Essential Needs
Funded Programs
The following nonprofit programs are receiving funding from United Way of Central Iowa during the 2026-27 fiscal year through the Essential Needs cabinet.
211:
24/7 Phone Support for Human Services
The Beacon:
Shelter Stability Program
Catholic Charities:
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 (DMARC):
Food Pantry Network
EMBARC:
Essential Needs & Stability for Refugees
Families Forward:
HOPE for Stable Families;
New Directions Shelter;
The Home Connection
HOME, Inc:
Community Housing Services;
HOPE for Stable Families
Hunger Free Dallas County:
Get on the GRID! (formerly Pop Up Produce)
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 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: