Essential Needs

Funded Programs

The following nonprofit programs are receiving funding from United Way of Central Iowa during the 2025-26 fiscal year through the Essential Needs cabinet.

211:
24/7 Phone Support for Human Services

Catholic Council for Social Concern:
Food Pantry & Emergency Family Shelter 

Children & Families of Iowa:
Domestic Violence Shelter

Creative Visions Inc.:
Our Daily Bread: Food Pantry & Essentials

Des Moines Area Religious Council:
Food Pantry Network  

Families Forward:
New Directions Shelter;
The Home Connection

HOME, Inc:
Community Housing Services;

Hunger Free Dallas County:
Get on the GRID! (formerly Pop Up Produce)

International Rescue Committee:
Housing Advocacy and Education

Iowa Healthiest State Initiative:
Iowa Double Up Food Bucks

Iowa Homeless Youth Centers:
Emergency Housing Program

Iowa Legal Aid:
Legal Assistance to Meet Essential Needs

Knock and Drop Iowa:
Culturally Specific Food Pantry

Lutheran Services in Iowa:
Refugee & Immigrant Urban Agriculture

Primary Health Care:
Case Management & Outreach Programs;
Centralized Intake

The Helping Hand of Warren County:
Food Pantry

The Supply Hive:
Food Rescue

United Upper Nile South Sudanese Community Association in Iowa:
United Upper Nile Food Pantry

United Way of Central Iowa:
Garden Grants;
HOPE for Stable Families Program (HFSFP)

Urban Dreams:
Food Pantry

WayPoint Resources (formerly Waukee Area Christian Services):
Fresh Produce Student Weekend Snack Pack Program

WesleyLife:
Meals on Wheels

YMCA of Greater Des Moines:
Supportive Housing Program

For information about receiving funding from United Way of Central Iowa, visit our Investment Process website page: