11 Schools Receive $100K in Prairie Meadows Community Betterment Grants

October 6, 2026

Eleven Catholic schools in the Diocese of Des Moines have been awarded $99,999 in Community Betterment Grant funding from Prairie Meadows, continuing a trend that has been maintained over the past several years.

"We express immense gratitude to Prairie Meadows for their continuing support," said Superintendent of Schools Donna Bishop. "This year's grant of nearly $100,000 will provide much needed resources and updates to our schools. Prairie Meadows continues to be an important partner for us as we provide high-quality, Catholic education to the central Iowa community."

These awards will fund resources for a wide variety of school activities, including music, athletics, library, STEM, security and more.

This year's total grant amount is in line with previous years, as Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools has historical received between $77,000 and $130,000 from Prairie Meadows' generous grant programs. The funding demonstrates Prairie Meadows' continued commitment to educational excellence and community well-being in central Iowa.

Students at 11 individual Catholic schools will benefit from these awards:

• $20,000 to Dowling Catholic High School for wrestling mats.
• $15,000 to St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School for classroom flex seating and social-emotional resources.
• $13,000 to Sacred Heart Catholic School for security and STEM materials.
• $10,000 to St. Theresa Catholic School for library furniture.
• $8,000 to St. Pius X Catholic School for classroom flex seating and storage.
• $7,699 to St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic School for digital walkie-talkies.
• $6,800 to St. Joseph Catholic School for security cameras.
• $6,500 to Christ the King Catholic School for security cameras.
• $6,000 to Holy Family Catholic School for PE soccer equipment.
• $5,000 to St. Augustin Catholic School for music risers.
• $2,000 to St. Patrick Catholic School for a parent communication tool and science equipment.

These grants will directly enrich the daily lives of students and staff, provide safer environments, and foster opportunities for healthy development. The projects align perfectly with Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools commitment to offering a holistic and secure educational experience rooted in faith and academic excellence. 

About Prairie Meadows

Prairie Meadows began operations as a nonprofit organization in 1989 to promote economic development, jobs, agriculture, and tourism in Iowa. Through taxes and charitable donations, Prairie Meadows has given $2.3 billion to the state of Iowa, helping transform the lives of thousands in central Iowa communities.