Support Nine Square Feet
Every seed is a meal that keeps growing.
Nine Square Feet runs entirely on the generosity of neighbors who believe gardening changes communities. Here's how your support makes it possible.
Your Dollars at Work
This year, company matching funds launched something new.
This year, donors who enrolled in their employers' matching gift programs collectively funded an entirely new initiative — the Growing Your Pantry program.
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One in eight people in Polk County faces food insecurity. That's roughly 25,000 households — and about half of them are children or older adults. We asked ourselves: what if we could meet people where they already are?​​​​
Growing Your Pantry places seed packet displays directly inside food pantry locations across the Des Moines metro, stocked with easy-to-grow varieties that can be planted straight in the ground or in a pot — no grow lights, no special supplies, no experience needed. Each display includes a beginner-friendly planting guide in English and Spanish, and an invitation to our free workshops and plant giveaways.
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Pantry clients can take up to five seed packets per visit — and come back for more at every visit. A single packet of beans doesn't just feed someone once. It feeds them all season, and gives them the confidence to grow again next year.
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This is what your matching dollars built. Fifteen pantry locations. Thousands of seed packets. One new pathway to food sovereignty for families across our community.​​​​
Find the giving option that works for you.
Make a One-Time Gift
Every dollar goes directly toward seeds, plants, workshops, and free educational programs. No overhead, no middleman — straight to the community.
Become a Monthly Donor
A small monthly gift adds up to something significant over a year. Monthly donors are the backbone of our programming planning.
Corporate Matching
Many employers will match donations dollar-for-dollar — meaning your gift goes twice as far with zero extra cost to you. Check whether your employer has a matching program and submit Nine Square Feet as your designated nonprofit.
Donor Advised Fund
If you give through a donor advised fund, Nine Square Feet is eligible to receive DAF grants. Contact us for our EIN and any documentation your fund requires.
IRA Charitable Rollover (RMD)
If you're 70½ or older, you may be able to make a qualified charitable distribution directly from your IRA to Nine Square Feet — potentially tax-free. Contact us for our EIN and to confirm eligibility with your financial advisor.
In-Kind Donations
We gratefully accept donations of seeds, garden supplies, and materials that support our programming. Get in touch to discuss what we currently need.
Give Your Time
Not every gift comes with a receipt. Our volunteers are the reason Nine Square Feet works. If you'd rather roll up your sleeves than write a check, we want you too. Join the Garden Club and become part of the team that makes everything happen.
We're a small organization. Every dollar is accountable.
Nine Square Feet is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit based in Des Moines, Iowa. We have no paid staff — our programs are run entirely by volunteers and board members who show up because they believe in this work.
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Your donation is tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. For documentation, DAF grants, or IRA charitable rollovers, email us at give@ninesquarefeet.org and we'll provide everything you need.
Nine Square Feet · EIN available upon request · give@ninesquarefeet.org
Not sure where to start?
Email us at give@ninesquarefeet.org. We're happy to answer questions, provide documentation, or just tell you more about what your gift makes possible.