Improve Lives By Uniting The Caring Power of Community
A defining feature of United Way of Central Iowa’s recent grantmaking is its use of volunteer-led investment cabinets to fund local programs across early childhood, education, economic opportunity, health and well-being, and essential needs. The largest recent awards show that scale clearly: DMACC Ankeny received $930,004 in 2023 for adult basic education and training, MANUP Iowa mentoring, and the Evelyn K. Davis Center for Working Families, while Orchard Place received $903,960 that same year for direct clinical services, school-based mental health training, children’s mobile crisis, and related supports. The pattern is broad but still tightly local, with grants aimed at measurable community impact rather than isolated one-off projects. In education and youth development, the foundation has supported school districts, youth-serving organizations, and programs that connect students to academic success, mentoring, and alternative pathways. In health-related work, it has backed services ranging from mental health and crisis response to prenatal support, developmental screenings, and dental care. The funding also reaches refugee and immigrant services, family supports, and stable housing programs, reflecting a model built around multiple needs within the same community.
In workforce and economic stability work, United Way of Central Iowa gave $894,029 in 2025 to DMACC Ankeny for community-based English language learning and computer literacy to support employment. That same broad economic-opportunity lane also appears in support for adult education, financial stability, and career navigation through local nonprofit partners. In mental health, the foundation gave $656,253 in 2024 to Oakridge Neighborhood Services for L.U.N.A.’s “Tu Salud Mental Es Vital” program, showing support for culturally specific behavioral-health services. Early childhood is another clear priority: Everystep received $846,500 in 2023 for community home visiting, child care nurse consultants, developmental screenings, health equity prenatal support, and Nurse Family Partnership. Refugee and immigrant integration also appears directly in a 2024 grant to Orchard Place for refugee childcare providers, refugee ELL and career support, global greens, and refugee elder services.
$12.4M
$37.5M
$24M
$25.5M
Most grants fall between $25K and $99K, with a median of $50K.
25th Percentile
$25K
Median
$50K
75th Percentile
$99K
MARY SELLERS
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United Way of Central Iowa’s typical grant size sits at $24,512 at the 25th percentile, $49,900 at the median, and $99,186 at the 75th percentile. The recent grants list also shows some much larger strategic awards, including seven-figure and high six-figure investments. This is a regular funder rather than a donor-advised fund, and it uses volunteer-led investment cabinets and investment processes to direct pooled community resources. The grant record shows repeated support to the same organizations across multiple years, including DMACC Ankeny, Orchard Place, Everystep, Oakridge Neighborhood Services, and Iowa Association for the Education of Young Children, which points to ongoing partnerships rather than isolated awards. One program accepts unsolicited applications: the Annual Community Impact Investment process for local nonprofit programs.
Grantmaking is concentrated entirely in Iowa, with 100% of grants going to recipients in the HQ state and Iowa also the top state by grant count. The strongest city cluster is Des Moines, where many recipients are located, including Orchard Place, Everystep, Des Moines Independent School District, Oakridge Neighborhood Services, and Children and Families of Iowa. Ankeny and Urbandale also appear in the recent grants list, showing activity beyond the city core. The foundation’s active programs cover Central Iowa, the Des Moines metro, and, in some cases, Polk, Dallas, and Warren counties.
Its active programs center on Essential Needs, Early Childhood Success, Education Success, Economic Opportunity, and Health & Well-Being. Recent grants also show housing stability, childcare capacity, youth engagement and violence prevention, advocacy, volunteer mobilization, and legal assistance for economic stability.
Typical awards are relatively modest compared with the largest recent grants: the 25th percentile is $24,512, the median is $49,900, and the 75th percentile is $99,186. The recent grants list also includes larger strategic investments well above that range.
Yes, for some programs. The Annual Community Impact Investment process accepts unsolicited applications for local nonprofit programs in Polk, Dallas, and Warren counties, and the Donor-Directed Contribution Program also accepts applications from organizations seeking approval.
The record shows recurring relationships with several organizations across multiple years. DMACC Ankeny, Orchard Place, Everystep, Oakridge Neighborhood Services, and Iowa Association for the Education of Young Children all appear in more than one grant year, which suggests sustained funding relationships.
All recipient grants in the provided data go to U.S. organizations, and every grant is in Iowa. Des Moines appears most often among recipient cities, with additional grants going to Ankeny, Urbandale, West Des Moines, and other Central Iowa locations.
2026
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2026.
Current and upcoming funding from United Way of Central Iowa that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Who can apply: Programs must align with UNITED to THRIVE strategies and serve Central Iowa (Polk, Dallas, Warren counties). Investment decisions are made by volunteer Community Impact Cabinets; programs are expected to agree to performance measures and an Investment Agreement. Prospective partners should use the Investment Process resources for application details.
Who can apply: Must be a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization (or qualifying government agency/United Way), have a physical presence in and serve people in Iowa, have an NTEE code aligning with United Way's five elements (or comparable NAICS for agencies), complete the Donor-Directed Contribution Program Application, reapply every 3 years, and meet annual anti-terrorism compliance measures.
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Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DMACC ANKENY | ANKENY, IA | $763,711 | 2026 | EVELYN K. DAVIS CENTER FOR WORKING FAMILIES |
| DES MOINES INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTR | DES MOINES, IA | $690,030 | 2026 | COMMUNITY SCHOOLS AND FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES K-12 |
| OAKRIDGE NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES | DES MOINES, IA | $644,917 | 2026 | OAKRIDGE K-12 OUT-OF-SCHOOL PROGRAMS |
| EVERYSTEP | DES MOINES, IA | $612,912 | 2026 | NURSE FAMILY PARTNERSHIP |
| CHILDREN AND FAMILIES OF IOWA | DES MOINES, IA | $547,981 | 2026 | CFI CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER |
| ORCHARD PLACE | DES MOINES, IA | $543,000 | 2026 | ORCHARD PLACE/CHILD GUIDANCE CENTER- OUTPATIENT MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES |
| DENTAL CONNECTIONS | DES MOINES, IA | $529,824 | 2026 | DENTAL CONNECTIONS MAIN CLINIC |
| LUTHERAN SERVICES IN IOWA | DES MOINES, IA | $405,996 | 2026 | HEALTHY FAMILIES AMERICA-HOPES |
| IOWA ASSOCIATION FOR THE EDUCATION OF YOUNG CHILDREN | WEST DES MOINES, IA | $400,957 | 2026 | EARLY CHILDHOOD QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (ECQUIP) |
| BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF CENTRAL IOWA | DES MOINES, IA | $350,352 | 2026 | AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMMING FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS (K-12) |
| YOUNG WOMENS RESOURCE CENTER | DES MOINES, IA | $339,240 | 2026 | EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM |
| YMCA OF GREATER DES MOINES | DES MOINES, IA | $335,680 | 2026 | YMCA OUT OF SCHOOL TIME PROGRAMS |
| HOME INC | DES MOINES, IA | $314,368 | 2026 | HOPE FOR STABLE FAMILIES |
| YOUTH LAW CENTER | DES MOINES, IA | $287,376 | 2026 | YOUTH LAW CENTER |
| BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF CENTRAL IOWA | DES MOINES, IA | $249,000 | 2026 | BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF CENTRAL IOWA MENTORING PROGRAMS |
| WILLKIE HOUSE | DES MOINES, IA | $209,232 | 2026 | WILLKIE HOUSE AFTERSCHOOL/SUMMER PROGRAMS |
| IOWA LEGAL AID | DES MOINES, IA | $197,808 | 2026 | LEGAL ASSISTANCE FOR ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY AND ESSENTIAL NEEDS |
| WESLEY COMMUNITY SERVICES INC | JOHNSTON, IA | $164,220 | 2026 | WESLEYLIFE MEALS ON WHEELS |
| ELLIPSIS INC | DES MOINES, IA | $158,100 | 2026 | SHELTER AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES FOR CENTRAL IOWA YOUTH |
| FAMILIES FORWARD | DES MOINES, IA | $157,690 | 2026 | FF CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER |
| IOWA HOMELESS YOUTH CENTER | DES MOINES, IA | $157,152 | 2026 | IHYC EMERGENCY HOUSING PROGRAM |
| CHILDSERVE INC | JOHNSTON, IA | $149,040 | 2026 | CHILDSERVE OUTPATIENT SERVICES: SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM |
| DES MOINES AREA RELIGIOUS COUNCIL | DES MOINES, IA | $144,096 | 2026 | DMARC FOOD PANTRY NETWORK |
| IOWA CONGOLESE ORGANIZATION AND CENTER FOR HEALING | DES MOINES, IA | $136,488 | 2026 | EARLY CHILDHOOD SUCCESS - ICOACH BIRTH TO FIVE PROGRAM |
| HISPANIC EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES | DES MOINES, IA | $119,267 | 2026 | CONMIGO EARLY EDUCATION CENTER |
| CATHOLIC CHARITIES | DES MOINES, IA | $108,840 | 2026 | COUNSELING |
| IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION | AMES, IA | $108,036 | 2026 | SCIENCE BOUND - IMPROVING EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH IN DMPS |
| PROJECT IOWA | DES MOINES, IA | $106,932 | 2026 | PROJECT IOWA CULTIVATING CAREERS |
| CITY OF WEST DES MOINES | WEST DES MOINES, IA | $101,628 | 2026 | WDM YJI |
| GOODWILL INDUSTRIES | JOHNSTON, IA | $98,376 | 2026 | OCCUPATIONAL SKILLS TRAINING PROGRAMMING |
| EMBARC | DES MOINES, IA | $98,027 | 2026 | REFUGEE HEALTH NAVIGATOR |
| LATINAS LATINOS AL EXITO INC | DES MOINES, IA | $97,864 | 2026 | AL EXITO MIDDLE SCHOOL SUCCESS PROGRAM |
| ART FORCE IOWA | DES MOINES, IA | $94,704 | 2026 | ARTFORCE IOWA: MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAM |
| CAMP FIRE HEART OF IOWA | DES MOINES, IA | $91,584 | 2026 | SEL & ACADEMIC OUT-OF-SCHOOL TIME PROGRAM FOR K-5 |
| BY DEGREES FOUNDATON | DES MOINES, IA | $90,828 | 2026 | BY DEGREES K-5 AND 9-12 GRADE PROGRAMING |
| CAPITOL PARK EARLY LEARNING CENTER | DES MOINES, IA | $89,930 | 2026 | CAPITOL PARK EARLY LEARNING CENTER |
| URBAN DREAMS | DES MOINES, IA | $85,688 | 2026 | COMMUNITY CONNECTIVITY |
| IOWA ACES 360 | DES MOINES, IA | $83,136 | 2026 | ACES 360 ADVOCACY AND EDUCATION |
| DALLAS COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT | ADEL, IA | $73,428 | 2026 | HEALTH NAVIGATION |
| IOWA COMMUNITY CAPITAL | BOONE, IA | $71,436 | 2026 | SOLIDARITY MICROFINANCE PROGRAM |
| PRIMARY HEALTH CARE | URBANDALE, IA | $71,004 | 2026 | CASE MANAGEMENT |
| GREATER DES MOINES HABITAT FOR HUMANITY INC | DES MOINES, IA | $69,924 | 2026 | GREATER DES MOINES HABITAT FOR HUMANITY MORTGAGE READINESS |
| GENESIS INCORPORATED | DES MOINES, IA | $69,852 | 2026 | EMPOWERING IMMIGRANT AND REFUGEE COMMUNITIES THROUGH DIGITAL SKILLS AND FINANCIAL HEALTH TRAINING |
| US COMMITTEE FOR REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS INC | DES MOINES, IA | $66,503 | 2026 | REFUGEE WELLNESS PROGRAM |
| IOWA CENTER FOR ECONOMIC SUCCESS | DES MOINES, IA | $66,097 | 2026 | IOWA CENTER - VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (VITA) |
| WELIFT | INDIANOLA, IA | $65,388 | 2026 | WELIFT (WE LEARN INDEPENDENCE FOR TOMORROW) WORKFORCE |
| DALLAS COUNTY AGRICULTURE EXTENSION | ADEL, IA | $65,004 | 2026 | REACH FOR THE STARS DALLAS & WARREN |
| WONDER YEARS CHILDCARE | DES MOINES, IA | $64,275 | 2026 | WONDER YEARS ACADEMY |
| GRAND VIEW CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER | DES MOINES, IA | $62,700 | 2026 | GRAND VIEW CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER |
| RIVA REFUGEE & IMMIGRANT VOICES IN ACTION | DES MOINES, IA | $61,992 | 2026 | WORKREADY NAVIGATOR |
DMACC ANKENY
$763,711EVELYN K. DAVIS CENTER FOR WORKING FAMILIES
DES MOINES INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTR
$690,030COMMUNITY SCHOOLS AND FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES K-12
ORCHARD PLACE/CHILD GUIDANCE CENTER- OUTPATIENT MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
IOWA ASSOCIATION FOR THE EDUCATION OF YOUNG CHILDREN
$400,957EARLY CHILDHOOD QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (ECQUIP)
AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMMING FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS (K-12)
YOUTH LAW CENTER
$287,376YOUTH LAW CENTER
BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF CENTRAL IOWA MENTORING PROGRAMS
WILLKIE HOUSE
$209,232WILLKIE HOUSE AFTERSCHOOL/SUMMER PROGRAMS
LEGAL ASSISTANCE FOR ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY AND ESSENTIAL NEEDS
ELLIPSIS INC
$158,100SHELTER AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES FOR CENTRAL IOWA YOUTH
IOWA CONGOLESE ORGANIZATION AND CENTER FOR HEALING
$136,488EARLY CHILDHOOD SUCCESS - ICOACH BIRTH TO FIVE PROGRAM
HISPANIC EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
$119,267CONMIGO EARLY EDUCATION CENTER
IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION
$108,036SCIENCE BOUND - IMPROVING EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH IN DMPS
CITY OF WEST DES MOINES
$101,628WDM YJI
GOODWILL INDUSTRIES
$98,376OCCUPATIONAL SKILLS TRAINING PROGRAMMING
ART FORCE IOWA
$94,704ARTFORCE IOWA: MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAM
CAMP FIRE HEART OF IOWA
$91,584SEL & ACADEMIC OUT-OF-SCHOOL TIME PROGRAM FOR K-5
CAPITOL PARK EARLY LEARNING CENTER
$89,930CAPITOL PARK EARLY LEARNING CENTER
IOWA ACES 360
$83,136ACES 360 ADVOCACY AND EDUCATION
DALLAS COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
$73,428HEALTH NAVIGATION
IOWA COMMUNITY CAPITAL
$71,436SOLIDARITY MICROFINANCE PROGRAM
GREATER DES MOINES HABITAT FOR HUMANITY INC
$69,924GREATER DES MOINES HABITAT FOR HUMANITY MORTGAGE READINESS
EMPOWERING IMMIGRANT AND REFUGEE COMMUNITIES THROUGH DIGITAL SKILLS AND FINANCIAL HEALTH TRAINING
IOWA CENTER - VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (VITA)
WELIFT
$65,388WELIFT (WE LEARN INDEPENDENCE FOR TOMORROW) WORKFORCE
DALLAS COUNTY AGRICULTURE EXTENSION
$65,004REACH FOR THE STARS DALLAS & WARREN
WONDER YEARS CHILDCARE
$64,275WONDER YEARS ACADEMY
GRAND VIEW CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER
$62,700GRAND VIEW CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER
