UNITED to THRIVE

Fostering an Equitable, Engaged, Empowered Community


LIVE UNITED

State of Nonprofits

Find out more about Iowa organizations in the 2024 Central Iowa Nonprofit Sector Survey.

Read the Report

2024 Community Report

View the annual Community Report, highlighting critical issues in our community. 

2024 Community Report

Advocacy

Learn about United Way of Central Iowa's advocacy priorities and how we advocate for all central Iowans

ADVOCATE

What we do

WHAT WE DO

You know United Way... but do you understand what we do?

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GET INVOLVED

Central Iowans are United to Thrive, and to make our community better for all.

ABOUT US

ABOUT US

We improve lives by uniting the caring power of community.

We are UNITED to THRIVE

United Way of Central Iowa's strategic focus outlines the way our organization establishes standards, sets goals, and measure progress in the community. UNITED to THRIVE guides our strategic approach as we unite central Iowans to foster a thriving community – one that is equitable, engaged, and empowered.

Learn More about UNITED to THRIVE

THE FIVE ELEMENTS OF A THRIVING COMMUNITY

United Way of Central Iowa focuses on issues in our community that fall within the Five Elements of a thriving community as listed below. Click the icon to find specific information about that issue here in central Iowa—and how United Way uniting central Iowans to thrive.

UNITED to THRIVE

Essential
Needs
Essential Needs

Early Childhood
Success
EARLY CHILDHOOD SUCCESS

Education
Success
Education

Economic
OpportunityECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY

Health &
Well-BeingHealth & Well-Being

 

RECENT BLOG POSTS

When Basic Needs Are Met, Learning Can Happen

Education success is closely tied to stability outside the classroom. Students struggling with food insecurity, housing instability, or family stress face significant barriers to staying engaged in...

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Helping Students Find Their Way Forward

Not every student’s path to graduation is linear. Academic setbacks, family circumstances, or disruptions outside of school can cause students to fall behind or disengage.Catch up and re-engagement...

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Where Consistency and Connection Continue After the Bell

For many students, the school day does not end when the final bell rings. In fact, some of the most meaningful learning and relationship building happens in the hours after school.

Across Des Moines...

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More stories about United Way of Central Iowa:

United Way of Central Iowa Blog   Stories of Success