Kiap Foundation

Home
United States
Des Moines, IA
Kiap Foundation

Our Mission: To make possible the benefits of martial arts for youth regardless of financial barriers.

Note: The KIAP Foundation is a 501(c)3 certified non-profit so all donations are tax deductible.

05/27/2026

As time evolves in this ever changing society, so has our logo. With change comes a new era of growth, but there always has to be roots from where that growth starts.

In respect and remembrance of the original logo that began with this foundation, each informational post pays homage to every color in the original logo.

To never forget where the roots started from.

05/08/2026

Double congratulations to our KIAP Foundation students Maria and Sampson for earning their brown belt/black stripe and brown belt/white stripe belts at promotions last Friday night Farrell's Martial Arts! Way to persevere and stay focused on your black belt journey!! Well done!!

Donate to the KIAP Foundation: https://www.kiapfoundation.org/home/

04/27/2026

Bishop's Elite Martial Arts Academy continues to be one of the top ranking competition schools in the state of Iowa. They contribute to the community by doing acts of service including, quarterly park clean-up and cooking meals at the Ronald McDonald house.

With a school that is 3 years old now, owner Master Ryan Bishop, looks forward to watching his school grow in the intention to watch positive personal growth and development in all his students.

Master Bishop turned to Taekwondo at the age of seven. Being surrounded by negative influences throughout his early childhood going into his teen years, he needed guidance in his life that would put his mental, physical and spiritual well-being on the forefront. Martial Arts provided that guidance for Master Bishop.

“Taekwondo, for me, is not just an activity, but a way of life. I live, breathe, and take it everywhere I go. No matter where I go, my goal is to leave the people, places, and things better than where I left it.” - Master Ryan Bishop

03/29/2026

The idea for this foundation birthed a few months before COVID.

The office manager, Mary Daily Lang of Farrells Martial Arts, noticed some students that were developing positive growth from martial arts were dropping out of training. This was not because of loss of interest, but because of family financial trauma (family medical hardships, job losses, divorces, etc.)

So she formed an exploratory committee consisting of senior martial arts students and/or parents of the students, to address this concern.

This committee consisted of 7 people:

Mary Daily Lang, Nora Crosthwaite, Greg Madden, Mike Szymczuk, Jerry Rutledge, Lakenya Stinson, and Natali Justiniano Pahl.

These were people who were all Martial artists themselves and with most of them being Parents of Martials artists too.

With reviewing how other organizations (Martial arts associations) around the country addressed student financial needs, the committee decided to form a non-profit foundation.

A Foundation that would assist financially needy children (preschool - 8th grade) to attend martial arts classes.

The KIAP Foundation became incorporated in 2021 and received 501 (c) (3) in 2022.

02/25/2026

Introducing the important people that have contributed to this Foundation! :

Nora, an early member of the Kiap Foundation, has been involved with martial arts since she was 15.

She has seen how martial arts has introduced kids to a nurturing community of like-minded & responsible adults.

After working with the foundation since its early days, she’s noticed how it helps extend that reach to families as well.

01/28/2026

We want the availability for martial arts to be widespread, by supporting the participation of under-sourced youth in a structured traditional martial arts program. 🫶🏼

12/27/2025

Our foundation aims to provide students with a healthy, structured outlet for physical activity and self-improvement

12/02/2025

This GivingTuesday, you can help a needy child gain confidence, discipline, and a positive community through martial arts.

Many families can’t afford programs that give kids structure and mentorship. Your donation ensures that more children can access these life-changing experiences.

View a brief video on the KIAP Foundation page https://www.facebook.com/reel/1335487501117474 highlighting one of our KIAP-sponsored students as she builds confidence and works diligently toward achieving her goals.

Please support the mission of the KIAP Foundation and help empower a child today!
DONATE: https://www.kiapfoundation.org/home/

11/28/2025

Save the Date! On December 2, 2025, people all around the world are coming together to tap into the power of human connection and strengthen communities and change our world. Will you be one of them?

The KIAP Foundation will be participating in GivingTuesday, and we need your help!

Let’s rally together to help open the door for these children to participate in empowering martial arts programs.

Donate at https://www.kiapfoundation.org/

11/27/2025

Introducing Maria : Our First student we were able to help on her Taekwondo Journey.

She started out as a White belt with us. Now, currently a Brown belt on her Black belt journey at Farrells Martial Arts.

As the holidays are around the corner, we give Thanks to Maria for pushing through and showing us how determination and passion can take you anywhere.

Address

PO Box 7553
Des Moines, IA
50323

Website

http://www.kiapfoundation.org/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Kiap Foundation posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Kiap Foundation:

Shortcuts

Want your organization to be the top-listed Non Profit Organization in Des Moines?