A partnership that's making a difference
In central Iowa, a dynamic nonprofit partnership between Prairie Meadows and Polk County is improving lives and creating a lasting impact that resonates across communities and generations. Together we’ve generated over $2.5 billion in funding for projects that improve, strengthen and beautify our community while creating a stronger future for every Polk County resident.
Partnership History
In 1989, the Polk County Board of Supervisors and Prairie Meadows joined forces to become one of only two nonprofit casinos in the U.S. From the beginning of our partnership to now, we’ve averaged more than $28 million per year in giving to support vital arts, culture, healthcare, education and infrastructure initiatives across central Iowa. Now in its 37th, year we remain dedicated to creating beneficial impacts that are seen and felt by individuals and groups across Polk County, now and well into the future.
Community Giving & Taxes | 2025
From funding meals for hungry children and an essential free medical clinic, to renovating schools and improving city parks, Prairie Meadows helped improve the lives of thousands of Iowans in 2025.
| Charitable Giving |
|
|
Polk County
|
$28.9 Million |
|
Community Betterment Grants
|
$7.0 Million |
|
Legacy Grants
|
$6.5 Million |
| City of Des Moines |
$5.0 Million |
|
Polk County School Districts
|
$874,363.22 |
|
Other
|
$997,883.21 |
| |
|
| Total: |
$49.2 Million |
Community Giving and Taxes Summary | 1996 - June 30th, 2026
Since 1996, Prairie Meadows has given $2.5 billion to through taxes and charitable giving to promote economic development, agriculture, job creation, and tourism across the state of Iowa.
| Charitable Giving |
|
|
Polk County
|
$819 Million |
|
Community Betterment Grants
|
$77.0 Million |
|
Legacy Grants
|
$66.4 Million |
|
City of Des Moines
|
$90.3 Million |
|
Polk County Schools
|
$13.7 Million |
|
Other
|
$31.5 Million |
| |
|
| Taxes |
$1.4 Billion |
| |
|
| Total: |
$2.5 Billion |
Prairie Meadows continually supports nonprofit organizations through our Legacy, Community Betterment, and Youth Sports & Recreational Grant programs, as well as event sponsorships and in-kind donations.