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When we unite to take action, change is possible.

We work together with our neighbors in Polk, Warren, and Dallas counties and more than 100 local partner organizations to create a future in which all central Iowans can reach their full potential.

United Way of Central Iowa invests in hundreds of local nonprofit programs focused on creating progress in the 5 Elements of a Thriving Community: Essential Needs, Early Childhood Success, Education Success, Economic Opportunity, and Health & Well-Being. 

 

 

Mobilizing our community to action so all can thrive

175+

Programs Supported
We work with local nonprofits to invest in programs that make an impact in our community.

100+

Nonprofit Community Partners
We work closely with hundreds of nonprofit organizations, agencies and other programs to align and coordinate our work.

300+

Business and Corporate Partners
Hundreds of local businesses and organizations run United Way campaigns each year.

Community Snapshot

Population: 637,337

School Districts: 20

Students K-12: 107,014 

People Below Poverty: 58,864

Median Household Income: $89,437

Population: 493,378

School Districts: 9

Students K-12: 74,541

People Below Poverty: 50,072

Median Household Income: $78,827

Population: 100,367

School Districts: 6

Students K-12: 22,301 

People Below Poverty: 5,657

Median Household Income: $99,533

Population: 52,709

School Districts: 5

Students K-12: 10,172 

People Below Poverty: 3,135

Median Household Income: $89,741

 

 

Community Partner Summary

Polk

138,072 people served

147 programs

87 agencies

Dallas

12,688 people served

117 programs

72 agencies

Warren

14,749 people served

113 programs

66 agencies

 

ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed)

ALICE households earn above the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) but cannot afford the basic cost of living in their county. Despite struggling to make ends meet, ALICE households often do not qualify for public assistance.

More information on ALICE >>

$83,760

Household Survival Budget

Reflects the minimum costs of household necessities in Iowa (housing, child care, food, transportation, health care, and technology) plus taxes for a family of four (2 adults and 2 children in childcare) in central Iowa
 

$144,048

Household Stability Budget

Reflects the higher costs for maintaining a more financially stable household (2 adults and 2 children in childcare) over time, including a savings category that can be used in an emergency, for additional education, or to buy a home 

34.5%

Central Iowa Households Below the ALICE Threshold 

Derived from the Household Survival Budget, these households make below the minimum average
income that a household needs to afford basic costs

 

Annual Community Reports

Each year, United Way of Central Iowa compiles a report on our community impact. We insist on accountability from ourselves and our partners to accurately measure our impact and improve and refine our poverty-fighting efforts.

UNITED WAY OF CENTRAL IOWA
1111 9TH ST  •  Suite 100
Des Moines, IA 50314
(515) 246-6500   •   contactus@unitedwaydm.org

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Charity Navigator four star rated charity badgeUnited Way of Central Iowa is proud to have earned a four-star rating for 18 straight years from Charity Navigator, an American independent charity watchdog organization that evaluates charitable organizations in the United States. This record places United Way of Central Iowa in the top 1 percent of charities nationwide. Click the logo to review our complete evaluation.

candid-seal-platinum-2024United Way of Central Iowa has received a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar, the world's largest source of information on nonprofit organizations. The seal is given to nonprofits who have achieved the highest level of transparency through disclosures, information made available to the public, and accuracy and frequency of updates. Click the logo to learn more.

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