Merchants Bonding Company Foundation Recognized on National Philanthropy Day

November 21, 2025

Making a difference in our communities has always been at the heart of Merchants Bonding Company™. That ongoing commitment was recently recognized by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Central Iowa Chapter, which honored the Merchants Bonding Company Foundation with the 2025 Outstanding Small Corporate/Foundation Philanthropy Award as part of National Philanthropy Day.

Merchants' Chairman of the Board and President, Larry Taylor, accepted the award on behalf of the Foundation, noting what an honor it was to receive.

"We're beyond grateful for this recognition," said Taylor. "When we started the Foundation, our intent was to make a difference in the lives of children in the communities we serve. To have this confirmation that we're living up to that mission is truly humbling."

Since its inception in 2008, the Merchants Bonding Company Foundation has donated more than $3.5 million to organizations serving our communities. Through these efforts, Merchants continues to live out its core value of supporting the communities where we work and live. 

The Central Iowa Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals organizes the National Philanthropy Day awards each year to honor individuals and organizations that make a lasting impact on the quality of life in Central Iowa. The Merchants Bonding Company Foundation was nominated by EveryStep, an organization that has benefited from the Foundation's support.

As part of the awards ceremony, AFP partners with students from Bondurant-Farrar High School to create artwork celebrating philanthropy in the community. Student artist Mae Juhl designed a beautiful piece featuring different styles of children’s shoes, symbolizing that every child is on their own unique journey, yet united by a common path forward. The artwork represents positive steps Merchants has taken to guide and uplift the community and will proudly hang in our West Des Moines headquarters.

Learn more about the priorities of the Merchants Bonding Company Foundation.