The Foundation supports the Japan Society, a New York-based organization connecting Japanese arts, culture, business, and society with audiences around the world. Founded in 1907, the Japan Society was established to foster mutual understanding and collaboration between the United States and Japan.
Inspired by the Japanese concept of kizuna (絆), meaning deep, meaningful connections, the Society builds bridges between the U.S. and Japan through international exchange in areas such as arts, film, culture, education, language, business, and public policy. Its mission is to convene important dialogues, champion emerging creators, and foster mutual understanding that transcends borders.
Our partnership with the Japan Society we feel is a perfect fit to advance our mission goals.
The Foundation supports the Japan Society of Iowa, an Iowa-based non-profit, volunteer organization which seeks to promote and establish mutual understanding between Japanese and American communities in Iowa. Founded in 1989, JASI provides opportunities for its members and the public to participate in social, cultural, and educational activities through cultural immersion: the exploration of food, drink, workshops, and performances. The group also looks to support the sister state relationship between Iowa and Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan.
The Anime Business is a groundbreaking documentary series produced by AnimEigo that explores the inner workings and beginnings of the Japanese Animation business outside of Japan. Through in-depth interviews with creators, producers, and industry veterans, the series offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how anime came to be brought to audiences worldwide. By shedding light on the challenges, successes and missteps of a burgeoning market, the Anime Business serves as both an educational resource and a cultural bridge, deepening understanding of one of Japan’s most influential art forms and how it has become part of mainstream culture.
The Foundation provides translation and caption support in both English and Japanese for this series.
The Foundation has chosen to support various scholarship initiatives through the DMACC Foundation to provide educational assistance to those attending the college. DMACC is one of America’s top-rated two year academic institutions and offers academic opportunities with accessible tuition rates through 220 programs, as well as transferability to universities for further study.
The Des Moines Zen Center (Shinsenji Temple 深川寺) was established in 1992. It follows Japanese Soto Zen Buddhist principles and is an internationally recognized Sotoshu teaching temple. Shinsenji offers a serene environment for individuals to explore their lives, intentions, and relationships with the world. Through the practice of zazen (sitting meditation), and through available study groups, classes, and retreats, Shinsenji aims to transform personal challenges into opportunities for generosity, lovingkindness, and wisdom.
Ryumonji (Dragon Gate Temple) is a Sotoshu temple located in the beautiful rolling hills of northeast Iowa. Forty acres of land were donated in 2000 for establishing a monastery. A vibrant community of lay and ordained members, that extends over much of the United States, has transformed the simple farmstead into a traditional internationally recognized Soto Zen training monastery. All of the temple buildings were constructed in accordance with standards passed down from the time of Zen in China and Ryumonji is unique in that there are no other US temples like it. The land and the temple buildings reflect the spirit of “peaceful dwelling”. There are numerous practice opportunities for both lay and ordained people, both from the US and visiting practitioners from Japan.
The Dōgen Institute is dedicated to preserving, translating, and making accessible the writings and teachings of the 13th-century Zen master Eihei Dōgen. By producing accurate translations, educational resources, and commentaries, the Institute ensures that Dōgen’s profound insights into practice, ethics, and community life remain available to contemporary audiences worldwide. Its work supports practitioners, scholars, and the general public in engaging deeply with the timeless wisdom of Zen. Supporting the Dōgen Institute affirms a commitment to sustaining cross-cultural understanding, spiritual education, and the careful stewardship of an essential Buddhist legacy.
Peaceful Forest is a dynamic Japanese taiko drumming ensemble led by world champion drummer Takumi Kato and his three children—Yamato, Ryoma, and Sogen. Since October 2022, the family has embarked on an ambitious mission to perform 1,000 shows across all 50 U.S. states within five years, aiming to promote peace, cultural exchange, and community connection through the powerful rhythms of taiko drumming. The name "Peaceful Forest" reflects Takumi's upbringing in Gifu Prefecture, known for its lush forests, and his desire to spread warmth and harmony through music. The Kato family's tour is more than a performance series; it's a journey to foster understanding and unity. They have performed in diverse venues, including schools, libraries, festivals, and indigenous communities, sharing the rich tradition of taiko and engaging audiences of all ages.
Central Iowa Shelter & Services stands as Iowa’s leading low-barrier provider of emergency shelter, meals, and comprehensive support services for adults and families experiencing homelessness. Operating around the clock, the organization offers 150 emergency shelter beds, transitional housing for veterans, and efficiency apartments, all aimed at promoting long-term stability and self-sufficiency. Beyond shelter, CISS delivers vital resources—ranging from nutritious meals, clothing, laundry, and shower facilities to case management, life-skills training, medical care, counseling, and job readiness programs. Innovative initiatives like their agrihood with aquaponics and a farm further strengthen their mission of empowering individuals and expanding outreach across Central Iowa.
Hope Ministries of Iowa is a long-standing, faith-based nonprofit rooted in Des Moines since 1915. Guided by its mission “to rescue those who are homeless, hungry, abused or addicted, providing opportunities for hope, recovery and restoration,” the organization delivers a holistic approach to care across multiple ministry centers. Each month, Hope Ministries provides more than 15,000 meals and 5,000 nights of shelter, while offering robust life-recovery programs—including long-term residential support (up to two years) for men, women, and children grappling with addiction, abuse, poverty, or trauma. Its services span emergency shelter and meals, transformative recovery programs, drop-in support, and thrift stores—all designed to meet immediate needs and foster lasting change.
YSS of Iowa is one of the state’s oldest and largest nonprofit organizations dedicated to empowering young people across Iowa through a comprehensive continuum of care. With its mission to “create hope and opportunity by putting kids first,” YSS delivers vital services including mental health counseling, residential addiction treatment, emergency and transitional shelter, crisis stabilization, after-school programming, and foster care advocacy—tailored to the needs of diverse communities across the state. Through its Ember Recovery Campus and other behavioral health programs, YSS supports youth and young adults facing substance use, homelessness, trauma, or mental health challenges, providing safe environments where they can heal, grow, and build self-sufficiency.
Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) is a collaborative interfaith nonprofit dedicated to meeting the basic human needs of the greater Des Moines, Iowa community. Through its Food Pantry Network, the largest in Iowa, DMARC operates 14 partner food pantries, a mobile pantry service, and a home delivery program, offering a three-day supply of nutritionally balanced food per household each month at no cost. There is unfortunately escalating demand: one in four Des Moines residents relied on DMARC’s services in the recent year. Beyond direct service, DMARC also champions education, advocacy, and interfaith collaboration, working toward systemic solutions to hunger and uniting communities across diverse faith traditions.
Food Bank of Iowa is a mission-driven nonprofit addressing food challenges across the state by acquiring, storing, and distributing over 2.5 million pounds of nutritious food each month to more than 700 partner organizations across 55 counties—serving individuals and families facing food insecurity, from children and seniors to veterans and working households. Their innovative outreach includes Karen’s Cupboard, an on-site pantry offering fresh produce and essential groceries in Des Moines, and a Mobile Pantry Program delivering farm-style food boxes to underserved areas and veterans in 30 counties. Additionally, nearly one-third of the food they distribute is rescued from retailers, manufacturers, and growers—helping divert millions of pounds from landfills and into local dinner tables.