Merchants Bonding Company Foundation Makes Major Pledges in 2024; Chooses 2025 Charity of Choice
At Merchants Bonding Company, being part of a community means more than just doing business there — we strive to make a meaningful and lasting impact. One way we do this is through the Merchants Bonding Company Foundation, whose mission is to “support nonprofit organizations that enhance our communities and enrich the lives of children where we live and work.”
Diversified Giving
In 2024, the Foundation supported an incredibly diverse array of initiatives ranging from groundbreaking medical research to inclusive sports experiences to homeless outreach. Organizations including Meals on Wheels, American Heart Association, Surety Foundation, United Way, Big Brothers Big Sisters and many more, benefited. In all, 147 charitable and community organizations dedicated to the arts, children and education and community betterment received more than a quarter-of-a-million dollars from the Foundation.
Two of our major pledges supported very unique initiatives; a high-flying public art project and a ‘wild’ new zoo experience. The pledge to the Greater Des Moines Public Art Foundation helps ensure vibrant and inspiring art will be incorporated into the new terminal at Des Moines International Airport. Art holds a special place in the culture of Merchants Bonding Company and dozens of pieces by local, national and international artists are integrated throughout our headquarters.
Photo Caption: Strata by David Rose (Fairfield, Iowa)
Photo Caption: Iowa Inspired 1 by Ruben Sanchez (Badalona, Spain)
The pledge to the Blank Park Zoo supports expansion and renovation efforts. The project will create a more inclusive environment through improved accessibility features and upgraded habitats that prioritize animal well-being. An exciting new exhibit called ‘Wild Iowa’ will feature animals native to the state like eagles, bobcats and otters. Amenities, like Blank Park Zoo, contribute to a well-rounded community that’s more attractive to individuals and families alike, and help companies like Merchants attract top-tier talent.
Partnering with GiGi’s Playhouse
In addition to a broad range of giving, the Foundation selects a charity of choice each year to be the recipient of fundraising efforts coordinated by Merchants’ Community Outreach Council. GiGi’s Playhouse, a national organization with local chapters across the country, was selected as 2024’s charity of choice. Dedicated to changing the way the world views Down syndrome, the organization provides free educational, therapeutic and career development programs for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Along with supporting various events at GiGi’s, Merchants’ associates undertook an ‘extreme makeover’ at the Des Moines chapter (pictured at top of page), transforming what was essentially a storage area into a flexible, functional, inspiring art space (pictured below).
The furnishings for the room were generously provided by one of Merchants’ valued partners, Workspace. Together, Merchants associates raised more than $10,000 for GiGi’s Playhouse.
Watch a video of Merchants’ year with GiGi’s Playhouse below:
2025 Charity of Choice
We’re very excited about our 2025 charity of choice selection, the Children’s Cancer Connection, whose mission is to “connect Iowa families affected by childhood cancer by providing opportunities that encourage relationships and strengthen community.” We look forward to supporting their efforts, and making a meaningful difference for families when it matters the most. If you’d like to help Merchants Bonding Company Foundation’s fundraising efforts, it’s easy to donate by clicking here.
Merchants Bonding Company Foundation, and the opportunities it provides for our associates and agent partners to support causes that are meaningful to them, allows employees to live out company values, including supporting our communities and creating an inclusive culture that inspires us to explore new ideas.
Learn more about Merchants Bonding Foundation here, including all the ways we support the DSM community through outreach events like Courage on the Court and Stuff the Bus.
Improving the Greater Des Moines (DSM) community through volunteering and community service is a priority for many. Thanks to community engagement opportunities and leadership connecting local businesses to causes that provide services to improve the region, DSM continues to be a place that provides support for those who live, work and play here.