Community Impact
The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to uplifting the entire community by supporting small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and key local initiatives. Through a wide range of programs, events, and partnerships, the Chamber helps small businesses grow, provides vital resources for nonprofits, and fosters an inclusive, collaborative environment where all can thrive. From advocating for economic development to championing charitable causes, the Chamber’s impact touches every corner of West Des Moines. Learn more about how we’re driving positive change and how you can be part of this community-wide effort.
Donations and Support
Through the generous support from our sponsors, donors, attendees, the WDM Leadership Academy Classes, and the West YP Open, the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce has given over $450,000 to organizations and businesses in our community, region, and USA including:
Raccoon River Palooza
Since 2021, this annual event has raised $11,378 to support the Athene Pedestrian Bridge at Raccoon River Park through a portion of sponsor proceeds.
Athene Black & Brown Business Summit
Since 2021, this annual event has supported a variety of small businesses, entrepreneurs, and nonprofit organizations:
- $152,000+ to Bank of America Pitch Competition winners and finalists
- $1,500 to Jewels Academy
- $1,500 to NAACP Iowa Chapter
- $2,300 to Hispanic Educational Resources
- $2,300 to Willke House
- $6,100 to By Degrees Foundation
DEI Workplace Excellence Awards
Since 2021, this annual event has supported a variety of nonprofit organziations and community leaders:
- $5,225 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa
- $2,050 to Latina Leadership Initiative
- $2,050 to CultureALL
- $4,800 to Can Play
- $13,200 in scholarships to support eight WDM Leadership Academy participants
WDM Community Foundation
Since 2021, the WDM Chamber has supported the WDM Community Foundation with $10,000+ in contributions related to programs and events.
First Responders Appreciation Breakfast
Since 2021, the WDM Chamber has raised $2,547 to support the WDM Safety Cadets program through a portion of ticket sales to the annual breakfast.
West Des Moines Leadership Academy
Since 2011, the West Des Moines Leadership Academy classes have raised funds for various nonprofit organizations as part of their class projects:
- Youth Justice Initiatve: $61,000 (2024)
- “Stomp Out the Stigma” for WDM Community Schools: $48,000 (2023)
- “World of Difference” for WDM Community Schools Refugee Families: $57,000 (2022)
- Food Bank of Iowa: $11,000 (2021)
- “Dueling for Humanity” for WDM Human Services: $52,368 (2019)
- Wildwood Hills Ranch: $50,000+ (2018)
- “Spring into Safety” for Hillside Elementary: 200 helmets (2017)
- Booster Pac Fighters: $11,500 (2014)
- “Team G.I.V.E” for WDM Human Services (2013)
- Meals from the Heartland: $50,000 (2012)
- Booster Pak Bash: $16,000 (2011)
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
Since 2021, the City of West Des Moines has provided $13,000 in scholarships for West Des Moines Community Schools students.
Give Back to Our Community
Learn how you can give back to our local nonprofit organizations to keep our community #WDMstrong.
In light of COVID-19, the Alzheimer’s Association’s educational programs, support groups and care consultations are now offered virtually. Their 24/7 helpline (800.272.3900) and website are valuable informational resources. Fundraising efforts supporting these services are severely impacted during the pandemic. Help them continue to assist those affected by Alzheimer’s during this crisis by making a tax-deductible donation today. View volunteer opportunities here.
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities across Iowa. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources, and we have been a leading source of health information for a century. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. We’re doing that right here in Des Moines with a focus on educating everyone to learn the lifesaving skill of CPR; meeting people where they are in community gathering spaces to empower Iowans to measure and track their blood pressure; and working alongside hospitals to ensure the most up-to-date evidence-based treatment guidelines. For more information on our lifesaving work across Iowa, visit our website.
The Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL) is Iowa’s largest nonprofit animal shelter, caring for thousands of pets each year. The ARL serves people and pets from across the state of Iowa through its programs, which include pet adoption, TheraPets, pet behavior training, spay/neuter, animal cruelty intervention and much more.
The Animal Rescue League is dependent on individual and corporate contributions to care for its animals and for its work in the community keeping people and pets united. We also have a variety of volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups. We have fun, unique and unforgettable events to participate in as well. Contact CEO Tom Colvin with interest.
Avenue Scholars
Avenue Scholars is partnering with Des Moines Public Schools to help bridge the gap between high school and the business community. We interview and select talented young people, of hope and need, who have an interest and a desire to pursue one of the high demand industries: Skilled Trades/Manufacturing, IT, Business, Automotive/Transportation, and Health Sciences.
Big Brothers Big Sisters
For over 50 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa has operated under the belief that inherent in every child is the ability to succeed and thrive in life. As the nation’s largest donor and volunteer supported mentoring network, Big Brothers Big Sisters makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”), ages 5 through 14.
We develop positive relationships that have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of young people. Learn more here about being a Big. Learn more here about the Honorary Board, Board of Directors, and Big Impact Board.
Can Play
In January of 2021, Opportunity on Deck and Courage League Sports merged to form Can Play in an effort to grow our impact for those with physical, medical, social, mental, financial or other barriers to play. The organization offers four distinct programs in West Des Moines and throughout our state in order to make our programs accessible to a diverse range of participants: our Courage program providing adapted recreation for those with special needs, HERS program providing young girls with developmental programming, Opportunity program providing no-cost sports and development in low-socioeconomic areas, and our licensing program for communities outside of central Iowa. To learn more about our programs or how you can help support our cause please visit our website.
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Iowa Chapter’s mission is to cure cystic fibrosis and to provide all people with CF the opportunity to lead long, fulfilling lives by funding research and drug development, partnering with the CF community, and advancing high-quality, specialized care. While we have made amazing progress in the fight to manage this disease, we will not stop until CF stands for Cure Found.
Email or call us (515-252-1530) to learn more about volunteer and fundraising opportunities. If you’re interested in joining our Board of Directors, our Executive Director will meet with you to discuss the opportunity and determine if it is a good fit.
DMARC
For over six decades, DMARC has worked to meet the basic human needs of our community. Today, the DMARC Food Pantry Network, a network of 14 partner pantries and over 20 different mobile food pantry sites, annually assists nearly 56,000 unique individuals. DMARC never turns anyone away, and is committed to having food available whenever it is needed. You can make a difference and help DMARC continue to meet the needs of our community by:- Making a personal gift through our virtual drive.
- Hosting YOUR OWN virtual drive by contacting Leslie Garman at DMARC at LGarman@dmarcunited.org or 515-277-6969 x 13.
- Challenging a friend to do the same!
Employee and Family Resources
Throughout the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Employee & Family Resources (EFR) has seen an increased need for mental health and substance abuse services. The global health crisis has left thousands grappling with new or worsened mental health conditions, increasing their risk of suicide and substance abuse. For half of these adults, mental health services are out-of-reach due to the high cost of treatment. Amid the mental health crisis, EFR’s mission is to provide affordable mental health and substance use services to individuals and our communities.
To learn more about how we help in schools, workplaces, and communities, visit us at efr.org or check out our Facebook page. You can help us address the stigma surrounding mental illness and substance use disorders and provide affordable treatment by donating to one of our programs here. By becoming a donor, you can help EFR deliver a lasting impact to individuals, families, and communities in need. If you want to learn more about volunteer opportunities, contact Louise Crall.
Become a Make It OK ambassador! An Ambassador does not need to be an expert on mental health but someone who enjoys connecting, engaging, educating and promoting mental health awareness. Free virtual ambassador trainings are posted on our website. Register your workplace as a Make It OK Workplace or attend the Workplace Wellbeing Conference.
Iowa Sports Foundation
Our goal is to provide meaningful competitive and recreational physical activities to enhance the quality of life of participants with disabilities in Iowa. Adaptive Sports Iowa allows everyone from beginners to seasoned pros to participate in our activities! ASI provides these opportunities with no programming or equipment fees.
Take a few minutes to browse through our website to learn more about the amazing opportunities available. Donations are welcomed here.
Life 107.1
Life 107.1 is a local, listener-supported Christian radio station serving central Iowa from our West Des Moines studios. In the midst of a global pandemic, and beyond, we share hope with our community 24/7 through uplifting songs, stories and conversations. And who doesn’t need that?! You can help support Life 107.1 close the gap on our remaining financial need by making a gift here.
Meals from the Heartland
Donations fund ingredients and materials, distribution of food around the world and ongoing operation of Meals from the Heartland. With your generous support we can continue our efforts to end hunger around the world and in our own backyard. Ending hunger starts with one grain of hope. Learn more here about how you can volunteer.
National Speech & Debate Association
As the national authority on public speaking and debate, the National Speech & Debate Association provides the infrastructure for speech and debate competitions around the world. We create a platform for youth voices to be heard and celebrated, which culminates with an annual National Tournament, the pinnacle of public speaking.
The NSDA encourages the support of speech and debate programs at local schools via judging at tournaments, helping teams fundraise, or advocating for speech and debate programs where there are none.
The NSDA can support those efforts with messaging and materials or help you identify local programs to contact. Alternatively, donate today to support our mission to empower students through speech and debate!
Obesity Awareness in Action
Our vision is to educate as many youth as possible by prioritizing the teachings of the 8-Dimensions of Wellness to underprivileged/underserved 5th-12th graders through our Awareness Bound program. Awareness Bound provides free, periodic, in-person programming at various partnering facilities. OAA’s MOVE.ment is to be boots on the ground, providing the tools needed for a healthier tomorrow.
Visit oaamovement.org to learn more about our programs, events, and lend support.
Prevent Child Abuse Iowa
Prevent Child Abuse Iowa, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, works tirelessly to create a world where children don’t know fear, don’t experience neglect and never encounter abuse. Most efforts involve treating children and families after abuse has already occurred. However, we focus on prevention, which research proves is a far more effective use of resources to help children reach their full potential as adults. Learn more here about how you can help.
Taste of the Junction
Taste of the Junction celebrates the people, cultures, and cuisines of Historic Valley Junction. We honor the contributions of the descendants, preserving the culture, kindred, and history of Valley Junction. Visit our website to learn more about our programs and events. Contact Rachelle Long, Founder (515-650-9352) for more information on getting involved.
Wildwood Hills Ranch
Wildwood Hills Ranch exists to transform lives and strengthen communities by providing hope, healing, and God’s unconditional love to children and youth at-risk. The Ranch provides 100% full scholarships for educational programming, leadership development training, and equestrian therapy to over 1,000 vulnerable youth and veterans annually.
We are always looking for volunteers to help out on our leadership retreat weekends every month, as well as summer program volunteers to help teach our students life skills such as: gardening, cooking, welding, financial literacy, and leadership development.
Head over to wildwoodhillsranch.org/donate to support our students.
Young Women’s Resource Center
It is an increasingly difficult time for their participants. Many were already facing challenging home lives, tight family budgets, and issues of anxiety or depression before COVID-19. They are working hard to continue provide resources and support while following best practices to protect everyone’s health. Your donation will help. Learn more here about how you can volunteer.