Good deeds.
Good times.
Good friends.
When you join LINC, you connect with like-minded young professionals and donate your dollars and time to help central Iowans gain access to quality, nutritious food, and a safe place to call home.
United Way LINC offers several volunteer opportunities and bi-annual professional development events with happy hours afterward for drinks, fun, and social connections.
Most importantly, you'll know that your annual pledge of $250 or more is invested directly in the Essential Needs (such as food and housing) of struggling central Iowans.
LINC Campaign Co-Chairs
Emily Foegen, Wells Fargo 
Braden Renaud, Bankers Trust
LINC Steering Committee
- Tanner Augustine, KMPG
- Conor Boffeli, Bral Niebert
- Abby Delaney, Bankers Trust
- Emily Foegen, Wells Fargo
- Madison Mueller, American Equity
- Brandon Qualley, EY
- Braden Renaud, Bankers Trust
- Carter Thornton, Ruan Transportation
Essential Needs Funding
Your donation to LINC benefits United Way's Essential Needs strategies, providing funding and support to programs that provide central Iowans with the most basic of needs, like shelter, food, clothing, and more. Without access to these essential needs, children cannot learn in school, families cannot achieve financial stability, and individuals cannot enjoy any level of health and well-being. View the Essential Needs programs that receive funding by clicking below:
Why LINC Matters
All LINC dollars go to fund investments in Essential Needs, such as food and shelter. Without these needs being met, children cannot learn in school, families cannot be financially stable, and individuals cannot enjoy health and well-being.
There are 43,660 food-insecure in central Iowa. At the last point in time count, there were 640 homeless individuals in central Iowa living on the streets or in temporary shelters.
24% of households in central Iowa are housing cost-burdened (paying more than 30% of household income).
More than 11,000 affordable homes are needed for central Iowans with low income. Just 23 homes are available for every 100 extremely low-income renter households in Polk County alone.
Homeless children are 2x more likely to have a learning disability, repeat a grade, or be suspended from school.
31% of individuals in central Iowa struggle to meet basic needs.
Low-income students are 2.4x more likely to be chronically absent than their higher income classmates, often for reasons beyond their control, including unstable housing, unreliable transportation, or a lack of health care.
What's Working
3,822 individuals moved from homelessness to more stable housing in 2023.
355,691 meals and food items were served or distributed to individuals/families through United Way and LINC-supported pantries and shelter services in 2023.
- 4,912,991 lbs of food were donated through Food Rescue
- 1,151,977 lbs of food were donated to pantries from Corporate Giving/Community Gardens
2,874 individuals received United Way-funded legal assistance to help increase financial stability. Successes include:
- 2,421 individuals favorably resolved evictions and foreclosures.
- 670 individuals received education to help secure assets, benefits, or income.
- 663 individuals had barriers removed or reduced, enabling them to maintain/improve financial stability.
Social Media
Follow us for pictures from events, information about upcoming events, and stories about the impact you're making by being a LINC member.
Julian Neely
United LEAGUE & LINC Director
"LINC is a great way for young professionals in central Iowa to give back to our community while meeting new people and having a great time!"
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