Merchants Foundation Diversifies Giving

January 13, 2025

A high-flying art project, a ‘wild’ zoo experience, groundbreaking medical research, inclusive sports experiences, homeless outreach; they’re all part of the broad spectrum of causes the Merchants Bonding Company Foundation supported in 2024.  In all, 147 charitable and community organizations received a total of $256,923.  

Foundation’s Focus

The Foundation is dedicated to supporting non-profit organizations that improve our communities and enrich the lives of children in the cities and states where Merchants’ associates live and work. In 2024, we made two major pledges: $50,000 to the Greater Des Moines Public Art Foundation to integrate vibrant and inspiring art into the new terminal at Des Moines International Airport, and $25,000 to the Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines for its expansion and renovation efforts. Our giving is guided by five funding priorities that support our mission.

At the HEART of Giving

Each year, Merchants selects a ‘charity of choice’ to benefit from our company-wide fundraising efforts, led by our Community Outreach Council. In 2024, we chose GiGi’s Playhouse, a national organization with local chapters across the country. This selection ensured that our associates from across the country could actively participate and connect with the cause. Along with attending GiGi’s events, our associates took on an ‘extreme makeover’, transforming a storage space at the Des Moines chapter into a flexible, functional art studio. Together, Merchants associates raised more than $10,000 for GiGi’s Playhouse.

Watch Our Year With GiGi's 

2025 Charity of Choice

We're very proud to announce our charity of choice for 2025 is the Children’s Cancer Connection, whose mission is to connect Iowa families affected by childhood cancer by providing opportunities that encourage relationships and strengthen community.” We look forward to supporting their efforts, and making a meaningful difference for families when it matters the most.