The Dance Club at the University of Iowa will have their 16th annual Benefit Show on Saturday, April 11 at 5 p.m. at the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts. Proceeds from ticket sales and donations will go towards various community nonprofits and UI student groups — including the Des Moines nonprofit Dance Without Limits, […]
Des Moines nonprofits
Posted inCommunity/News
A guide to Iowa nonprofits tackling the biggest issues of our time
“When Americans think of freedom, we usually imagine a contest between a lone individual and a powerful government,” writes Timothy Snyder in his treatise On Tyranny — an Antifa 101 reading assignment, if there ever was one. “This is all well and good. But one element of freedom is the choice of associates, and one […]
Posted inCommunity/News
These bike-riding burrito slingers are some of Des Moines’ most trusted aid workers
They’re affectionately called “the burrito people.” Or sometimes “the burrito slingers.” They’re easily recognizable by their bright yellow bicycle jerseys, T-shirts and welcoming smiles. Every Thursday evening, you can find them in the basement of the Capitol Hill Lutheran Church in the Des Moines East Village neighborhood. They’re volunteers for the Urban Bicycle Food Ministry […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Plain Spoken: How the Planned Parenthood Book Sale made me the man I am today
My mother and I love each other dearly and we are both capable Christmas gift-givers. Ceramic chicken knick-knacks or matching salt and pepper shakers never fail to bring a gleam to Mom’s keen antiquer’s eye, brightening the tree’s particolored twinkles already refracted in her gaze.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
NaNoWriMo no more? After a series of scandals, some Iowans are leaving the nonprofit writing challenge behind
Update: On Monday, March 31, the interim executive director of the NaNoWriMo, Kilby Blades (a pen name; their real name is unknown) announced in a video update that the nonprofit is official shutting down due to financial strain and a “downward trend in participation.” Halloween night. A stream of costumed people enter the brightly lit […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Iowa Food Co-op provides a never-ending farmers market for the Des Moines metro
For some, the scariest part of October isn’t Halloween, but the last day of the farmers market. Des Moines area residents, however, need only pay a visit to www.iowafood.coop to buy fresh, local produce all year long. “We’re focused on small, local, independent producers,” Karen Davis, general manager of the Iowa Food Cooperative, told Little […]
Posted inCommunity/News
More than 100 local nonprofits making life in Iowa more livable
There’s nothing like a presidential election to remind voters in a minor, non-swinging member of the Electoral College like Iowa how little power an individual has over broken systems. Iowans are hungry, housing insecure and live under a near-total abortion ban. High nitrate levels in our waterways, caused by reckless Big Ag practices, endanger vital […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Project Rainbow of Iowa has a simple mission with a visible impact
It’s not surprising Project Rainbow of Iowa is getting the attention of local TV news outlets. After all, what the Des Moines-based nonprofit does is literally eye-catching. Project Rainbow delivers Progress Pride flags for people to fly in their yards throughout the month of June, as a statement of support for the LGBTQ community during […]
Posted inCommunity/News
The nonprofit Annie’s Foundation, founded by Johnston parents to fight book bans, is giving away books at pop-ups all month
The aim of Senate File 496 is not to clearly define what is considered problematic. Rather, the law is meant to scare educators into over-censoring the books in their care. Teachers and librarians will be facing harsh penalties after Jan. 1, 2024 if any “questionable” materials are available and under their control. Some zealous school […]
Posted inCommunity/News
The Animal Rescue League, Iowa’s largest nonprofit shelter, puts rescue pets front and center
The Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL) is as much a part of life in Polk County as the Des Moines Water Works. It’s served the Des Moines metro community since 1926, growing into the largest nonprofit animal shelter in the state. ARL has provided all of the City of Des Moines’ shelter services since […]
Posted inCentral Iowa
The Planned Parenthood Book Sale will end this year after 62 years in Des Moines
Since 1961, the Planned Parenthood Book Sale in Des Moines has been a major fundraiser supporting the work of Planned Parenthood educators as they provide accurate, fact-based and comprehensive sex education to people across the state. “Proceeds from last year helped Planned Parenthood educators host 461 programs that reached 15,563 teens, adults, parents, and families […]
Posted inCentral Iowa
Contact Buzz: ArtForce Iowa gives immigrant and refugee kids the tools to make art, bridge cultural gaps
Don’t let this organization’s generic mission statement — “Creating opportunities for youth to transform through art” — deceive you. Like paints and brushes, unless they’re in the hands of the right person, such a statement remains passive. ArtForce Iowa truly leverages its raison d’être to transform the lives of their young participants. Launched in 2013 […]
