ITA Group Foundation

Funding organizations that expand access and strengthen communities

Grant applications open September 15th

 

Text description of the image

 

We remove access barriers, advance diversity, equity and inclusion, and provide positive impact on the health and well-being of individuals, families and communities.

ITA Group foundation event collage
ITA Group team members participating in volunteer activities
ITA Group team members help build communities
ITA Group team members participate in various community events

From creating our namesake foundation in 1996 to becoming a premier private employer foundation rooted in Central Iowa, this journey reflects our unique employee-ownership culture, where the spirit of giving and engagement runs deep among our team. 

ITA Group Foundation at a glance

$4M+

in lifetime contributions

$400K+

given annually

120+

nonprofits supported annually

Our giveback areas

The value of giving back to the community is infinite. Our team members provide strong support to help people in our community live happier, more fulfilled lives that leaves the world in a better place.   

Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging – Human rights and social systems

Health – Research, support and education

Community – Arts, education and preservation

Families – Support, at-risk, medical and general

22% Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging 23% Health 27% Community 28% Families

Impact stories 

With 120+ organizations supported annually, our impact is diversified throughout our communities. We’re grateful to our many grant recipients who make this work possible and extend the benefits of our contributions.

When a team member’s son experienced a non-fatal drowning accident in 2021, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) provided critical, life-saving care. It was the start of their recovery journey. Learning of Melanie’s story, the ITA Group Foundation supported CHOA. 

“Because of CHOA, we have more time, more moments and more hope than we ever could have imagined.”  

—Melanie Pittmann, Senior Director Event Production, ITA Group 

20+ team members became mentors in the Big Brother Big Sisters of Central Iowa Workplace Mentoring program, meeting with their “little” 10+ times throughout the school year to build skills like public speaking, financial planning and substance prevention.

“Over the years, ITA Group has generously supported our fundraising events, and their employees have volunteered at our signature fundraiser, Bowl for Kids’ Sake. By adding Workplace Mentoring, they are demonstrating a strong commitment to helping young people in our community thrive.”

—Bridget Cravens-Neely, CEO, BBBSIA 

YMCA of Greater Des Moines’ Supportive Housing Campus helps individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness receive secure permanent housing. ITA Group team members volunteer their time for a variety of events. 

“From partnering for events to sponsoring our on-campus birthday bashes, you all have truly made a difference for our 140 residents! The birthday bash program is one of my favorites because it gives us a chance to celebrate our residents and remind them that they are seen and valued.” 

—Nick Drahozal, Community Engagement Director, YMCA of Greater Des Moines 

ChildServe's mission is to partner with families to help children with special healthcare needs live a great life.

"For nearly 25 years, ITA Group Foundation has been a valued partner of ChildServe. Their funding, including event sponsorships and capital campaigns, has helped improve our facilities, provide adaptive equipment, and enhance the programs and services we offer to children. This support is making a meaningful difference in the care we deliver every day."

—Lisa Pagel, Director of Grants, ChildServe

The Great Outdoors Foundation advances conservation through innovation, collaboration and stewardship. ITA Group supports its ICON Water Trails and Watershed26 initiatives to improve water quality, expand outdoor recreation and strengthen quality of life across Iowa.

“What makes ITA Group stand out is their commitment to creating lasting impact for our citizens. They understand that investments in conservation are also investments in people, economic vitality and the places we call home. We're grateful for ITA Group's partnership and their belief that when we invest in Iowa's natural resources, we create stronger communities for everyone.”

—Jen Cross, Vice President Of Strategic Partnerships, Great Outdoors Foundation

ITA Group Foundation board members

Our board is made up of ITA Group team members who volunteer their time, ensuring 100% of funds go to nonprofits.

Brent Vander Waal
President and CEO, ITA Group

Giving back is simply part of how Brent lives and leads. His journey started by giving financially to United Way in his first year of work. After 30+ years, Brent's approach has grown beyond financial support to include volunteerism and service on several boards across Central Iowa, driven by a desire to give back to the community that has been so good to him. His role on the foundation board is to responsibly give where there is the greatest need, creating lasting change.

Tim Heaston
Chief Financial Officer

Tim's invested in Central Iowa since his previous career in public accounting, where he taught financial literacy courses through Junior Achievement and served as treasurer of the Greater Des Moines Music Coalition. He's executive sponsor for ITA Group’s United Way workplace giving campaign and serves on the board for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa (BBBSIA), establishing ITA Group as a workplace mentorship site. He's vice chair of the executive committee of Bravo Greater Des Moines.  

Mel Hofmann
Executive Assistant and Manager, Workplace Experience

Mel serves as Director of the ITA Group Foundation, bringing a people-centered approach to giving. A lifelong volunteer, she’s grounded by serving children and older adults. She's spent many years volunteering with YESS (now Ellipsis), notably in the teen room and crisis nursery. She’s also served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), protecting and uplifting vulnerable youth. Mel believes that philanthropy is at its best when it’s personal, purposeful and rooted in genuine care.

Ashley Bohnenkamp
Senior Manager, Event Solutions

Ashley's brought the community together for 10+ years across nonprofit boards and volunteer leadership in Central Iowa. As a mom of three girls and a woman in business, she champions underrepresented voices. Ashley serves on the Des Moines Arts Festival EMT and has served as a troop leader for Girls Scouts, and on the board of the Rotary Club of Des Moines, NAWBO Iowa, the Historic East Village Neighborhood Association, and City Sounds. To her, community is where creativity, confidence and opportunity come to life.

Lauren Rasmussen
Vice President, Sales

Lauren’s a passionate advocate for early childhood education and opportunity, evident in her board involvement with the By Degrees Foundation and Des Moines public schools. She’s also spent the past four years volunteering with Junior Achievement, working with students through in-classroom programming that builds foundational business and life skills. While she previously led ITA Group’s United Way campaign, our largest annual giveback initiative, she’s an active member of United Way’s United Women program.

Tanya Feldman
Account Executive 

As a Des Moines native, Tanya loves giving back to her city. For 3+ decades, she’s dedicated her time to solving food insecurity. Her volunteer involvement includes the Food Bank of Iowa, Urbandale Food Pantry and Meals from the Heartland, where she contributes to efforts that provide critical resources to individuals and families across the region. Serving on the board allows her to stay connected to causes that matter to her while representing the generosity of ITA Group’s employee-owners.

Pete Eastman
Retired Account Executive

After a 37-year career as an ITA Group Account Executive, Pete retired in 2026. During his career and since, he’s advocated for disadvantaged youth and building meaningful relationships in Iowa and Arizona, his second home. In Iowa, he gives back through the Oak Leaf Foundation, which supports Wakonda Club employees pursuing their educational goals. In Arizona, he serves a local foundation whose mission advances opportunities for young people. Pete brings his experience and heart to foundation conversations.

ITA Group Foundation FAQs

Who is eligible?

Quick eligibility check

You may be a good fit if your organization: 

  • Is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit with 509(a)(1) or 509(a)(2) status 
  • Aligns with one or more of the Foundation focus areas: Community; Families; Health; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging 
  • Has a demonstrated track record of impact 

Organizations that are not eligible include: 

  • Athletic organizations 
  • Public or private schools 
  • Parent teacher associations 
  • Athletic clubs 
  • Political organizations 
  • Religious organizations 
  • Service clubs such as Rotary, Lions, and Kiwanis

About the ITA Group Foundation

What is the ITA Group Foundation?

The ITA Group Foundation supports nonprofit organizations and programs that strengthen communities, support families, improve health outcomes and advance equality in the communities where ITA Group team members live, work and play.

What types of organizations does the Foundation support?

The Foundation supports organizations with demonstrated success in our focus areas: Community, Families, Health, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging.

Funding priorities

What types of programs are funded under Community?

Programs focused on conservation, community beautification, arts and culture, and initiatives that celebrate and support diverse communities.

What types of programs are funded under Families?

Programs that address homelessness, food insecurity, safety, education and support services for at-risk populations.

What types of programs are funded under Health?

Programs related to health research, education, community-based health services, and physical or emotional well-being.

What types of programs are funded under Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging?

Programs and organizations working to eliminate discrimination, expand inclusion, and create equitable opportunities.

Funding and eligibility

Who is eligible to apply?

Organizations must be registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits with 509(a)(1) or 509(a)(2) status and demonstrate success in one of the Foundation’s focus areas.

Does the Foundation fund schools, parent teacher associations, religious organizations or political organizations?

No. These organizations are not eligible for funding.

What types of support are available?

The Foundation offers annual grants, sponsorships, in-kind donations and multiyear campaign commitments.

Can my organization apply every year?

Yes. Organizations may submit requests for support annually.

How often can an organization receive a multi-year campaign commitment?

Organizations may apply annually, but multi-year campaign funding may only be awarded once every three or five years. 

Application process

When can applications be submitted?

Applications are accepted each year from September 15th through November 15th for funding consideration in the following calendar year.

When will funding decisions be announced?

Organizations will be contacted by January 15th regarding funding decisions and award amounts.

Does applying guarantee funding?

No. All applications are reviewed and funding decisions are made at the discretion of the Foundation. 

Beyond financial support

Does the Foundation provide support beyond monetary grants?

Yes. ITA Group also supports nonprofit partners through volunteer engagement, professional expertise and other resources that help maximize community impact.

How is the Foundation funded?

The ITA Group Foundation is funded through ITA Group Holdings, Inc.’s operating earnings. 

Grant applications open September 15th