Gray’s Lake Improvements Highlight Merchants Bonding Company Foundation Giving

May 27, 2026

Just in time for summer fun, Gray’s Lake Park now features new splash-worthy upgrades designed to create a more accessible and family-friendly experience for the Des Moines community. 

The Merchants Bonding Company Foundation contributed $10,000 toward a new playground and sprayground along with dock improvements as part of a broader community enhancement initiative to enhance one of Des Moines’ most visited public spaces. 

Projects like the Gray’s Lake improvements reflect the Foundation’s commitment to investing in projects that improve quality of life and strengthen Iowa communities. 

2026 Grant-Giving Cycle

The Merchants Bonding Company Foundation also recently completed its first grant-giving cycle of 2026, supporting organizations and initiatives focused on education, healthcare, family supports, arts and culture, and public spaces across the state. 

This cycle’s grants support organizations working to create improve quality of life for children and families throughout Iowa.  

Additional giving highlights include:

• Supporting Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Iowa’s “Club Refresh” project to create more welcoming and functional spaces for youth programming.
• Expanding college and career readiness opportunities for students through By Degrees Foundation.
• Helping Healthy Birth Day advance stillbirth prevention education, advocacy, and research.
• Reducing barriers to participation in educational programming through Hoyt Sherman Place Foundation.
• Assisting the Iowa Coalition for Public Charter Schools as it supports the launch of new schools across Iowa.
• Strengthening international leadership and cultural exchange opportunities through the Iowa International Center.
• Supporting respite services and expanded programming for adults with disabilities through Jill’s House.
• Providing essential supplies for families with young children through Families Forward.
• Supporting college preparation and postsecondary success programming for Latino students through Al Exito.
• Investing in public art and community enhancement projects through the Greater Des Moines Public Art Foundation.
• Supporting continued growth and community engagement opportunities at Blank Park Zoo.

An important focus of the Foundation’s giving strategy is supporting organizations and initiatives that are meaningful to Merchants associates and agent partners. 

In addition to Foundation grants, associations can further extend their impact through the Merchants Matching Gift Program, which provides matching contributions of up to $400 to eligible nonprofit organizations they are passionate about supporting. 

The Merchants Bonding Company Foundation remains dedicated to supporting organizations that are creating positive, lasting change and helping communities thrive for future generations. 

Learn more about applying for a grant