Empowering Central Iowa: How the Harriet S. and J. Locke Macomber Fund Transforms Lives Through United Way

The legacy of Harriet S. and J. Locke Macomber is woven into the fabric of Des Moines, Iowa, through their steadfast commitment to philanthropy, community service, and education. Today, their vision and generosity continue to shape lives through the Harriet S. and J. Locke Macomber United Way Fund, which empowers United Way of Central Iowa to address the most pressing needs of vulnerable children and families.

A Legacy of Service

Locke and Harriet Macomber were lifelong Des Moines residents whose dedication to their community spanned decades. Locke, a distinguished World War II veteran and Yale graduate, applied his leadership skills as a prominent attorney and banker, eventually becoming CEO of Valley National Bank. His influence extended beyond business, leaving an indelible mark on the city through projects like the restoration of the building at 520 Walnut Street now known as US Bank.

Harriet, a Wellesley College graduate with a degree in finance, brought her passion for philanthropic causes to countless organizations, including United Way of Central Iowa. Together, Locke and Harriet devoted themselves to the betterment of their city, actively participating in United Way campaigns for over three decades.

Establishing the Harriet S. and J. Locke Macomber Fund

Following Locke’s passing in 1998, Harriet continued to support United Way with unwavering generosity. In honoring their shared commitment to the community, the Harriet S. and J. Locke Macomber United Way Fund was created with a purpose as forward-thinking as the Macombers themselves: enabling innovative programming to support the most vulnerable children and families in central Iowa.

The fund focuses on three cornerstone initiatives:

1. Health Services and Screenings for Children
   To ensure every child enters school ready to learn, the fund supports comprehensive health screenings and services. These resources equip children with the foundation they need for educational success, addressing barriers that might otherwise hinder their growth.
2. Volunteer Reading Programs for Early Learners
   Literacy is critical to a child’s success. Through the fund, United Way has established pre-kindergarten to grade five volunteer reading programs, fostering a love of learning and building essential skills that set children on a path to lifelong achievement.
3. Career Pathways for Middle and High School Students
   The Macomber Fund helps young people explore potential careers and prepare for high-demand fields through career pathway strategies. This program connects students with opportunities, bridging the gap between education and meaningful employment.

Thanks to the Macombers’ endowment, various programs and initiatives focused on supporting our youngest central Iowans – from early childhood through middle and high school – provide a healthy start, foster a love of learning and self-care, and create a path for future success. The programs and initiatives this gift will fund are under United Way’s Early Childhood Success and Education Success strategic imperatives under UNITED to THRIVE, and include Book Buddy, Bright by Text, Vision to Learn, Smile Squad, EveryStep developmental screenings, Evelyn K. Davis Center and Oakridge Summer Youth Employment Programs, Pi515, and other initiatives supported by Education Leadership Initiative and Women United.  

Transforming Central Iowa

The Harriet S. and J. Locke Macomber United Way Fund epitomizes the couple’s dedication to empowering the next generation. By investing in innovative programs that address health, education, and career readiness, the fund ensures that children in central Iowa are equipped to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential.

Locke and Harriet’s enduring legacy is a testament to the transformative power of giving. Their vision for a stronger, more equitable Des Moines continues to thrive, inspiring the community to work together to create opportunities for all.

Join Us in Celebrating the Macomber Legacy

As United Way of Central Iowa carries forward the mission of the Harriet S. and J. Locke Macomber Fund, we invite you to be part of this transformative work. Together, we can honor the Macombers’ legacy by building a brighter future for central Iowa’s children and families.