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Overview
Wellmark’s charitable contributions program exists to actively support Iowa and South Dakota communities we serve and strengthen our reputation through the strategic investment of our people, resources and network. We believe in making lasting contributions to the communities we serve. That’s why we continue to collaborate with key nonprofit organizations across Iowa and South Dakota, the places our employees and customers call home, to support charitable contributions.
Application Windows – Request Timing
If you are seeking support for a charitable special event happening between January 1st and June 30th, requests for consideration will be accepted during the application window between September 1st and October 31st of the year prior to the funding need. If you are seeking support for a charitable special event happening between July 1st and December 31st, requests for consideration will be accepted during the application window between in January 1st and February 28th of the event year. Because of the large volume of requests we receive, we are unable to accept requests made via telephone or e-mail. Every effort will be made to respond to your contribution request within 90 days.
Tips
Applicants should review our guidelines to determine whether the organization or program is eligible based on our criteria. Selected charities must be registered 501(c)(3) organizations in good financial and public standing. Wellmark corporate contributions typically do not exceed $5,000 per contribution, are offered for a single year/event at a time, and often do not exceed more than three consecutive years of support. Generally, organizations must demonstrate competent management, low administrative/fundraising expense ratios, and a nondiscriminatory program benefiting broad segments of the community.
Contribution Focus
Each year, Wellmark receives many more strong requests than we are able to fund. Our goal is to utilize limited resources to achieve the most for community-based organizations across Iowa and South Dakota. Wellmark helps to support a wide range of community-based programs and projects. We have several categorical focus areas that our investments can impact in important and meaningful ways: Health, Diversity & Inclusion, Arts & Civic, and Human Services. Contribution support in the area of health represents the largest percentage of available funding.
- Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not just the absence of disease (World Health Organization). Wellmark is a health improvement organization, owned by its members and serving Iowa and South Dakota. Health is the predominate focus of corporate contribution support and we encourage submissions for a broad array of health-related activities and events for support.
- Diversity & Inclusion
Corporate contribution requests that identify strategies and tactics for eliminating health disparities and promoting a commitment to inclusiveness are both welcomed and encouraged.
- Arts & Civic
Strengthening the arts, broader cultural community, and civic engagement opportunities all represent areas of importance that contribute to the vitality and vibrancy of a community. Contribution requests in this area are eligible and welcome.
- Human Services
Organizations serving the basic human and social service needs of Iowans and South Dakotans are critical and important. A portion of our available contribution budget will typically support human service needs or events of the organizations that deliver valuable and important human service need.
Not Eligible for Funding Support
Although requests are judged on individual merits, corporate contributions are generally not available for the following:
- Endowments or memorials
- Individual needs, including scholarships
- Labor or political organizations
- Membership dues
- Sectarian or religious denominations
- Travel funds for tours, expeditions or trips
- Youth groups, teams, choirs, bands, clubs, etc.
Contribution Request Information
Request will only be reviewed if they focus on, work in, and propose support for efforts within Iowa or South Dakota. To apply for consideration of a corporate contribution, please complete this form.
If you have application questions or information needs, please send an email inquiry to: inthecommunity@wellmark.com.
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