MOVING THE NEEDLE ON STUDENT SUCCESS
Expanding opportunity in north Des Moines
About the Campaign
In August 2026, By Degrees Foundation successfully completed our $5 million Moving the Needle on Student Success campaign, made possible by the generosity of 109 donors. With the campaign fully funded, By Degrees is now putting those investment to work, expanding our proven partnership model to reach 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 build secure, fulfilling futures. This expansion will deepen our work in Des Moines' northside schools, strengthen systems that support student success, and create lasting, measurable change that advances economic mobility across central Iowa.
Through the campaign, By Degrees is expanding our impact to:
-
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 annually
Moving the Needle on Student Success
Campaign Donors
$1,000,000+
Thomas and Linda Koehn Foundation
$750,000+
Wells Fargo Foundation
$500,000+
Charlotte & Fred Hubbell
$250,000+
Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines
Dotty Thurston
$100,000+
Joanie & Dan Houston
John Deere Foundation
Cathy & Steve Lacy
Mid-Iowa Health Foundation
Middleton Family
The Nelson Foundation
Prairie Meadows
Michele & Steve Whitty
$50,000+
Anonymous
Pam & Harry Bookey
Patty & Jim Cownie
Pat & Karen Halter
Ken & Linda McCullum
Lucas & Mary Katherine Nelson
Polk County Board of Supervisors
Jeff & Sarah Rader
Sammons Financial Group
$25,000+
Lauren Burgeson & Cooper Lewis
Teresa & Tim Dunbar
Debbie & Michael Hubbell
Tessie Johnson & John Owens
Janet Nelson & Georgia Humphrey
Gerard & Mary Louise Neugent
Riley Family Foundation
Karen Shaff & Steve Jayne
Rachel Stauffer & Jim Lawson
Kathy & Ted Stuart
Marie & Marv Walker
Kim & Rich Willis
Larry & Kathleen Zimpleman
$15,000+
Anonymous
Ted Thoms & Kelly Caldbeck
The Dayton Family
Bryan & Katie O'Neill
Meredith Hubbell Stahl & Andrew Stahl
Adam & Sabrina Zenor
$10,000+
Brennan & Sarah Buckley
Casey's
Alison & Jimmy Cate
Estes Construction
Angela & Terry Gallagher
Dixie & Will Hoekman
Trudy Holman Hurd
Annick & Craig Ibsen
Iowa State Bank
Mary K. & Daniel M. Kelly Family
Matt & Dana Moore
Megan & Ryan Mortier
Pauline & Bill Niebur
Mary & Suku Radia
Lauren & Chad Rasmussen
Emily & Evan Reiman
Mondale & Lucréia Smith
Nikki & Jay Syverson
Emily Westergaard
$5,000+
Bruce & Kelli Baker
Betts Foundation
Allison & Jim Fleming
Ann Flood
Lynn & Steve Graves
Justin & Alanna Greenwood
Ginny & Terry Hancock
Sara & Marc Hopkins
Lidgett-Renkoski Family
Merchants Bonding
Greg Nichols & Dawn Connet
Carolyn & Adam Ruan
Meg & Patrick Whitty
Pierce M. Zanders
$2,500+
Nancy Bone
Annie & Matt Brandt
Margie & Jay Davidson
Marilyn & Don Duwelius
William Noth
Tom Nucaro
Craig Owens
Derrick & Ashley Prine
Under $2,500
Many
WHAT 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
