Mission:

The Ames Foundation serves as the catalyst for the identification and execution of projects that enhance the quality of life and create a greater sense of community among citizens.

Vision:

To connect resources with projects in cooperation with public agencies, civic organizations, private entities and individuals. The Ames Foundation was incorporated as a non-profit volunteer organization in May 1975 as an outgrowth of the Ames Bicentennial Commission. The foundation is independent of municipal government and tax funds.

How We Help:

The Ames Foundation leverages your charitable gifts and offers significant Iowa tax credits. The Ames Foundation can serve in a custodial capacity for money raised by other organizations. For a nominal fee, the foundation, through its tax-free status, is able to collect and hold funds for eligible and approved groups with goals that coincide.

What we do

For more than 30 years The Ames Foundation has sought out and raised money for both large and small projects to enhance the city, including:
• Restoration of the historic Bandshell Park
• Custodian for gifts for the Veterans Memorial and Ames Dog Park
• Welcome to Ames signs
• Time capsule in Stuart Smith Park
• Support of Ann Munn Heritage Woods acquisition
• South Duff Avenue Improvement Fund
• Support to move Ames’ first school-house to Meeker Elementary School property
• Enhancing the sculpture, Crescendo, outside the Ames Municipal Auditorium
• Providing handicap accessible water fountains in city parks
• Landscaping city parks, cemeteries and entrances

Projects achieve the following goals:

• Enhance the community in the areas of education, recreation and the arts.
• Beautify the public grounds of the city and principal entrances to the city.
• Create a community identity through recognizable landmarks.
• Preserve and display the historical and cultural heritage of the community.

By contributing

to The Ames Foundation or setting up a donor-advised fund, you may be able to receive an additional 20% tax credit from the State of Iowa. With a donor-advised fund you are able to make a distribution each year to various Iowa charities you are interested in supporting.

You can add additional funds and establish it in such a way that your children can continue to make distributions long after you are gone. To set up a fund or for more detailed information, contact a board member.

Po Box 213 | Ames, IA 50010-0213
515-232-3152 | Fax: 515-233-1979