Viking Foundation Gives Yearend Grants

The Viking Foundation of Lincoln has announced its 2024 grants totaling a record $120,000 to nonprofit organizations, including seven in Polk County.

“The tremendous need for funding was seen in the large number of grant proposals we received from nonprofits again this year,” said Steve Eggland, the foundation’s president and founder. “We are very gratified to provide assistance through these awards.”

The Viking foundation supported 26 grants, including these in the Des Moines area:

• $3,000 to Children and Families of Iowa—for therapy and childcare services;
• $6,000 to Children’s Cancer Connection—to support Day Camp expenses;
• $5,000 to Des Moines Refugee Support—to help with soccer fees for refugee children;
• $3,000 to Des Moines Soccer Club—support for girls’ soccer fees for families in need;
• $6,000 to Everybody Wins! Iowa—for the Power Read Program;
• $4,000 to Lutheran Services of Iowa—provides holiday meals and necessities;
• $3,000 to Sleep in Heavenly Peace—provides beds for children without one.

Nineteen other grants were given in Lancaster County, Neb., and Denver County, Colo.

The Viking Foundation was created to help improve and enrich the lives of individuals—especially children—who are less fortunate. The foundation provides charitable grants to 501(c)(3) organizations primarily in three counties. The grants are directed to those who are challenged with issues related to poverty, housing, gender, education, mental and physical health, and others.

The 2025 grant proposal submission deadline is Oct. 1. Detailed information about the foundation, and its history, values and proposal guidelines, can be found at vikingfoundation.godaddysites.com.