Discover the Difference: Thirteen Schools Receive Prairie Meadows Community Betterment Grant Award
by Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools | July 16, 2024
Prairie Meadows recently awarded the Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools a Community Betterment Grant totaling $99,900. Prairie Meadows is a nonprofit organization dedicated to lessening the burden of government by promoting economic development, jobs, agriculture, and tourism in Iowa.
"We are deeply grateful for the partnership and generous support from the Prairie Meadows Foundation," said Donna Bishop, Superintendent of Schools. "Securing these grant funds will enhance educational resources, support innovative teaching methods, and create enriched learning environments, benefiting our students and faculty. This grant is an investment in our schools and students, and together, we are building a brighter future for the greater Des Moines community."
How will grant funds be used?
All thirteen eligible schools in the diocese will receive grant funding. The Community Betterment Grant funds will support STEM labs and programming, literacy curriculum enhancements, outdoor classrooms, student leadership programs, and classroom technology, resulting in an enhanced academic experience for thousands of students. Projects funded through this grant program are expected to be completed throughout the 2024-2025 school year.
"This award will help teachers at Christ the King provide high-quality literacy instruction through small-group lessons," shared Susan Battani, school administrator. "The books purchased will help children engage in meaningful tasks related to their specific instructional needs, promoting inquiry and critical thinking."
About Prairie Meadows
Prairie Meadows began operations as a nonprofit organization in 1989 to promote economic development, jobs, agriculture, and tourism in Iowa. To date, Prairie Meadows has given $2.2 billion to the state of Iowa through taxes, grants, and charitable donations.
“As a nonprofit organization, Prairie Meadows fulfills its purpose by giving back to organizations that support arts and culture, education, economic development, and human services. We are excited to see the impact the Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools will have on our central Iowa community with these projects,” said Julie Stewart, Prairie Meadows Vice President of Community Relations.