F/K/a Greater Des Moines Community Fdn?
The sources describe required pre-application alignment conversations for Leadership Grants and encourage prospective Capacity Building applicants to discuss proposals with the foundation before applying. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Community Fdn of Greater Des Moines F/K/a Greater Des Moines Community Fdn's EIN?
Community Fdn of Greater Des Moines F/K/a Greater Des Moines Community Fdn's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 42-6139033. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 15, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 9, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 14, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 13, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 10, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Community Fdn of Greater Des Moines F/K/a Greater Des Moines Community Fdn's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in Iowa
Alliant Energy Foundation Inc
Madison, WI
Assets
$28.5M
Grants
929
Total Given
$2.4M
Pella Rolscreen Foundation
Pella, IA
The Pella Rolscreen Foundation supports charitable organizations working in education and community betterment, including civic, cultural, social, and physical-environment programs in communities where Pella Corporation employees live. Large grants generally range from $10,000 to $50,000 and typically cover no more than 25% of project costs; its 2024 grants had a median of $1,029. It accepts unsolicited requests from eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities in communities where Pella has manufacturing plants.
Assets
$22.4M
Grants
433
Total Given
$1.9M
Prairie Meadows Race Track and Casino Inc
Altoona, IA
Prairie Meadows supports Iowa nonprofits in arts and culture, education, economic development, human services, and youth sports and recreation; Legacy grants focus on large-scale projects in central Iowa. Its programs offer $100–$1 million for Legacy, $100–$99,999 for Community Betterment, and $1,000–$50,000 for Youth Sports and Recreation. It accepts applications through its online system; the 2026 deadline was February 27, 2026, and has passed.
Assets
$327.6M
Grants
409
Total Given
$33.0M
Iowa Health Care Association Foundation
West Des Moines, IA
The Iowa Health Care Association Foundation funds scholarships and career-education resources for employees of member long-term-care organizations and Iowa high school students pursuing long-term-care careers. Its typical giving level varies: it awarded 287 grants totaling about $4.1 million in 2024, and the listed high school scholarship is $2,000. Its programs focus on Iowa; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$329K
Grants
287
Total Given
$4.1M
New Charitable Foundation
Fort Dodge, IA
Assets
$6K
Grants
264
Total Given
$294K
Quad Cities Community Foundation
Bettendorf, IA
Quad Cities Community Foundation funds nonprofit operations and programs across areas including education, health, arts and culture, community development, youth, and the environment, primarily in Rock Island County, Illinois, and Scott County, Iowa, with some service to surrounding counties. Its 2024 grants had a median of $15,000; its Operations and Programs Grants program lists requests of $5,000–$20,000.
Assets
$209.7M
Grants
263
Total Given
$7.5M
More similar funders
More Funders in Iowa
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Community Fdn of Greater Des Moines F/K/a Greater Des Moines Community Fdn funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 6, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/community-fdn-of-greater-des-moines-f-k-a-greater-des-moines-community-fdn-morg_58aae6e70a72400e87640008d023def3
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_426139033_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Community Fdn of Greater Des Moines F/K/a Greater Des Moines Community Fdn funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/community-fdn-of-greater-des-moines-f-k-a-greater-des-moines-community-fdn-morg_58aae6e70a72400e87640008d023def3},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-06. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Community Fdn of Greater Des Moines F/K/a Greater Des Moines Community Fdn's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
Community Fdn of Greater Des Moines F/K/a Greater Des Moines Community Fdn down — hundreds of funders to go?