In 1975, the Ames City Council appointed more than 30 citizens to the Ames American Revolution Bicentennial Commission to plan for the city's participation in the 200th anniversary of our country. Persons on this commission were given the opportunity to serve in one of three areas: Heritage, Festival or Horizon. Heritage volunteers dealt with history, the Festival group planned for the actual celebration and the Horizon team focused on the future of the city.
The Horizon group thus became the ongoing section of the Ames American Revolution Bicentennial Commission, which was incorporated into the present non-profit organization to serve as a depository and collection organization for gifts and bequests "to make the City of Ames a better place to live."
The Ames Foundation was incorporated in May of 1975.
The Ames Foundation serves as the catalyst for the identification and execution of projects that enhance quality of life and create a greater sense of community among citizens. In doing so, the organization connects resources with projects in cooperation with public agencies, civic organizations, private entities and individuals.
For more than 35 years, The Ames Foundation has sought out, raised and managed funding for both large and small projects that enrich the lives of those who call Ames home. Use the left menu links to learn more about the details of a particular project.
Current campaign/project: Ames Community Tree Program
The Ames Foundation is partnering with the City of Ames to expedite the reforestation of public areas impacted by the Emerald Ash Borer. As of June 1, 2015, the Foundation has funded (and organized volunteers for) the planting of approximately 50 trees in the Roosevelt/Old Town neighborhood, and we will expand this effort into other areas with annual fall and spring plantings. The Foundation’s focus is to raise private funds and mobilize volunteers to plant an annual 300-400 trees above and beyond what the City of Ames will install as part of its reforestation plan. This will ensure that Ames’ neighborhood canopies are restored in quicker order, with less impact on the tax base, and all while building a sense of pride and community with each planting. Learn more about how you can contribute to the Foundation's Ames Community Tree Program.
Past projects include:
In addition, the Foundation has been involved with:
| (515) 232-2310 | |
| amesfoundation@gmail.com | |
| Tanner Winterhof | |
| Board Member | |
| http://amesfoundation.org |
