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Ways You Can Give

Friendship Ark is witnessing growing demand for both homes and community services at the same time that some funding sources are expected to decline. We invite you to explore the many ways you can support the meaningful work happening at Friendship Ark. Here are some impactful opportunities to get involved:

• Make a General Giving Gift (allows us to apply funds where they are needed most).

• Help us to reach our goal of constructing an office building and rec center by supporting our ARK-itect Capital Campaign.

• Help us to build additional new homes.

• Donate toward maintenance of homes and/or vehicles.

• Contribute to the endowment fund.

• Consider a deferred gift.

For donations not designated to the ARK-itect Capital Campaign please use this link.

Support our ARK-itect Capital Campaign

• VIEW THE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN BROCHURE

Building for the Future While Sustaining the Present

At Friendship Ark, our past and future core members are the reason we continue to grow and be innovative and work to build bridges of inclusion. Why do we call our clients core members? Because they are the CORE of our organization. All of our decisions are made with their needs in mind. We’re not just building walls—we’re building a future filled with dignity, belonging, and opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities. Through our ARK-itects Capital Campaign, we invite you to help construct a new office and rec space that will sustain our mission today and expand our impact for tomorrow. Together, we’re the ARK-itects of hope for building a future where everyone feels like they belong.

We currently have 9 homes, (seven- 24-hour homes and two intermediate homes). We also provide hourly services to those living in their own home or apartments in addition to a robust Day-Habilitation program. Our homes definitely have a family feel. Each core member has their own bedroom, which they personalize to their interests. There are also common living spaces where core members and staff gather to eat and enjoy life together, whether that be watching a movie, exercising, playing a board game, or trying out a new art project. Our homes are made with accessibility in mind. We want all to feel included here at Friendship Ark. 

Help Us Build More Homes

One thing that hasn’t changed in the 25 years since we started to provide services is our quality of care and love for our core members. The one thing that has changed is the ever-growing demand for our services. We have a combined waiting list of around 100 people for all of our services. Parents and guardians are drawn to Friendship Ark for a variety of reasons.

• Faith based and family-like environment.

• Reputation for achieving success with each core member in reaching their desired goals.

• Compassionate and dedicated staff.

• Fully accredited by the Commission on Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). In our history we have ALWAYS received the highest 3-year accreditation, which is something we are very proud of. With our most recent survey, we received glowing feedback with exceptional praise for our innovation, family feel, and connection with the community.

Help Us Maintain Our Existing Homes and Vehicles

An additional way you can help us continue to be able to provide a high level of services to our core members is to make a donation toward the upkeep and maintenance of our homes and vehicles.

Your gifts may be cash or marketable securities.

You may benefit from tax savings if you contribute assets that have grown in value. When considering how to complete your gift, please consult with your tax advisor.

Endowment Growth

An endowed fund designated for Friendship Ark at the Story County Community Foundation (SCCF) is intended to help Friendship Ark sustain and expand its services.

Five percent of the endowment balance is available to support Friendship Ark programs and services each year.

Gifts to qualified SCCF endowed funds are eligible for Endow Iowa Tax Credits (EITC). Taxpayers may take a 25% Iowa tax credit in addition to the normal federal income tax deductions for charitable gifts up to $300,000 per taxpayer per year. The $6 million allocated for EITC each year is available until the funds have been used. Additional information is available from SCCF: 515-232-9200, [email protected].

Deferred Gifts

With an eye to the future, Friendship Ark is working with people who want to ensure that the organization will be strong for years to come. This can be done in a variety of ways, such as:

Life insurance: You can name Friendship Ark as a beneficiary on a new or existing policy. Even a small percentage can make a difference. For example, you could designate 10% to your favorite charity while the other 90% could still be designated to your family. 

Will: You can name Friendship Ark as a beneficiary of a specific dollar amount or a percent of your estate.

Charitable Remainder Trust: Depending on your current and future income needs, a charitable trust can offer several advantages. You transfer an asset to the trust, take the tax deduction, and receive income from the trust during your lifetime. Friendship Ark will receive the proceeds that remain.

For more information about supporting Friendship Ark, contact
Marketing Manager, Beth Lucht or
Chief Executive Officer, Jennifer Ellis at:

515.292.9556 or