Non-Government Organizations in Iowa

Founded in 2005, One Iowa emerged from a pivotal moment in civil rights history when the organization advocated for LGBTQ Iowans' fundamental right to marry. The organization achieved its original mission on April 3, 2009, when the Iowa Supreme Court's unanimous Varnum v. Brien decision made marriage equality a reality in Iowa. Rather than dissolving after this victory, One Iowa recognized that equality requires ongoing commitment across every aspect of life. The organization shifted its focus to ensure LGBTQ Iowans' rights and dignity are respected in healthcare, employment, education, and community spaces throughout West Des Moines and across the state. Today, One Iowa serves the West Des Moines community and beyond as a trusted resource for LGBTQ individuals, allies, and organizations seeking to build more inclusive environments. The organization's strength lies in its people—staff and volunteers known for their kindness, acceptance, and unwavering dedication to the community. One Iowa has become the go-to organization for thoughtful responses to emerging community issues, from hosting the LGBTQ Older Adults Conference to developing leadership programs that empower young LGBTQ Iowans. Testimonials from volunteers, healthcare partners, and leadership institute participants consistently highlight the transformative impact of One Iowa's work and the welcoming culture that defines the organization. One Iowa's vision extends to protecting civil rights, improving workplace culture, and increasing access to quality healthcare. The organization operates with transparency and community accountability, regularly seeking feedback to enhance initiatives and resources. For LGBTQ Iowans seeking support, advocacy, or community connection, One Iowa represents a steadfast partner committed to creating a more equitable future.

West Des Moines, IA

PFLAG Cedar Rapids

Founded on the simple yet powerful act of a mother publicly supporting her gay son in 1973, PFLAG has grown into the nation's largest family and ally organization. PFLAG Cedar Rapids carries this legacy of love and advocacy in our community, having welcomed members since Fall 2010 and earning official chapter status in 2011. We are an extended family of LGBTQIA+ individuals, family members, friends, and allies united by our commitment to creating a caring, just, and affirming world for everyone in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Our volunteer-driven organization is rooted in core values of accountability, bravery, community collaboration, inclusivity, belonging, and growth. We believe that every LGBTQIA+ person deserves to be safe, celebrated, empowered, and loved. Beyond support groups, we have been instrumental in fostering meaningful local partnerships and launching the LGBTQIA+ resource coalition that strengthens our entire community. Our mission reflects a vision of an equitable, inclusive world where acceptance replaces stigma and celebration replaces silence. Whether you're navigating your own identity journey, supporting a loved one, or simply seeking to be an active ally, PFLAG Cedar Rapids welcomes you as part of our growing family dedicated to leading with love.

Cedar Rapids, IA

Japan America Society of Iowa

Since 1989, the Japan America Society of Iowa has been instrumental in bringing Japanese culture to the heart of Des Moines and central Iowa. What began as a gathering of seven dedicated individuals sharing their passion for traditional Japanese flower arranging (Ikebana) has grown into a thriving community organization committed to cultural exchange and mutual respect. JASI envisions a vibrant community defined by lasting friendship between Japanese and American peoples, built through meaningful cultural and community connections. As a nonprofit volunteer organization, JASI operates on the principle that authentic cultural understanding strengthens international relations and enriches local communities. The organization provides a welcoming space for Des Moines residents who appreciate Japanese culture, language, and arts to connect, learn, and celebrate together. Through carefully curated social, cultural, and educational activities, JASI creates opportunities for both members and the broader public to experience Japan authentically. The organization's leadership and volunteer base work collaboratively to maintain programming that honors Japanese traditions while fostering genuine dialogue between cultures. JASI's presence in Des Moines represents a commitment to international friendship and cultural preservation, demonstrating how community-driven initiatives can build lasting bridges of understanding across continents.

Des Moines, IA

German American Heritage Center & Museum

Since its establishment on August 1, 1994, the German American Heritage Center & Museum has served the Davenport, IA community as a dedicated guardian of German immigrant heritage and cultural memory. Founded as a private, not-for-profit organization, the Center was created with a deeply personal mission: to honor the legacy of German-speaking ancestors and ensure their stories are preserved for generations to come. The organization recognizes that understanding our immigrant heritage helps us better appreciate the diverse cultural contributions that shape American society. At its heart, the German American Heritage Center is about connection—connecting people to their roots, connecting communities to shared history, and connecting different cultural groups through recognition of their collective contributions to American life. The Center's work goes beyond traditional museum functions; it actively engages with the broader Davenport community and reaches out to other cultural organizations to celebrate the many ways that immigrants from varied backgrounds have enriched American culture. By fostering dialogue between German American heritage and other ethnic communities, the Center demonstrates that cultural preservation need not be isolating but rather can be a bridge for understanding and appreciation across different groups. The museum's commitment reflects a belief that every immigrant story matters and that by preserving these narratives, we strengthen our collective understanding of what it means to be American. For residents and visitors in Davenport seeking to explore their own heritage or understand the immigrant experience more broadly, the German American Heritage Center offers a welcoming space for learning, reflection, and community connection.

Davenport, IA

Indo-American Association of Iowa

Since its founding in 1974, the Indo-American Association of Iowa has been rooted in Johnston, IA with a mission to promote, celebrate, and share the vibrant culture and heritage of India. The organization serves as a vital bridge within the Indian-American community, fostering a strong sense of unity, belonging, and brotherhood among members while simultaneously building meaningful connections with other Asian and American communities throughout Iowa. IAAI recognizes that cultural heritage and community bonds are essential to individual and collective well-being, which is why the organization dedicates itself to advancing understanding of India's rich traditions and the diversity of the Indian-American experience. Based in Johnston, IAAI operates as a membership-driven organization where community members actively participate in shaping cultural programming and educational initiatives. The association's approach emphasizes inclusivity and mutual respect, creating spaces where Indian-Americans can celebrate their identity while inviting the broader Iowa community to learn, appreciate, and participate in cultural events. From annual celebrations to educational activities and community gatherings, IAAI demonstrates that cultural preservation and community building go hand in hand. The organization's long-standing presence in Johnston reflects a deep commitment to strengthening the social fabric of Iowa through cultural exchange, education, and the celebration of shared values across diverse backgrounds.

Johnston, IA

German American National Congress Eastern Iowa-Wartburg

Serving Waverly and the surrounding Eastern Iowa community, the German American National Congress Eastern Iowa-Wartburg chapter represents a vital connection to German heritage and culture. Founded in 1959, DANK has grown into the nation's premier German-American organization, uniting over 50 million Americans of German descent who comprise the largest self-reported ancestry group in the United States. The Waverly chapter embodies DANK's core mission of bringing German-Americans together to cultivate, preserve, and present their shared heritage on local and regional levels. Through membership, individuals gain access to a vibrant community of like-minded people who celebrate German customs and traditions while fostering genuine friendships and meaningful connections. The organization offers membership benefits including official DANK lapel pins, subscriptions to the German-American Journal, participation in festive cultural events, and opportunities to visit the historic DANK Haus cultural center in Chicago. Whether members seek to explore their genealogical roots, enroll children in German language classes, or simply connect with others who value German-American culture, the Eastern Iowa-Wartburg chapter provides a welcoming community. All nationalities are invited to join this established organization dedicated to strengthening ties between the United States and Germany while honoring the rich traditions of German-American heritage in Waverly and beyond.

Waverly, IA

Alliance Francaise de Central Iowa

Founded in 1994, the Alliance Française of Central Iowa embodies a 140-year-old mission of international friendship and cultural exchange that began when the original Alliance de Paris was established in 1883. Today, this all-volunteer, non-profit organization serves the Des Moines community as part of a global network of over 1,200 chapters in 112 countries, connecting Central Iowans to the broader French-speaking world. Driven by passionate volunteers, the Alliance Française of Central Iowa operates on a simple but powerful principle: fostering genuine collaboration and understanding between people of different cultures and backgrounds. The organization believes that cultural exchange strengthens communities and builds lasting friendships across borders. Unlike many cultural organizations, the Alliance welcomes everyone—you don't need to speak French or be a student of the language to participate. The organization recognizes that the desire to engage with French culture and connect with others is what truly matters. Through cultural events, holiday celebrations, and conversation groups, the Des Moines chapter creates spaces where community members can explore French traditions, learn together, and build friendships. Nearly all activities are accessible to English speakers, reflecting the organization's commitment to genuine inclusivity. The Alliance Française of Central Iowa represents a welcoming community dedicated to breaking down cultural barriers and creating meaningful connections within Des Moines and beyond.

Des Moines, IA

Filipino American Society of Iowa

Rooted in the Bayanihan spirit of cooperation and unselfish caring, the Filipino American Society of Iowa operates with a mission to empower Filipino Americans to thrive while preserving and promoting their rich cultural heritage in Urbandale and across the state. This community-driven organization understands that cultural identity and belonging are essential to personal and collective well-being, which is why they work tirelessly to integrate American and Filipino traditions in ways that honor both. The society's vision centers on creating spaces where Filipino Americans feel valued, supported, and celebrated for their unique contributions to Iowa's diverse fabric. By bringing members together through cultural events, educational programs, and volunteer opportunities, the organization embodies the principle that true strength comes from unity and shared purpose. The Filipino American Society of Iowa recognizes that community is built through genuine human connection—through the willingness of individuals to invest their time, talents, and hearts in supporting one another. Their commitment extends beyond their immediate membership to the broader Iowa community, working to foster greater understanding and appreciation of Filipino culture among all residents. For Filipino Americans seeking connection to their heritage and a supportive community that values both cultural preservation and American integration, the society offers a welcoming home grounded in authentic relationships and shared values.

Italian American Cultural Center of Iowa

Rooted in a commitment to community education and cultural preservation, the Italian American Cultural Center of Iowa has established itself as a cornerstone institution in Des Moines for celebrating Italian-American heritage. The organization's mission extends beyond traditional museum exhibits to create meaningful connections within the Des Moines metropolitan area and throughout Iowa by making Italian-American culture accessible to everyone—regardless of their own ethnic background. The Center recognizes that cultural heritage belongs to the entire community and actively invites participation from all residents interested in learning about Italian traditions, history, and contributions. Through its diverse programming, the Center strengthens family bonds and community connections by offering classes in language, cooking, and folk dancing that bring people together across generations. The organization's emphasis on group tours and community events reflects a deep commitment to inclusive cultural engagement. With ongoing renovations and expansion plans—including a new Genealogy Room designed to help visitors explore Italian family histories—the Italian American Cultural Center of Iowa continues to invest in its future as a gathering place for cultural learning and celebration. The Center's welcoming approach demonstrates that appreciation for Italian-American culture enriches the entire Des Moines community, making it a valued destination for cultural exploration, family heritage discovery, and meaningful community engagement.

Des Moines, IA

Danish American Heritage Society

Based in Des Moines, Iowa, the Danish American Heritage Society represents a community-driven commitment to understanding and honoring the Danish presence in North America. Since its establishment in 1977, DAHS has evolved as a heritage-focused organization that celebrates not only what Danish Americans have accomplished historically, but also what they continue to become and aspire to achieve. The society's founders deliberately chose the word "heritage" over "history" to reflect a broader vision—one that encompasses cultural preservation, community connection, and forward-looking collaboration. This philosophy has shaped DAHS into an inclusive organization that welcomes people of all backgrounds interested in exploring Danish-American culture and identity. Members receive twice-yearly publications including The Bridge journal and the DAHS Bulletin, creating an ongoing dialogue about Danish heritage and contemporary issues affecting the community. DAHS operates as an all-volunteer organization, with governance shared among its board and partnership with Grand View University, the Danish American Archive and Library, and the Museum of Danish America. This collaborative structure reflects the society's belief in the intrinsic value of identifying, understanding, and preserving Danish heritage through collective effort. By supporting membership, attending conferences, applying for research grants, or simply engaging with the community's scholarly publications, individuals in Des Moines and beyond participate in a meaningful legacy of cultural stewardship and connection to their Danish roots.

Des Moines, IA

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