Des Moines Public Schools Foundation

07/15/2026

Please welcome Melanie Campbell!

Des Moines Public Schools and the DMPS Foundation are proud to welcome Melanie as Executive Director of the DMPS Foundation and Director of Philanthropic Engagement for Des Moines Public Schools.

Melanie brings more than 25 years of experience building partnerships, leading fundraising efforts, and connecting communities with meaningful opportunities. Her leadership at Mercy College of Health Sciences, United Way of Central Iowa, and the American Cancer Society reflects a career dedicated to creating lasting community impact.

As DMPS continues Reimagining Education, partnerships with businesses, foundations, and community organizations will help expand opportunities for students across our district.

Please join us in welcoming Melanie to the DMPS community!

Read more: https://www.dmschools.org/news_release/dmps-and-foundation-launch-new-philanthropic-partnership/

06/13/2026

The Reimagining Education public feedback window will open on June 1, 2026, and remain open until June 30, 2026. Please stop back to learn more about Signature Schools and Maker Spaces. Then, share your opinion to help shape the future of Reimagining Education in Des Moines.

06/11/2026

The first-ever Dine Out for Des Moines Public Schools event raised nearly $8,000 for students and schools through support from local restaurants and the community.

Ten participating restaurants donated 10% of sales during the March event, which was brought to Des Moines by Big Grove Brewery.

We hope you'll join us for the next Dine Out for DMPS event scheduled for September 24.

Interested in joining our sponsors? Click here to learn more: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeypCUFP00cekCtWEO4pfuSJC447MD1M6P45toWChB8PUDqWw/viewform

06/01/2026

The Principal Charity Classic returns to Wakonda Club June 10-14, bringing PGA TOUR Champions golfers and a chance to make a difference for Des Moines students.

Proceeds benefiting the Des Moines Public Schools Foundation help support teachers, classroom activities, and opportunities that enrich learning across our schools.

Be part of one of Iowa’s favorite summer traditions and help invest in students and educators. Learn more at principalcharityclassic.com.

05/26/2026

The Principal Charity Classic returns to Wakonda Club June 10-14 with PGA TOUR Champions legends and an unforgettable week of golf. Be part of this amazing Iowa summer kickoff and support The Des Moines Public Schools Foundation! Learn more at www.principalcharityclassic.com

05/14/2026

We are thrilled to announce the creation of a new position to creatively leverage philanthropic giving for DMPS: Director of Philanthropy for the district (70%) / Executive Director for the Foundation (30%). We encourage qualified applicants who are passionate about public schools to apply by May 24. Please help us spread the word!

Search or browse thousands of teaching jobs and other school jobs from dozens of education job sites in one easy search. Sign up for daily or weekly job alert emails and apply online!

05/06/2026

To all the teachers and staff at Des Moines Public Schools: we say thank you for all you do to educate our children.

It is not an easy job being an educator in Iowa. For years our public schools have been underfunded. More is being asked of our teachers and of our school districts.

Our teachers continue to show up for our families and communities every single day. We’re so lucky to have them.

As members of the Des Moines Public Schools Foundation board, we have a front row seat in seeing the innovative, exciting, and beautiful ways our teachers show up for their students. The DMPS Foundation offers small grants to support teachers’ needs across the district. These projects have ranged from school gardens, to field trips, to robotics clubs, and so much more.

Teachers listen and see where there is excitement and energy from their students to learn, and they do everything they can to make that learning happen.

An overall theme with Des Moines Public Schools: you will be given opportunity. Opportunity to learn from students from all walks of life, opportunity to participate in programs that you are most passionate about, and the opportunity to be taught by the very best teachers.

This teacher appreciation week, we hope you will show your teachers and school staff some extra love. They deserve it. Thank them for their dedication and hard work in shaping you or your loved one’s future.

We all got here today because a teacher shaped our life. Thank you, Des Moines Public Schools teachers!

- Des Moines Public Schools Foundation members

04/30/2026

It was inspiring night of community at the DMPS Foundation Dinner on April 16th as more than $115,000 was raised for Des Moines Public Schools students! We are incredibly grateful to everyone that came together in support of the 30,000 students that make DMPS so special.

04/23/2026

The 3rd Annual DMPS Foundation dinner was a night to remember, and it wouldn't have been possible without the support of our incredible sponsors! 💙💛

We'd like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Turner Construction Company, Jester Insurance Services, Estes Construction, DLR Group, Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Broadlawns Medical Center, Prairie Meadows Casino, Racetrack & Hotel, RMH Architects, Polk County Iowa, Dci Group, Strategic America, Des Moines Education Association, and Lorenzen Family Foundation.

04/08/2026

We're honored to receive sponsorship from the Polk County Iowa Board of Supervisors and Prairie Meadows Casino, Racetrack & Hotel in support of the 3rd Annual DMPS Foundation Dinner!

The dinner will be an evening of community and celebration featuring music from our talented students, as well as the opportunity to raise much needed financial support for Des Moines Public Schools.

Thank you, Polk County Board of Supervisors and Prairie Meadows, for supporting the students and teachers of Des Moines. Together, we're investing in a future of strong and vibrant public schools.