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With an unwavering commitment, Prairie Meadows has provided more than $2.1 billion over the past 30 years through taxes, grants, and charitable donations to improve, strengthen, and beautify our community. We remain dedicated to helping advance meaningful projects that continue to be impactful across Iowa. In 2022, $42.8 million was provided in charitable giving to promote economic development, agriculture, jobs, and tourism for individuals and groups across Polk County. We are proud and inspired by the development of these important projects and initiatives.
Charitable giving is at our core. We partner with organizations to improve the lives of thousands of Iowans each year through our Legacy and Community Betterment Grant programs, event sponsorships, and in-kind donations. It is with great pride that Prairie Meadows has supported Polk County with $27.6 million; the City of Des Moines with a revenue sharing donation of $5.1 million; and Polk County Schools with $861,866.
In 2022, we provided $5 million through our Legacy Grant program, $3,480,736 in Community Betterment Grants, $519,264 in direct support for our Youth Sports & Recreational Grants. Tap here to learn more.
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Des Moines Area Religious Council named Legacy Grant recipient for their Food Today, Change Tomorrow Initiative
The Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) was named as a Legacy Grant recipient in 2022, with a $250,000 grant in support of their Food Today, Change Tomorrow initiative which is designed to accommodate the rise in need for food assistance across Greater Des Moines. DMARC embarked on a capital campaign to relocate and consolidate the organization’s warehouse and headquarters due to limitations on their capacity to store the volume of food being distributed throughout its Food Pantry Network. The project is in the final stages of completion, with a move in date of mid-March 2023. This relocation will enable DMARC to have all warehouse and office operations centralized, allowing room for future growth. Prairie Meadows is proud to support DMARC’s initiative to provide those in our community with nourishing food and personal care items. Learn more here.
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Mid-Iowa Chapter of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. awarded Legacy Grant for efforts in solving Iowa’s water quality challenges
Mid-Iowa Chapter of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. was awarded a $140,000 Legacy Grant in 2022 for their collaboration with Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance, Polk County Public Works, State of Iowa, and forward-thinking landowners to implement a comprehensive approach to solving Iowa’s water quality challenges. This project is a component of the larger “Iowa Systems Approach to Conservation Drainage,” a $33 million collaborative initiative to improve farm profitability and sustainability.
The proposed Central Iowa Clean Water Partnership project will improve land use practices and have a direct effect on water quality and quantity for Iowans. This unique project will support economic development, tourism and recreation, public health, natural ecosystems, and growth in Des Moines and its neighboring suburbs. Funding from Prairie Meadows will support construction costs for three wetland restoration projects and 180 saturated buffer installations. These conservation practices will dramatically reduce the volume of pollutants reaching downstream lakes and rivers. By investing in this project, Prairie Meadows will help Ducks Unlimited and their partners achieve our shared goal of cleaner water for the region, making central Iowa a better place to live, work, play, and visit. For information, tap here.
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Downtown Events Group recipient of four grants to enhance downtown experience
The Downtown Events Group received four Community Betterment grants for a total of $55,000. These grants will support events like Downtown DSM Pop-Up Activations, DSM Book Festival, Holiday Promenade in the Historic East Village, and World Food & Music Festival. Prairie Meadows is proud to have awarded these grants that bring our community together for educational and cultural events.
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Joppa receives two grants to create support and hope for Iowa homeless
Joppa was awarded two grants in 2022 totaling $67,850. One grant will support a 16-foot box truck with a liftgate to enable multiple ongoing Joppa programs, including the Homeless Nutrition Food Program, Homeless Survival, Housing Services Programs, and Thriftmart, a Joppa-owned nonprofit thrift store. Thriftmart provides job training for people transitioning out of homelessness as well as a sustainable source of funding for all Joppa programs and services. The other grant will be utilized for funding that will support individuals experiencing homelessness who are living unsheltered under bridges, in camps, or in vehicles. Prairie Meadows is honored to be a part of these impactful projects, by gifting Joppa these grants in support of their mission and meaningful work. Tap here to learn more about Joppa.
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Orchard Place gifted funds to furnish living units for children’s program
Orchard Place received a $44,447 Community Betterment Grant to support their need of new bedroom furniture at Orchard Place Campus. The Campus is an 88-bed facility with four living units located on Des Moines’ southside that provides 24-hour inpatient care for children with serious emotional disorders needing intensive treatment including individualized treatment programs, individual and family psychotherapy, social skills building, and life skills training. Prairie Meadows is proud to support Orchard Place and name them as one of our 2022 Community Betterment Grant recipients. Tap here to learn more.
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Jasper County Sheriff’s office receives gift for life-saving equipment
Jasper County Sheriff’s Office received a $50,000 Community Betterment Grant in 2022 for critical life-saving equipment for the department’s advanced life support response deputies. The funding was used to purchase two LUCAS devices, two battery-powered extrication tools, and personal protective equipment. LUCAS devices are battery-powered, automated CPR compression machines. These devices can make efficient and consistent compressions, allowing a responder to perform other medical tasks while LUCAS is performing life-saving CPR. The extrication equipment consists of a reciprocating saw and portable extrication tool that cuts and spreads metal or other materials in rescue situations.
This Prairie Meadows Community Betterment Grant made it possible for the sheriff’s office to now offer an enhanced level of emergency medical services to Jasper County residents.
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LOCAL SPONSORSHIPS
Prairie Meadows provides ongoing support to nonprofit organizations. We are proud to be a part of the efforts and mission of these local organizations.
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Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
The mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is to uncover a cure for cystic fibrosis by funding research and drug development, partnering with the cystic fibrosis community, and advancing high-quality, specialized care giving all people with cystic fibrosis the opportunity to lead long, fulfilling lives. Prairie Meadows is a proud “Friend of the Foundation” supporter with a $2,500 gift for their annual 65 Roses Gala, an event that offers direct support to the mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Learn more about Cystic Fibrosis, tap here.
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Puppy Jake Foundation
Puppy Jake Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping wounded military veterans who are suffering from injuries such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or physical mobility impairments with professionally trained service dogs. In 2019, Prairie Meadows sponsored a yellow Labrador Retriever in the Puppy Jake Foundation’s training program. Jackpot, the retriever, has since been paired with her life partner, Michael Brown. The excerpt below is a glimpse into the life of “Jackie” and Michael.
Since July 2021, USAF Senior Airman, Michael Brown has cared for and benefitted from having Jackpot, now Jackie, in his Urbandale home. Jackie provides Mike with mobility service skills. Using her calming skills, she does exactly what she was trained for – supporting her veteran. Jackie regularly joins Mike at his office and loves her bath time at the Puppy Jake Foundation facility. Jackie experiences many forms of fun and exercise including paddle boarding and jogging with Mike and his family. Now four years old, Jackie will continue to serve her veteran for years to come. She is an asset to Mike and exemplifies the work of Puppy Jake Foundation.
Prairie Meadows takes great pride in partnering with meaningful programs like Puppy Jake Foundation. Organizations like this make a difference in the everyday lives of those in our community. Tap here to learn more about Puppy Jake Foundation.
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About Prairie Meadows Prairie Meadows began operations in 1989 with the goal of lessening the burden of government by promoting economic development, jobs, agriculture, and tourism in the state of Iowa. Through taxes, grants, and charitable donations, Prairie Meadows has given more than $2.1 billion to the state of Iowa. As a nonprofit organization, Prairie Meadows fulfills its purpose by giving back to organizations that support arts and culture, education, economic development, and human services.
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