Iowa's rising generosity collides with unprecedented need
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Local donors are increasing their contributions to near-record levels as the demand on charities has spiked in recent months, a community expert for the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines tells Axios.
Why it matters: Today is Giving Tuesday, a key moment for nonprofits counting on a year-end surge in philanthropy, and maintaining the momentum is crucial to the work of hundreds of local charities.
State of play: Cuts and uncertainties in federal grants and a government shutdown that delayed SNAP benefits last month are among the factors that have led to a surge in requests from nonprofit groups.
- Local food banks have reported record visits, and requests for programs like Polk County's Community Betterment Grant have tripled.
Zoom in: The foundation facilitates charitable giving across the metro and distributed just over $62 million in grants in 2023, its most recently published tax filing.
- That's approximately 8% less than the $67.6 million from the previous year.
Yes, but: The trajectory has reversed, with grants increasing by 22% in the first three quarters of 2025 compared to the same period last year.
- That's one of the group's best years in its nearly 60-year history, Angie Dethlefs-Trettin, chief community impact officer for the foundation, tells Axios.
Reality check: Local philanthropy is unlikely to fill the gaps left by the loss of federal funding, the Cedar Rapids Gazette reports.
- Nearly one in three central Iowa households — about 92,000 people — can't afford basic living costs even though many are employed, according to the latest community report from United Way of Central Iowa.
- Nationwide, some of the country's biggest charities remain hopeful about this year's giving but are still preparing for a tough season amid rising demand.
The intrigue: Federal rules that take effect next year will reduce the tax benefits of charitable giving for higher-income people, prompting some to consider bunching contributions before year-end.
Worthy of your time: The Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines and United Way provide online tools to easily find local donation and volunteer needs.
What we're watching: Whether next month's Point-in-Time Count of people experiencing homelessness in Polk County increases for a fifth consecutive year.