Endowment

For decades, Des Moines Performing Arts has enriched our region with exceptional live performance, transformative arts education, and meaningful community engagement. An endowment ensures this work endures — not just for today’s audiences, but for generations to come.

Endowment support provides long-term financial stability, allowing DMPA to sustain its mission through changing economic cycles while remaining responsive to evolving community needs. Unlike annual contributions, endowment gifts are invested in perpetuity, generating annual income that strengthens programs, supports innovation, and preserves excellence across everything we do.

Today, DMPA’s endowment includes dedicated funds that support education, access, and long-range organizational health. Together, these funds form a critical foundation for the future of the performing arts in our community.

Why the Endowment Matters

A strong endowment supports programs that deliver profound impact but do not generate earned revenue. These include:

Accessible student performances
Community partnerships and outreach initiatives
Teaching-artist engagement and curriculum-based learning
New and innovative education experiences
Expanded access so all individuals, regardless of background, can experience live performance

Endowment support also provides flexibility. It allows DMPA to adapt, invest strategically, and seize opportunities that strengthen our cultural landscape — ensuring our venues, programs, and partnerships remain vibrant and relevant.

Legacy & Estate Gifts

In addition to current gifts, supporters may choose to shape DMPA’s long-term future through planned or estate gifts. These commitments create lasting legacies while helping ensure the organization remains strong, adaptive, and mission-focused well into the future.

Donors who include DMPA in their estate plans may be recognized as members of the Kruidenier Society, a community of forward-thinking supporters whose commitments reflect a shared belief in sustaining the performing arts for generations to come.

Planned gifts may include:

Bequests through a will or trust
Beneficiary designations
Gifts of retirement assets

Endow Iowa Fund at the Greater Des Moines Community Foundation

Donors may also consider naming Des Moines Performing Arts as the beneficiary of an Endow Iowa Fund through our partners at the Greater Des Moines Community Foundation. This option may provide eligible donors with enhanced state tax benefits while supporting the long-term vitality of the performing arts in our community.

Learn More

Endowment and legacy gifts are often facilitated in partnership with trusted financial and philanthropic advisors. DMPA works closely with the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines and other partners to ensure gifts are structured thoughtfully and aligned with donor intent.

To learn more about endowment giving or to discuss a legacy gift, please contact the Development Team at development@dmpa.org or (515) 246-2354.

Make a Gift

To make a gift to one of DMPA’s endowment funds, please visit the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines website. Then find “Des Moines Performing Arts Endowment,” "Des Moines Performing Arts Education Fund," or “Des Moines Performing Arts Endow Iowa Fund” and then click Donate Now.

Or by mail, check made attention to endowment fund, to: