There’s nothing like a presidential election to remind voters in a minor, non-swinging member of the Electoral College like Iowa how little power an individual has over broken systems.
Iowans are hungry, housing insecure and live under a near-total abortion ban. High nitrate levels in our waterways, caused by reckless Big Ag practices, endanger vital wildlife ecosystems and the safety of drinking water, here and downriver. Public schools are underfunded, undersupported and struggling to abide by vague laws restricting library books, social studies lessons and acceptance of LGBTQ identities. Gun violence is a constant threat.
Rural communities are increasingly isolated, lacking nearby grocery stores, hospitals, OB-GYNs and other essential needs. Wages remain stagnant despite a higher cost of living. Many local restaurants and arts institutions did not recover from the pandemic. Professionals and young people are leaving the state in droves.
Meanwhile, the governor has made a habit of boasting about state budget surpluses, anti-trans laws, border stunts involving the Iowa National Guard and the Department of Public Safety, and her rejection of federal funds meant for pandemic recovery and feeding children.
Your vote may feel inconsequential in a presidential election, but any donation to an organization on the list below will not. The nonprofits in this guide provide direct services to make life more livable for Iowans, especially vulnerable Iowans, while advocating for long-term solutions. Whatever systemic injustice is tearing at your heart the most, you can help soothe the symptoms by funding its adversaries in your neighborhood.
This guide was compiled by Little Village editors and contains no sponsored or ad content. It is by no means an exhaustive list of all central and eastern Iowa nonprofits. Don’t see your favorite org represented? Let LV know at [email protected].
When in doubt, inquire about…
- Your city or county’s food pantry
- Your local library’s foundation (“Friends of the…”)
- Your county’s housing trust fund
- Your city or region’s bail fund
- Your favorite river, lake or stream’s clean-up group
- Your local animal shelter’s foundation
- Your local faith community’s food or clothing bank
- Your county’s chapter of: Habitat for Humanity, the Ronald McDonald House, United Way, Meals on Wheels, Toys for Tots, Big Brothers Big Sisters, PFLAG, etc.
I want my dollars to improve…
CommUnity Crisis Services
1121 S Gilbert Ct, Iowa City, builtbycommunity.org
Helpline: 988; request a Mobile Crisis Response: 1-855-581-8111
Mental health resources in Johnson and Iowa counties
Healing Prairie Farm
Johnson County, builtbycommunity.org/hpf, 319-255-7006
Crisis stabilization and long-term shelter for youth in a calm rural setting
Iowa City Sober Living
iowacitysoberliving.com
A recovery home for women
Community Health Free Clinic
947 14th Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, communityhfc.org, 319-363-0416
Free walk-in care, eye exams and prescription services on weekdays. Non-emergency
Tanager Place
Cedar Rapids: 2309 C St SW & 1030 5th Ave SE; Coralville: 250 12th Ave Ste 150,
tanagerplace.org
In- and outpatient psychiatric treatment, music and art therapy, in-school and in-house services, infant and early childhood enrichment and summer camps. Operates LGBTQ+ Center inside the Estle Center
Young Women’s Resource Center
818 5th Ave, Des Moines
ywrc.org, 515-244-4901
After-school programs, counseling and a Young Moms program for girls and women aged 10-24 (trans and nonbinary inclusive). Free, confidential, voluntary
University of Iowa Mobile Clinic
iowamobileclinic.org, 319-535-2684
Interdisciplinary student org providing free health screenings and basic care throughout Iowa
Iowa City Free Medical and Dental Clinic
2440 Towncrest Dr, Iowa City
freemedicalclinic.org, 319-337-4459
Free medical care, specialty care, basic dental care and prescription assistance. Non-emergency
Iowa Trans Mutual Aid Fund
iowatransmutualaidfund.org
Helps trans, nonbinary and gender diverse Iowans pay for gender-affirming care
Iowa Harm Reduction Coalition
Central Iowa: 515-207-5202; NE Iowa: 563-845-3091; SE Iowa: 319-214-0540
Naloxone distro, social justice advocacy and more to support people affected by drug addiction and enforcement
The Bird House Hospice Home of Johnson County
8 Lime Kiln Ln NE, Iowa City
thebirdhousejc.org, 319-499-1882
End-of-life care and comfort in a residence surrounded by nature
Access 2 Independence
1556 S 1st Ave Ste B, Iowa City
601 2nd Ave SE, Cedar Rapids
access2independence.org, 319-338-3870
Removes barriers and provides support for individuals with disabilities in eastern Iowa
Primary Health Care
Locations in Ames, Des Moines
(four + three school-based clinics), Marshalltown and Urbandale, phciowa.org
Medical and dental care, regardless of insurance, immigration status or ability to pay. Operates Homeless Support Services in Polk County
Community Support Advocates
1516 Valley W Dr, West Des Moines
teamcsa.org, 515-883-1776
24/7 (non-crisis) line for mental health and disability resources: 515-288-0818
Outpatient mental health therapy, med management and assessments through Integrated Behavioral Health Clinic. Provides other services for Polk County youth and adults with mental health conditions or disabilities, including Momentum Arts Program
Systems Unlimited
2533 Scott Blvd SE, Iowa City
sui.org, 319-338-9212
Clinical health services and opportunities for work, volunteering, socializing, art and more for people with developmental, intellectual and physical disabilities, as well as aging, behavioral and mental health needs
Above + Beyond Cancer
1305 50th St, West Des Moines
aboveandbeyondcancer.org
Free, evidence-based fitness, meditation, nutrition, education and outdoor adventure programs for cancer patients, caregivers and locals
American Brawn
106 14the Ave, Grinnell
americanbrawn.us, 319-231-2383
Supports suicide prevention efforts for veterans, active military and first responders
Puppy Jake Foundation
3101 104th St #2, Urbandale
puppyjakefoundation.org, 515-777-2837
Pairs veterans with professionally trained service dogs
…especially for abortion access
Emma Goldman Clinic
227 N Dubuque St, Iowa City
emmagoldman.com, 800-848-7684
The first outpatient abortion clinic in Iowa. Provides reproductive healthcare and advocacy
Planned Parenthood Ames Health Center
2530 Chamberlain St, Ames
plannedparenthood.org/health-center/iowa, 877-849-0763
The last PP clinic to offer abortion services in Iowa; one of two remaining abortion providers in the state (with EGC in Iowa City)
Autonomy Iowa City
autonomyiowacity.org
[email protected], 515-782-2416
Assists access to free emergency contraception, pregnancy tests, abortion pills and out-of-state abortion care. Formerly the Iowa Jane Collective
Iowa Abortion Access Fund
iowaabortionaccessfund.org
312-663-0338
Financial assistance (in partnership with Chicago Abortion Fund) and help accessing abortion services for people in Iowa
Family Planning Council of Iowa
2900 Westown Pkwy, Ste 240, West Des Moines
fpcouncil.org, 515-288-9028
Education and access to contraceptives, reproductive healthcare providers, STI testing and resources for pregnancy and domestic abuse, regardless of identity or ability to pay
I want my dollars to improve…
Shelter House
429 Southgate Ave, Iowa City
shelterhouseiowa.org, 319-351-0326
Operates a 70-bed emergency shelter, four homes, 60 supportive units, employment assistance and mental health recovery
Joppa
2326 Euclid Ave, Des Moines, joppa.org, 515-288-5699
Weekly outreach to hundreds of unhoused and newly housed locals, providing food, essentials and resources for employment, mental health and socialization. Collects donated clothing and items via Thriftmart
Anawim Housing
1750 48th St Suite 100B, Des Moines
anawimhousing.org, 515-244-8308
Largest provider of permanent supportive housing in Iowa. Develops and manages affordable housing and homeless support services in Polk County
Community Housing Initiatives
210 2nd St SE, Cedar Rapids
chihousing.com, 319-362-1020
Oversees affordable housing developments in more than 30 Iowa communities. Helps residents meet basic needs
HOME, Inc.
1618 6th Ave, Des Moines
homeincdsm.org, 515-243-1277
HUD-certified Housing Counseling Agency and Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO). Obtains and maintains affordable housing and support in Des Moines
YSS (Youth & Shelter Services, Iowa Homeless Youth Centers)
yss.org, 515-232-4YSS
Emergency shelter, addiction treatment, crisis stabilization, rent assistance, mental health and food support, after-school and summer programs, education and career resources, and more across 11 locations throughout central Iowa
Domestic Violence Intervention Program & Rape Victim Advocacy Program
dvipiowa.org
DVIP 24-hour hotline: 800-373-1043
RVAP: 800-228-1625
Free and confidential resources for victim-survivors across eight Iowa counties. Operates three emergency shelters and a pet kennel. Offers adult and child counseling, criminal justice and court advocacy. Sponsors Johnson County Human Trafficking Coalition
Four Oaks
5400 Kirkwood Blvd SW, Cedar Rapids
fouroaks.org, 319-364-0259
Works with Affordable Housing Network, Inc. to provide safe, sustainable housing, therapy services, foster care support and more to prevent child trauma
Des Moines Mutual Aid
iowamutualaid.org/des-moines-mutual-aid
Abolitionist mutual aid collective. Partners with like-minded local groups on a rent relief fund, bail fund, weekly free grocery distro, and support for houseless neighbors, material and court
Des Moines Black Liberation Movement
dsmblm.org
Collective action to fight systems of white supremacy. DSM Rent Relief Fund (with Des Moines Mutual Aid; assists with bills, emergency housing, etc.), Black Children’s Memorial, an annual Juneteenth Celebration
The Beacon
Des Moines, thebeacondm.org
Housing, counseling and community for unhoused and otherwise vulnerable adults who identify as women. Also offers free food, rent assistance and career training
Monsoon Asians & Pacific Islanders in Solidarity
4944 Franklin Ave, Ste B, Des Moines
1700 S 1st Ave, Ste 18 Iowa City 1789 Elm St, Dubuque
monsooniowa.org, Helpline: 1-866-881-4641
Free, confidential, multilingual support for victim-survivors of domestic violence, sexual abuse and human trafficking in Iowa’s AAPI communities
Nisaa African Family Services
4944 Franklin Ave, Ste P, Des Moines
1700 S 1st Ave, Ste A & B, Iowa City
nisaa-afs.org, 24-hour helpline: 1-844-269-6203
Direct services for victim-survivors in Iowa’s African immigrant and refugee communities, including court, immigration, medical, housing, employment and child care aid
Project Iowa
projectiowa.org
In-person and online career training courses and job placement assistance
Houses into Homes
401 6th Ave, Coralville
housesintohomes.org, 319-435-1075
Free gently used beds, furniture and household items for people in Johnson County leaving homelessness, domestic violence and other crisis situations
Matthew 25
201 3rd Ave SW, Cedar Rapids
Conducts home repairs and builds sustainable, low-income houses. Offers a Tool Library
Dress for Success Des Moines
7025 Hickman Road, Ste 3, Urbandale
desmoines.dressforsuccess.org, 515-288-0130
Free professional development and attire for unemployed and underemployed women. Partners with The Beacon
Renewed Hope Home Furnishings
306 Park St, Grinnell
renewedhope.grinnellfriends.org, 641-236-6412
Free home furnishings, including delivery, for locals in a 15-mile radius
Second Mile Thrift Shop
515 3rd Ave, Grinnell
secondmilegrinnell.org, 641-236-7892
Low-cost clothing, household and furniture items
Crowded Closet
851 Hwy 6 E, #101, Iowa City
crowdedcloset.org
Nonprofit thrift shop supporting global and local relief efforts by the Mennonite Central Committee
InsideOut Reentry
804 S Capitol St, Iowa City
insideoutreentry.com
Works with individuals incarcerated throughout the state to help them develop re-entry plans, regardless of where they plan to live after release. Offers Life Skills classes, Housing and Employment Readiness programs
I want my dollars to improve…
CommUnity Food Bank
1045 Highway 6 East, Iowa City, builtbycommunity.org, 319-351-0128
Free and confidential groceries, hygiene products, baby supplies and more
Coralville Community Food Pantry
804 13th Ave, Coralville, coralvillefoodpantry.org, 319-337-3663
Weekly food assistance for Coralville, Tiffin and Oxford residents
North Liberty Community Food Pantry
89 N Jones Blvd, North Liberty, nlcpantry.org, 319-626-2711
Free groceries and clothing for North Liberty and rural Johnson County residents
Northeast Iowa Food Bank
1605 Lafayette St, Waterloo, neifb.org, 319-235-0507
Operates Cedar Valley Food Pantry, a mobile food pantry and 13 Kids Cafes. Distributes food to 130+ other food assistance orgs. Helps Iowans utilize SNAP benefits
Food Pantry at Iowa
IMU Room G200, basicneeds.uiowa.edu/food-pantry, 319-335-1162
Serves University of Iowa students and community members
Matthew 25
201 3rd Ave SW, Cedar Rapids
matthew-25.org, 319-362-2214
Tends an urban farm with community gardens and gathering space. Operates Iowa’s first pay-it-forward cafe (Groundswell Cafe, 201 3rd Ave NW, CR), and sells affordable produce in a former food desert (Cultivate Hope Corner Store, 604 Ellis Blvd NW). Offers discounted CSA, youth food camps and more
Eat Greater Des Moines
501 SW 7th St, Ste G, Des Moines
eatgreaterdesmoines.org, 515-207-8908
Operates dozens of community fridges throughout Polk, Dallas and Warren counties. Rescues food everywhere from farm fields to grocery stores. Operates Eat Greater Des Moines Food Rescue app
St. Vincent de Paul Society of Des Moines
1426 6th Ave and 500 Army Post Rd, Des Moines, svdpdsm.org
Free food and clothing at both locations. Also offers career training, job search and reentry services
Table to Table
Pepperwood Plaza, 1049 US-6 E, Iowa City, table2table.org, 319-337-3400
Recovers and redistributes food that would’ve gone to waste, supporting eastern Iowa food pantries and other partner orgs
Field to Family
1051 US-6, Iowa City
fieldtofamily.org, 319-855-2649
Procures local food for school lunch menus, supports school gardens, provides education on food systems, connects local growers with local consumers
Grow: Johnson County
4811 Melrose Ave, Iowa City
growjohnsoncounty.org, 319-622-3264
A six-acre farm growing fresh fruit and vegetables for Johnson County food pantries
IC Compassion
1035 Wade St, Iowa City
iccompassion.org, 319-330-9883
Hosts 100+ garden plots at the Johnson County Historic Poor Farm for families to grow a diverse range of crops. Operates a food pantry on Wednesdays and Jabez Cafe. Also provides low-cost legal immigration services, mental health counseling for refugees and ESL tutoring
River Bend Food Bank
4010 Kimmel Dr, Davenport
3145 Cedar Crest Ridge, Dubuque
876 W Main St, Ste B, Galesburg, Illinois
riverbendfoodbank.org
Rescues, stores and distributes nutritious food through more than 400 partners in 23 counties. Outreach to students, seniors, SNAP beneficiaries and food deserts
Iowa City Free Lunch Program
1105 Gilbert Ct, Ste 100, Iowa City, 319-337-6283, iowacityfreelunch.org
Filling, healthy free lunches served no-questions-asked, Mon-Sat, 12-1 p.m.
Food Bank of Iowa
2220 E 17th St, Des Moines
705 W Main St, Ottumwa, foodbankiowa.org
Supports food pantries throughout central and southeast Iowa, including 150 school pantries in 43 counties. Runs the BackPack Program, providing food-insecure kids with meals over weekends
Meals from the Heartland
357 Lincoln St, West Des Moines
mealsfromtheheartland.org, 515-473-9530
Faith-based org fighting child hunger in Iowa and globally. Packages and distributes protein-dense food in Iowa, utilizing large network of distributors
Mid-Iowa Community Action
1001 S 18th Ave, Marshalltown
micaonline.org, 641-752-7162
Community action fighting poverty in central Iowa through almost 30 programs focused on distinct needs, including food, water, heat, health and disaster assistance.
Urbandale Food Pantry
7611 Douglas Ave, Stes 34-35, Urbandale
urbandalefoodpantry.org, 515-251-6688
Free food and personal care items in the Des Moines metro (must show ID). Customizes meals by family size and dietary needs. Rescues food from local grocers
Johnston Partnership for a Healthy Community
5870 Merle Hay Rd, Ste C, Johnston
johnstonpartnership.org, 515-528-2379
Free food assistance, personal care items and clothing (must show ID). Customizes meals by family size and dietary needs. Weekend food support for Johnston School District students
Supply Hive
Des Moines, thesupplyhivedsm.org
Flexible mutual aid org supporting marginalized locals. Partners with Eat Greater Des Moines to rescue food from local grocers to supply community fridges. Raises funds and holds drives to help individuals retain housing, childcare and essential supplies
The Iowa Kitchen
theiowakitchen.org
Food distribution and education geared toward young adults in the Grinnell community. Free meals served once a week. Supported by the restaurant Relish
Valley Community Center — Project Impact
4444 Fuller Rd, West Des Moines
valleycommunity.center/projectimpact
Food assistance for at-risk individuals and families in the Des Moines metro, including weekend meals for students. Also distributes school supplies, winter clothing and diapers
Convivium Urban Farmstead
2811 Jackson St, Dubuque
convivium-dbq.com, 563-557-2900
A dense urban farm with a community garden, free casserole program and food education classes, supported by a restaurant onsite
Forest Ave Outreach
334 Forest Ave, Des Moines
forestaveoutreach.org
Community orchard and garden serving a food desert. Youth outreach in outdoor classroom
I want my dollars to improve…
Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement (CCI)
2001 Forest Ave, Des Moines, iowacci.org, 515-255-0800
Organizes campaigns against factory farms and CO2 pipelines; operates a Nitrate Watch program. Advocates on behalf of renters, mobile homeowners, immigrants, victims of racial profiling and the uninsured
IowaProjectAWARE
iowaprojectaware.org
Marion-based org that hosts a massive, weeklong river cleanup each summer, integrated with education around environmental science, geology, Iowa history and more. Recycles more than 80 percent of trash pulled from water
Iowa Water Project
iowawaterproject.org
Strategically places natural dams and aquatic plants to improve streams and wetlands statewide
The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation
505 Fifth Ave, Ste 444, Des Moines, inhf.org, 515-288-1846
Protects and maintains nearly 200,000 acres of Iowa prairie, woodland and waterways. Creates multi-use trails in natural areas
Iowa Rivers Revival
iowarivers.org, 515-635-5586
Statewide, nonpartisan org working to protect and restore rivers and streams
Trees Forever
80 W 8th Ave, Marion, treesforever.org, 800-369-1269
Organizes tree-planting projects to protect waterways and roadsides. Part of ReLeaf Cedar Rapids plan to restore tree canopy lost to 2020 derecho, and the Iowa Urban Tree Council. Education on treekeeping, invasive species, agroforestry and more
The R.A.R.E. Group
3305 Hwy 1 SW Ste 29a, Iowa City, theraregroup.org, 319-248-9770
Raptor rehabilitation and education. Completely volunteer-run clinic provides rescue, triage and long-term medical treatment
Wildthunder Wildlife & Animal Rehabilitation & Sanctuary
2584 Henley Ave, Independence, wildthunderwars.org, 319-961-3352
Licensed wildlife rehabilitation center and animal shelter with volunteer caretakers. Treats injured wildlife and homeless pets, including raptors, reptiles, mammals and exotic animals
Iowa Bird Rehabilitation
3108 49th St, Des Moines, 515-207-5008
Volunteer-based wildlife rehab center for sick, injured or orphaned wild birds
Iowa Farm Sanctuary
1696 250th St NW, Oxford, iowafarmsanctuary.org, 319-329-0205
Vegan-run safe haven for rescued farm animals. Funds major veterinary procedures for its residents. Responds to emergency calls involving farm animals, e.g. semi accidents and natural disasters
Bailing Out Benji
2521 University Blvd, Ste 123, Ames, bailingoutbenji.com
Investigates and researches commercial breeders, puppy mills, pet stores and online sellers. Advocates for responsible pet adoption. Provides a national database of puppy mills. Operates the Central Iowa Pet Food Pantry
Practical Farmers of Iowa
1615 Golden Aspen Dr, Ste 101, Ames, practicalfarmers.org, 515-232-5661
Programs to incentivize and support farming practices that reduce nitrogen, improve soil and conserve wildlife habitats. Helps farms transition from old to new generations of farmers/owners. Farmer-led research. Spanish-language resources
The Animal Rescue League of Iowa
5452 NE 22nd St, Des Moines, arl-iowa.org
Pet helpline: 515-473-9122
Behavior helpline: 515-262-9503
Iowa’s largest nonprofit animal shelter. Offers short-term crisis care for families with pets. Animal Welfare and Response Team investigates abuse and cruelty statewide. Operates a cat trap-neuter-return program in Des Moines and a twice-monthly pet food pantry, among other initiatives
Kiya Koda Humane Society
1206 N Jefferson Way, Indianola, kiyakoda.com, 515-961-7080
No-kill animal shelter taking in, and adopting out, stray dogs and cats
Cedar Valley Humane Society
7411 Mt Vernon Rd SE, Cedar Rapids, cvhumane.org, 319-362-6288
Shelters animals as long as it takes to get them adopted. Low adoption fees. Operates a pet food pantry; supplies pet food for five pantries around the region
Iowa Humane Alliance
6540 6th St SW, Cedar Rapids, iowahumanealliance.org, 319-363-1225
Affordable, accessible spay-neuter services in eastern Iowa
Bur Oak Land Trust
5 Sturgis Corner Dr, Ste 1250, Iowa City, buroaklandtrust.org, 319-338-7030
Maintains roughly a dozen biodiverse land reserves, many open to the public year-round
Indian Creek Nature Center
5300 Otis Rd SE, Cedar Rapids, indiancreeknaturecenter.org, 319-362-0664
A sustainable, solar-powered facility on 500 acres of preserved wetlands, prairies, woodlands and trails
Iowa Audubon
iowaaudubon.org
Education and advocacy for Iowa birds. Identifies and protects important bird habitats around the state, e.g. tallgrass prairie
100Grannies
100grannies.org
Iowa City-based member org of senior women demonstrating against factory farms, CO2 pipelines and unsustainable practices in Iowa
Iowa Wildlife Federation
301 Grand Ave, Des Moines, iawildlife.org, 515-419-1839
Statewide, membership-based org. Helps locals create Certified Wildlife Habitats of unmowed, protected green space. Supports the University of Iowa’s School of the Wild, an accredited environmental education program for youth
Iowa Interfaith Power & Light
505 5th Ave, Des Moines, iowaipl.org, 515-689-1112
Gathers farmers, students, rural faith leaders and others to discuss and advocate for climate action
Iowa Chapter of the Sierra Club
3839 Merle Hay Rd #280, Des Moines, sierraclub.org/iowa, 515-277-8868
Part of the nation’s oldest and largest grassroots environmental org. Advocacy and lobbying focused solely in Iowa
I want my dollars to improve…
One Iowa
oneiowa.org, 515-288-4019
Training for healthcare providers, businesses and others on issues facing LGBTQ Iowans. Mentorship and resources. Works to shape local and state policies affecting LGBTQ Iowans via One Iowa Action, a 501(c)(4). Statewide, Des Moines-based
Iowa Safe Schools
iowasafeschools.org, 515-381-0588
Anti-bullying and discrimination support for LGBTQ students. Operates the GSA Network, providing resources for GSA clubs in schools across Iowa (plus parents and educators). Advocates for legislation banning conversion therapy and trans/gay panic defenses
ACLU of Iowa
505 5th Ave, Des Moines, aclu-ia.org, 515-243-3576
Files lawsuits and amicus briefs challenging violations of civil liberties in Iowa by the government. Know-your-rights resources in English and Spanish. Legislative advocacy on a range of progressive issues
Great Plains Action Society
greatplainsaction.org
Indigenous-run org fighting the effects of colonial-capitalism in the Midwest, including pipelines, unsustainable ag practices, anti-CRT and anti-reproductive choice laws, and the prevalence of missing and murdered Indigenous people. Founded and directed by Iowa-based Sikowis Nobiss (The River Rights Caravan takes place Nov. 10-17, starting in Sioux City and ending in Davenport)
Refugee and Immigrant Association
refugeeimmigrant.org, 319-491-3486
Academic and social support for refugee youth in Johnson and Linn counties. Organizes school transportation program, Refugee Women Empowerment Program and a multilingual newspaper, Refugee and Immigrant News
IC Compassion
1035 Wade St, Iowa City, iccompassion.org, 319-330-9883
DOJ-authorized, low-cost immigration legal services. Operates Refugee Counseling Center Center, a Wednesday food pantry (12-5 p.m.) and Jabez Cafe, employing special needs young adults from immigrant families. Global Food Project connects new Johnson County residents with community garden plots
Catherine McAuley Center
1220 5th Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, cmc-cr.org, 319-363-4993
ESL, U.S. Citizenship exam, High School Equivalency Test and basic skills tutoring for adults, in person or online. Services for refugees and migrants, including employment, healthcare, housing (in particular for women), childcare and legal. Food pantry (M-F, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.) and a community garden
Annie’s Foundation
5619 NW 86th St, Ste 700, Johnston, anniesfoundation.com
Parent-run org working in opposition to book censorship and discrimination in central Iowa school districts. Holds events to increase access to diverse, challenged books
Everybody Wins! Iowa
Walnut Street School #315, 901 Walnut St, Des Moines, everybodywinsiowa.org, 515-277-7590
One-on-one reading and mentoring with schoolkids and volunteers
Prairielands Freedom Fund
prairielandsfreedomfund.org, 319-535-2209
Formerly Eastern Iowa Community Bond Project. Pays immigration bond, protester bail and pretrial bail for young advocates
Center for Worker Justice of Eastern Iowa
1556 S 1st Ave # C, Iowa City, cwjiowa.org, 319-594-7593
Grassroots advocacy to fight wage theft, discrimination, unsafe work conditions, predatory housing practices and other issues facing low-wage workers and tenants. Promotes solidarity across race, ethnicity and immigration status
1619 Freedom School
325 E Park Ave, Ste 204, Waterloo, 1619freedomschool.org, 319-427-0314
Free, community-based, after-school literacy program for students to improve reading skills while learning Black American history
United Action for Youth
1700 S 1st Ave #14, Iowa City
355 Iowa Ave, Iowa City
unitedactionforyouth.org, 319-338-7518
Runaway and homeless youth services, trauma-informed crisis intervention/mediation, transitional living assistance, counseling, art events and social opportunities for young people and families in Johnson County
Wright House of Fashion
910 S Gilbert St, Iowa City, wrighthousefashion.com, 319-541-9790
Humanize My Hoodie designer Andre Wright’s community space for underrepresented creatives, sustainable fashion, workshops, talks and a community fridge
James Gang
450 Hwy 1 W #126, Iowa City, jamesgangic.com
Entrepreneurial org working to initiate and grow community projects in the areas of creativity and service
Iowa Asian Alliance
6919 Vista Dr, Des Moines, iowaasianalliance.com
Unites diverse Asian, Asian American and Pacific Islander communities with the purpose of fostering economic growth and broader community development within the state of Iowa
Latino Resources
4217 University Ave Ste 1, Des Moines, latinoheritagefestival.org
Serves as the umbrella to the Des Moines Latino Heritage Festival, which has the distinction of not only being the largest Latino Festival in the state, but the largest cultural event in the state of Iowa
Corridor Community Action Network
corridorcan.com
Organizes locals in Cedar Rapids, Coralville, Tiffin, North Liberty and Iowa City for service projects, letter-writing campaigns and community events
Public Space One
538 S Gilbert St, Iowa City, publicspaceone.com, 319-855-1985
Artist-led, community-driven contemporary art center with three public locations in Iowa City. Provides space for exhibitions, artist residencies, a Media Arts Co-op, the Center for Afrofuturist Studies, the Iowa LGBTQ Archives and Library and other local artists and organizations
Queen Sisterz Organization
Urbandale, facebook.com/venticawoods, 515-735-1141
Scholarships, networking and empowerment programs for local youth, especially Black youth
Read 2 Lead of Poweshiek County
read2lead.info
Free books and evidence-based programs to promote early literacy. Partners include Books for MICA and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
DSM Queer Youth Resource Center
instagram.com/qyrcenter
Inclusive events for LGBTQ2SIA+ youth. Hosts Safe Space Prom, an All Ages Variety Show, the skating festival Pride in Motion, queer movie nights, drag shows and art shows
Girls Rock! Des Moines
girlsrockdsm.org
Music camps, after-school programs, lessons, jam sessions, concerts and recording opportunities for girls, women and nonbinary folks. LGBTQ+ friendly. Offers free Instrument Library and Iowa City area programming
Skate DSM
skatedsm.org
Gives away hundreds of free skateboards and helmets in central Iowa through Get On Board Project. Offers scholarships for their skateboard lessons and camps
HOPE Foundation Iowa
hopefoundpal.org, instagram.com/hopefoundationia
Works with Iowans for Palestine, Iowa City Action for Palestine and other groups to raise local awareness and humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza
This guide was originally published in Little Village’s November 2024 issue.
