By Richard Lane, Des Moines Register
Stuck with a broken car and a lack of funds to make urgent repairs, Angela Valdivia approached the Embrace Iowa charitable program when she had nowhere else to turn.
“It was really a positive experience for me. I’m so grateful that there are programs like that,” she said.
Embrace Iowa has partnered with the Des Moines Register for more than 40 years to encourage readers to donate to a non-profit project that thinks differently than better-known state and federally funded ventures.
Each generous donation is distributed to 19 statewide agencies, and then, grants valued up to $750 are dispensed by knowledgeable and caring staff to vulnerable and qualifying residents. Valdivia had been volunteering at her local agency, New Opportunities Inc., in Carroll, Iowa, when she heard of the opportunity.
But her previous experience with low-income support programs had been discouraging.
“Sometimes you need help in a crisis, and they just tell you, ‘We can’t help you here,’ and they hang up on you. But at New Opportunities, they’re very resourceful and very helpful,” she said.
Last year’s Embrace Iowa campaign raised a record-breaking final total of $418,492, assisting 878 individuals like Valdivia with a lift to ease a temporary financial burden.
Grants have been used to provide funds for time-sensitive needs, including medical bills, rent assistance, and to purchase furniture for growing kids who lack a safe environment at home.
Each agency requires applicants to reside in Iowa, show their income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, and provide a receipt, bill, or invoice to indicate the exact amount of money they need to reimburse a creditor.
And unlike many charities, every dollar donated benefits only those in need. None of the money is assigned to pay for staff or administration costs.
Valdivia had attempted to fix her broken car herself, but the leaks and breakages required a professional’s knowledge.
“I was able to get my car towed to a mechanic, and he gave me an estimate. All I had to do was submit it to Embrace Iowa. They just sent him a check,” Valdivia said. “They paid for it, which was really a blessing to me.”
Each year, the program distributes the grants until the funds are depleted, and Valdivia encouraged others in similar circumstances to follow her example.
“If people are in need, I suggest that they apply for it because they were very helpful, especially to get you out of a crisis situation that you might be experiencing,” she said.
How you can help Embrace Iowa
This year’s campaign has set a final target of $500,000, to benefit as many Iowans as possible. Until Jan. 31, 2026, contributions can be made safely and securely using a bank or credit card at secure.qgiv.com/for/embrace25-26.
A number of Register readers prefer to pay by personal or business check, and they can be sent to Embrace Iowa, P.O. Box 10611, Cedar Rapids, IA 52410-0611.
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