Variety - the Children's Charity of Iowa

Variety - the Children's Charity of Iowa Helping children who are underprivileged, at-risk, critically ill, & living with special needs Mobility – Every child deserves to be independent.

Variety works with our donors and supporters to fund and deliver effective programs and provide grants to support our mission. Variety’s initiatives focus on five programs:


Grant Program – Variety provides funding to children’s nonprofits annually for tangible items such as: building expansions and renovations, equipment, programming needs, and more. Variety provides custom specialized bikes and

mobility equipment to children with special needs and awards brand new traditional bikes, locks, and helmets to children who have never experienced the joy of owning their own bike. Variety Vans – Over the last 40 years, more than 400 Variety Vans have been provided to children’s organizations in Iowa. These vans transport children to doctors' appointments, therapy sessions, and special outings or activities. Variety Star Playgrounds – All children should have the opportunity to experience a playground! Variety works with Iowa communities to provide all-inclusive playgrounds for children with and without special needs. The Compassion Fund – Variety partners with Iowa hospitals to help critically ill children and their families by providing comfort, care, and fulfilling immediate needs. The Fund is designed to help alleviate the stress and financial burden a family faces while their child is hospitalized.

Our Charity Finance Subcommittee has completed their annual review of new grant applications!This dedicated team of bank...
06/22/2026

Our Charity Finance Subcommittee has completed their annual review of new grant applications!

This dedicated team of banking professionals carefully evaluates the financial health of each nonprofit applying for Variety funding. Their thorough analysis helps ensure we support organizations that are financially sound and well-managed, strengthening the integrity and impact of our grant process.

When you give to Variety, you can be confident those dollars are stewarded with care to maximize their impact for Iowa’s children! ❤️

Five-year-old Wesley was recently highlighted by We Are Iowa Local 5 News! Last year at the Principal Charity Classic, W...
06/21/2026

Five-year-old Wesley was recently highlighted by We Are Iowa Local 5 News! Last year at the Principal Charity Classic, Wesley received a new mobility item - and he’s been putting it to great use, building his wheelchair skills and gaining even more independence every day.

Each turn of the wheels takes Wesley closer to a life lived on his terms.

We are only 2 months away from Central Iowa Stag! Join us for a fun night of beverage sampling, a steak dinner, auctions...
06/20/2026

We are only 2 months away from Central Iowa Stag!

Join us for a fun night of beverage sampling, a steak dinner, auctions, raffles, and a swag bag for each guest.

Tickets and event sponsorships are still available. We’d love to have you join us for an exciting evening supporting children across Iowa!

https://secure.qgiv.com/event/centraliowastag/

Through grant funding from Variety – the Children’s Charity of Iowa, Heart of Iowa Big Brothers Big Sisters in Marshallt...
06/19/2026

Through grant funding from Variety – the Children’s Charity of Iowa, Heart of Iowa Big Brothers Big Sisters in Marshalltown, IA created meaningful, no-cost experiences that helped Bigs and Littles build connection, trust, and lasting relationships through mentorship.

Read more about the impact of this support and how mentorship is creating lasting connections in our community:

https://varietyiowa.com/impact-stories/creating-meaningful-connections-through-mentorship

We’re now just one month away from an unforgettable summer evening filled with elevated cocktails, live music, beautiful...
06/18/2026

We’re now just one month away from an unforgettable summer evening filled with elevated cocktails, live music, beautiful views, and meaningful impact. Your support helps bring this special event to life and supports children across Iowa!

Sponsorships and tables are still available - but filling up quickly! Learn more at

Join Variety - the Children's Charity of Iowa for an exclusive garden party–inspired evening featuring Kentucky Derby–style attire, great company, and a shared commitment to raising critical funds for Iowa’s children who are at-risk, underprivileged, critically ill, or living with special need...

There is nothing better than seeing the impact an adaptive bike can have on a child and their family. ❤️ We're honored t...
06/17/2026

There is nothing better than seeing the impact an adaptive bike can have on a child and their family. ❤️

We're honored to partner with Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling Company to help make these moments possible. Zayden’s mom shared, “This bike is so much more than a bike for our family. It’s an opportunity to make memories together, spend time outside, and experience new adventures with Zayden.

As parents, all we really want is for our children to experience joy and have opportunities to participate in the world around them. This bike helps make that possible for Zayden, and that’s something we’ll never forget.

Thank you for seeing our son, supporting families like ours, and giving us a gift that will create memories for years to come."

Wishing you countless adventures and memories on your new bike Zayden!

Treat yourself to ice cream tomorrow night for a great cause! 🍦 Van Dee’s is once again giving back a portion of sales t...
06/16/2026

Treat yourself to ice cream tomorrow night for a great cause! 🍦

Van Dee’s is once again giving back a portion of sales to Variety – the Children’s Charity tomorrow!

Come enjoy a sweet treat, support local kids, and connect with us - Variety board members will be there to welcome you, share more about our mission, and keep the kids entertained with a few fun games too!

Heads up: The parking lot fills up fast, but the Fareway lot right across the street has plenty of extra space.

Reminder: Van Dee’s is cash only!

06/15/2026

A huge shoutout to Fareway Stores for bringing the sizzle once again at the Principal Charity Classic Pro-Am! 🥓⛳

We are so grateful for your support! ❤️

GiGi's Playhouse Des Moines received a grant from Variety – the Children’s Charity of Iowa to enhance programs supportin...
06/15/2026

GiGi's Playhouse Des Moines received a grant from Variety – the Children’s Charity of Iowa to enhance programs supporting individuals with Down syndrome.

Funding supported a new Literacy Library for early communication (LMNOP), updated classroom furnishings, and a karaoke machine for teen programming - helping strengthen learning, connection, and confidence.

Read more:
https://varietyiowa.com/impact-stories/strengthening-communication-and-connection-for-individuals-with-down-syndrome

Address

505 5th Avenue, Ste. 310
Des Moines, IA
50309

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 9am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+15152434660

Website

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