At Wesley, philanthropy isn’t just about giving money; it’s about giving of yourself through donations, volunteering, mentoring, and creativity. Behind Wesley’s philanthropic mission are people who uplift one another in ways that touch every corner of our organization.
Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
2 Corinthians 9:7
Helping others strengthens our neighbors and the broader community. As a nonprofit, Wesley encourages charitable hearts — supported by Wesley Community Foundation, residents, staff, families and friends of Wesley.
Wesley Community Foundation
A Wesley staff member diagnosed with cancer receives an emergency grant to help pay medical costs. Nursing assistants complete Red Cross certifications as part of an ongoing staff education program.
Fitness equipment. Large-print books. Stairlifts. Stop saws for safety in the woodshop. E-readers. Staff education grants. Hospice training in pet, music and massage therapy—even bunnies!
What these seemingly distinct developments share is funding from Wesley Community Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports Wesley’s philanthropic mission and vision of Wesley.
“As a nonprofit, Wesley has relied on philanthropy from the very beginning to establish our Wesley communities,” says Kevin Anderson, Wesley President / CEO. “We utilize the Foundation to address the needs of our population, our employees, and many other facets of our organization. It is a tremendous asset.”
Established by the Wesley Board of Trustees in 1996, the Foundation seeks, administers and distributes funds without burdening the operations budget.
The Difference
“Many senior communities have foundations, but they are relatively small,” says Susan McConnell, Community Foundation Executive Director. “We believe you can’t have a strong structure without a strong foundation. Wesley Community Foundation supports our commitment to active people, dynamic places and enriching programs.”
The Foundation differs from its peers in more than size. “Most foundations choose where the donations will go, but we encourage our benefactors to designate what infrastructure and programs their donations support,” explains Susan.
The Foundation also commits 100% of each donation to fund the designated project, which is also rare among most charitable foundations.
The Importance
“Our mission is to enrich the lives of older adults,” says Kevin. “We know the number of seniors will continue to increase as the number of caregivers decreases. There are threats of reduced government funding for Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security. It’s possible Wesley won’t have Tax Exempt Bond Financing. This financing accounts for most of the construction that helps us grow and serve more seniors. And the costs of construction continue to increase. Only through philanthropy can continue to grow and provide the many extras to make life at Wesley meaningful. From the beginning of Wesley, philanthropy has played a vital role.”
Annual Day of Giving
Wesley’s first Gives BIG was in 2013 in collaboration with other area nonprofits. The goal was to highlight charitable giving during periods other than the holiday season. That first Annual Giving Day raised $14,870. Last year, $200,834 was raised!
“Our Wesley Gives BIG theme is ‘Providing Possibilities’ this year,” Susan says. “We are focusing on care, engagement, and programs to open more doors of learning and support for our community.”
The indelible role Wesley plays in residents’ lives is evident by the generous gifts the Foundation receives from adult children. Three brothers of a resident recently each donated in their mother’s name. Another family donated several years after their parent had passed. They named a patio in their parent’s honor.
“Family gifts are very much appreciated,” Susan says. “These donations honor the parent and also speak to the Wesley community as a kind and nurturing place.”
In addition to helping build new communities, donated funds have gone to purchasing sewing machines for quilting classes, funding the popular Wesley U classes, constructing the Sky Walk at Wesley Des Moines across South 216th Street and issuing 450 emergency grants to staff members since 2010.
“After a staff member lost everything in a house fire, the Foundation helped replace her scrubs, clothing, and essentials,” says Susan. “We support staff however we can.”
“Our philanthropic arm was founded on the desire to promote the welfare of others,” says Kevin. “We always try to do a little extra for people to let them know they matter. You see examples of this everywhere at Wesley. It’s our culture of philanthropy”
We invite you to consider joining us for Wesley GivesBIG and help us continue to provide possibilities through care, learning, and community.