MOVING THE NEEDLE ON STUDENT SUCCESS
Expanding opportunity in north Des Moines
About the Campaign
Moving the Needle on Student Success is a $5 million campaign to expand By Degrees Foundation’s proven partnership model to more Des Moines students over the next five years. By combining K-12 postsecondary, career, and financial education with long-term wealth-building strategies, we help students and families in under-resourced neighborhoods build secure, fulfilling futures.
This expansion will strengthen systems within public education, reaching thousands more students and creating lasting, measurable change that drives economic mobility across central Iowa.
Through this campaign, By Degrees will:
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Triple the number of elementary students served annually from 300 to 1,100
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Grow the number of individual students with access to 529 savings accounts from 600 to 3,200​
Interested in learning more about our campaign goals? Contact Emily Westergaard, CEO, at emily@bydegreesfoundation.org.
Moving the Needle on Student Success
Campaign Donors
as of February 1, 2026
$1,000,000+
Thomas & Linda Koehn Foundation
​
$750,000+
Wells Fargo Foundation
​
$500,000+
Charlotte & Fred Hubbell
​
$250,000+
Community Foundation of
Greater Des Moines
​
$100,000+
Joanie & Dan Houston
John Deere Foundation
Mid-Iowa Health Foundation
Joan Middleton
Nelson Foundation
Dotty Thurston
Michele & Steve Whitty
​
$50,000+
Anonymous
Pamela Bass-Bookey and Harry Bookey
Jim & Patty Cownie
Ken & Linda McCullum
Mary Katherine & Lucas Nelson
​
$25,000+
Debbie & Michael Hubbell
Gerard & Mary Louise Neugent
Jeff & Sarah Rader
Bob & Kay Riley
Rachel Stauffer & Jim Lawson
Kathy & Ted Stuart
Marie & Marv Walker
​
$15,000+
Dick & Joy Coe Foundation
Bryan & Katie O'Neill
Meredith & Andrew Stahl
Adam & Sabrina Zenor​
$10,000
Anonymous
Brennan & Sarah Buckley
The Dayton Family
Angela & Terry Gallagher
Dixie & Will Hoekman
Mary & Dan Kelly
Matt & Dana Moore
Pauline & Bill Niebur
Lauren & Chad Rasmussen
Emily & Evan Reiman
Mondale & Lucréia Smith
Nikki & Jay Syverson
Emily Westergaard
​​
$5,000+
Justin & Alanna Greenwood
Carolyn & Adam Ruan
​
Under $5,000
Nancy Bone
Annie & Matt Brandt
Laura Jackson
Kaye & Dick Lozier
Tom Nucaro
Craig Owens
Derrick & Ashley Prine
Ann & Mike Richards
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SUPPORT THE CAMPAIGN
​YOUR GIFT MOVES THE NEEDLE ON STUDENT SUCCESSS
Send a
Check
By Degrees Foundation
PO Box 41070
Des Moines, IA 50311
Donate Stock or Securities
To transfer a gift of stock, please email us.
Donate
via IRA
By Degrees Foundation
PO Box 41070
Des Moines, IA 50311
​
EIN: 42-1338832
Recommend from Donor-Advised Fund
By Degrees Foundation
PO Box 41070
Des Moines, IA 50311
​
EIN: 42-1338832
Questions about your gift? Contact Amanda Shetler at amanda@bydegreesfoundation.org
WHAT OUR DONORS SAY
"To us, an investment in education is an investment in the future of our community. When students have access to meaningful opportunities and long-term support, it changes what they believe is possible for themselves and their futures. We are inspired by the outcomes of the By Degrees Foundation model and are honored to support their work.”
Thomas and Linda Koehn
"At John Deere, we know education can open doors and shape what’s possible for the next generation. That’s why we invest in organizations like the By Degrees Foundation, whose work alongside elementary schools is expanding to help even more students build strong academic skills and confidence. Together, we’re helping youth get the support they need to succeed in school and beyond."
Pat Barnes, Global Program Director, Youth Education & Housing
John Deere Corporate Social Responsibility and Foundation Group
John Deere team members host Career Day at Findley Elementary, introducing 300 K-6th grade students to careers in agriculture, innovation technology, IT & AI, supply chain, and production.
"We are happy to support By Degrees Foundation because it equips students in under-resourced communities with the financial tools and planning support they need to succeed in their education and beyond. By helping students save, make informed decisions, and prepare for their careers, By Degrees creates lasting impact that extends well past graduation day!”
Gerry and Mary Lou Neugent
“The Wells Fargo Foundation is excited to support the By Degrees Foundation. Their efforts are making a real difference by helping young people in our community find new opportunities for economic growth. Thanks to their programs, students are learning how to build savings and wealth, which sets them up for lasting financial security and a brighter future.”
Wells Fargo Foundation
North High student James speaks with WHO-TV after By Degrees announced 529 program expansion to all North High students, supported in part by a generous grant from the Wells Fargo Foundation.
“The whole-school model that the By Degrees Foundation utilizes is transformative for students, families and entire neighborhoods. Continuous exposure to educational opportunities, career paths, and 529 savings accounts starting in Kindergarten is moving the needle for students in meaningful ways. We are proud to support the By Degrees Foundation and the important work the team does to strengthen our public schools and our community.”
Mary Katherine and Lucas Nelson
