The Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines has announced a gift of more than $45 million, the largest in the organization’s more than 50-year history. 

The gift from lifelong Des Moines residents Harriet and Locke Macomber established an endowment at the community foundation for eight local organizations: the BWA Foundation, the Des Moines Art Center, Des Moines Symphony, Drake University Law School, Orchard Place, United Way of Central Iowa, St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral and the YMCA of Greater Des Moines. Each recipient had been a significant part of the couple’s lives. For example, Harriet Macomber served on the BWA Foundation board for 50 years.

After her husband died in 1998, Harriet Macomber continued her involvement as a loyal patron to many nonprofits through her volunteerism and annual giving and also worked with her financial advisors to establish funds at the community foundation for the local organizations. She passed away in 2020.

“This legacy gift establishing the Harriet S. and J. Locke Macomber Orchard Place Fund is the single largest gift in our 135-year history,” said Orchard Place CEO Anne Starr. “It is fitting that Harriet and Locke who, during their lifetimes, cared so deeply about the youth and families we serve, will continue their lifegiving impact on our mission of developing strong futures for youth facing mental, emotional, and behavioral health challenges....Thanks to their planned gift, their legacy will live on forever.” 

(Photo Credit: Getty Images/Vadzim Kushniarou)