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The Wallace Centers of Iowa

Preserving the Wallace family legacy of agricultural innovation & public service with programs & 2 historic locations that connect Iowa's food, land & people Together, our 2 historic sites offer educational programs, raise sustainably-grown produce, and create locally-sourced meals The award-winning Pizza on the Prairie "sums up what it means to live in Iowa… ” Farm to Table meals connect you to our garden, land & historic sites The annual Prairie Art Exhibit connects the important role of prairies & pollinators to community art Each year, the Garden for Good grows sweet potatoes for food-insecure Iowans Volunteers work alongside staff in the garden, help at special events, and serve on the board of directors

The Wallace Foundations – $500,000 Total Gifts to WCI’s Endowment

The Wallace Centers of Iowa (WCI) is happy to announce $500,000 in endowment gifts in late 2024.

Contributed by three Wallace Family Foundations – the Wallace Genetic Foundation, the Wallace Global Fund, and the Wallace Research Foundation – these gifts are an investment in the perpetuity of the Wallace Centers of Iowa as earnings are used for everything from historic preservation to programs to staffing. Family members and representatives associated with each foundation expressed their support of WCI’s work and the legacy the organization preserves (see quotes below):

In response to this generous donation, WCI’s President & CEO Deb Houghtaling said, “The endowment is an important part of our long-range financial structure. I cannot thank the three Wallace foundations enough for their investment in WCI so we can continue to preserve these two historic sites and share the legacy of the Wallace family.”

The Wallace Centers of Iowa preserves the Wallace family legacy of agricultural innovation and public service with programs and two historic locations that connect Iowa’s food, land, and people. The two historic locations WCI own and manage were once residences of the Wallace family: the Wallace House in the Sherman Hill neighborhood of Des Moines was the residence of Uncle Henry and Nancy Cantwell Wallace while Uncle Henry ran the publishing company of The Wallaces’ Farmer, and the Wallace Farm in rural Orient in Adair County which was the birthplace of the founder of Pioneer, Secretary of Agriculture, and Vice President Henry A. Wallace. Out of these locations, WCI hosts numerous programs throughout the year, including the popular “Pizza on the Prairie” event throughout the summer at the Wallace Farm, and “Sherman Hill Victorian Teas” at the Wallace House.

Wallace Genetic Foundation, like Wallace Global Fund and Wallace Research Foundation, traces its roots back to the generosity of Henry A. and Ilo Wallace and is delighted to join these cousin Foundations in combined grants to the Wallace Centers’ Endowment.  Wallace Genetic Foundation recognizes with gratitude the work of Wallace Centers’ employees and volunteers as they build on the Wallace Family’s legacies to strengthen agriculture, public service, and the nation’s democratic and spiritual values.

– Wallace Genetic Foundation

The Wallace Research Foundation is pleased to provide funding to the Wallace Centers of Iowa to further their mission of connecting food, land, and people in keeping with our foundation’s mission to provide support to organizations that work for the betterment of humankind.

– Wallace Research Foundation

The reason for the large grant this year — almost triple our usual — is our foundation’s decision to spend down our entire endowment. Our sibling foundations consequently suggested that we all join in setting up an endowed fund at the Wallace Centers, in the amount of $500,000, which could generate income in perpetuity to help with the Centers’ expenses.

– Wallace Global Fund

If you have questions about these gifts, or would like to learn more about the Wallace Centers of Iowa, please call our staff at 515-243-7063.


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Our Statement

We stand with people of color against racism, violence, and hate. Enriching communities and gathering together is the core of our work at the Wallace Centers of Iowa and how we actualize the Wallace family legacy. Now more than ever, we value our work that creates seats at the table for everyone. As an organization, we are dedicated to equitable, inclusive programming and services where everyone is welcome.

COVID Response

WCI is monitoring CDC protocols and following its guidance. We ask that you not visit if you’re feeling sick or showing COVID symptoms. Together we can keep all our staff and guests safe and healthy.

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