CFGDM: Leadership Grants

CFGDM: Leadership Grants

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines
Last Updated: February 25, 2026

Summary

The CFGDM Leadership Grants aim to enhance quality of life in Greater Des Moines by supporting projects that align with community needs and promote equity. These grants focus on critical areas such as housing, health, economic development, and community engagement. By fostering collaborative efforts and addressing systemic barriers, the program seeks to create lasting positive change and empower local organizations to make a significant impact on community issues.

Overview

NOTE: We require potential applicants to explore project alignment with a member of the Community Impact team. Please reach out to schedule a meeting. Background The Community Foundation plays a key role in providing significant funding to projects that improve quality of life in Greater Des Moines. We have intentionally evolved our grantmaking priorities and cycles to center grant awards around equity and support projects that have the potential to create significant impact on community issues and opportunities. Leadership Grants Investments from the Leadership Grant program are rooted in community plan alignment, and prioritize and foster inclusive engagement and impact to improve quality of life for all in our community. The purpose of the Leadership Grant program is to catalyze and challenge Greater Des Moines to impact systems change and significantly influence community outcomes and opportunities by: Expanding Access to Housing and TransportationEnhance accessibility to effective transportation and mobility solutionsIncrease the availability of affordable and safe housingAdvancing Community Health and ResilienceExpand access to physical and mental health resourcesReduce food insecurityReduce homelessnessEmpower individuals and families to build stronger, more sustainable financial realitiesFostering Inclusive Economic and Workforce DevelopmentAddress systemic barriers to economic growthRemove barriers to career progression by upskilling and reskillingPrepare youth for careers through education, career pathways and employment opportunities Increase access to affordable, quality childcare, preschool and early childhood educationCultivating a Thriving and Inclusive CommunityLeverage arts and culture to advance community prioritiesBolster an inclusive community identityFoster community development that supports a thriving region

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Characteristics of a well-aligned Leadership Grant project:Addresses one or more of the grantmaking priorities noting how the project utilizes equity-centered strategies for strengthening our community.Leverages other funders, partners, and/or stakeholders, in a project that has the potential to create significant impact not only on your organization but on community issues and opportunities in Greater Des Moines.

Ineligibility

Ongoing annual operating and program expenses.Capital infrastructure projects (bricks and mortar) that do not have strong alignment to our grantmaking priorities.Sectarian religious programs promoting a particular faith