A Year of Giving: How Merchants Bonding Company Foundation Made an Impact in 2025

January 13, 2026

188 organizations. $468,768. One year of giving.

In 2025, the Merchants Bonding Company™ Foundation supported 188 organizations through $468,768 in charitable giving, making a meaningful impact across the communities we serve. All giving is guided by five funding priorities that support our mission and help focus our philanthropic efforts, while reaching a wide range of causes that matter deeply to our associates and agent partners.

Larger grants that made notable community impact include:

  • $25,000 to MercyOne Legacy of Faith Campaign, supporting the Joyce E. Lillis School of Nursing and helping fund a new, state-of-the-art facility focused on nursing simulation and hands-on learning.
  • Support for Make-a-Wish, including a $25,000 donation to help fund life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.
  • $15,000 to Great Outdoors Foundation, representing annual contributions as part of a multi-year commitment supporting Polk County Conservation initiatives, including the Sleepy Hollow Capital Campaign and the Raccoon River Pedestrian Bridge project.

The Foundation's First Memorial Grant

In 2025, the Foundation established the Merchants Bonding Company Foundation Memorial Grant. Awarded every other year, the grant provides one-time funding to that year’s Charity of Choice. The inaugural grant was provided to Children’s Cancer Connection in support of their Camp Heart Connection program. The camps are where children and families affected by childhood cancer find connection, comfort, and joy during a difficult journey. Through the year-long partnership, associates and agent partners came together to not only make generous donations, but to volunteer their time and talents to the cause.  

Those efforts raised a total of $169,000, which translated to impactful support for CCC’s camp programming, helping to ensure Camp Heart Connection continues to serve families when they need it most.

Associates Powering the Impact

Associate engagement is the core of the foundation's success. In 2025, associates contributed 422.5 volunteer hours, supporting more than 50 organizations. Through Merchants' Matching Gift Program, associates donated over $12,500 to 48 organizations they are passionate about. Participation in the United Way of Central Iowa campaign also increased compared to the previous year. 

2026 Charity of Choice

We’re proud to announce United Way as the Merchants Bonding Company Foundation’s Charity of Choice for 2026. Known for bringing people and organizations together, United Way supports initiatives that strengthen communities and improve lives across the areas where our associates live and work.

We look forward to partnering with United Way in the year ahead and creating opportunities for associates, including those working remotely, to engage through fundraising and hands-on service, making a difference together.