The West Des Moines Community Foundation has received a $90,000 award from the Microsoft Community Empowerment Fund to support Shade Crusade, a residential tree planting program established in 2018 by the City of West Des Moines. Over the last four years, a total of 1,357 trees have been distributed to West Des Moines residents. Funding from Microsoft will further the goals of this important program and ensure its continuation for the next three years.
The partnership between Microsoft, the West Des Moines Community Foundation, and City of West Des Moines allows for increased participation in Shade Crusade, equitable tree distribution throughout the city, and a lower cost for residents including a discount for low-income residents.
“Because of impacts of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) and weather events like the 2020 derecho, the city’s tree canopy has decreased over the last ten years,” said Sally Ortgies, Director of Parks and Recreation. “It’s vitally important to plant new and replacement trees to experience the many benefits trees provide such as clean air and water, reduction of energy costs, and increases in property value.”
The 2022 Shade Crusade is currently underway. With assistance from Microsoft employee volunteers, City staff are delivering 337 trees this week to West Des Moines residents. Microsoft’s financial contribution allowed the cost to residents to be decreased from $40 to $30 per tree. In addition, a 50% discount was offered to residents with household income below 200% of the Federal poverty level.
The Microsoft Community Empowerment Fund, created and managed by Microsoft’s Datacenter Community Development team, is designed to support community-led and prioritized projects, increase collaboration among contributors and award recipients, and develop ecosystems that help deliver common community priorities. Through this approach, Microsoft hopes to achieve long-term, systemic, and holistic outcomes in the communities in which it operates.
“Microsoft is pleased to partner with the West Des Moines Community Foundation in support of the City of West Des Moines’ Shade Crusade program to increase the urban tree canopy throughout West Des Moines,” said Holly Beale, Greater Des Moines Community Lead, and Sr. Program Manager, Community Environmental Sustainability. “The Microsoft Community Empowerment Fund awards are an important way for the company and our employees to contribute to stronger, more resilient communities.”
The West Des Moines Community Foundation is an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines. The Foundation’s mission is to preserve and improve the quality of life in West Des Moines by engaging others in philanthropic support and services. More information on the West Des Moines Community Foundation can be found at www.desmoinesfoundation.org/affiliates/polk-county/west-des-moines-community-enrichment-foundation.
“Trees provide so many benefits that enhance the quality of life of our citizens,” said Robert Palmer, President of the West Des Moines Community Foundation. “We’re honored to be part of this project to add more trees throughout our city that will provide beauty and shade for future generations.”
Questions about Shade Crusade can be directed to West Des Moines Parks and Recreation, 515-222-3444.
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