Coalition Building in Central Iowa: Join Heart of Des Moines for a May 5 Panel
Coalitions are how big ideas move forward.
In Central Iowa’s nonprofit landscape, no single organization can carry the full weight of complex challenges alone. Whether the issue is housing, health, or community wellbeing, real progress often happens when organizations come together with shared purpose and clear coordination.
That’s exactly what we’re exploring at Heart of Des Moines’ May meeting.
A Public Panel on Coalition Building
On May 5, Heart of Des Moines is hosting an open-to-the-public panel discussion focused on coalition building in nonprofit spaces. This conversation brings together leaders who have been in the work—navigating partnerships, aligning priorities, and learning what actually makes collaboration effective.
You’ll hear directly from panelists working across Central Iowa as they share:
Lessons learned from real coalition work
Common pitfalls that can stall progress
Practical do’s and don’ts for working across organizations
Examples of both legislative and community-based coalition wins
This is not theory. It’s a grounded look at what works, what doesn’t, and what nonprofit leaders should consider before stepping into—or expanding—a coalition.
Event Details
📅 Date: May 5
🕐 Time: 1:00 p.m.
📍 Location: Hamilton’s, West Des Moines
No registration required. Just show up.
Who Should Attend
This panel is designed for:
Nonprofit leaders navigating partnerships or shared initiatives
Organizations considering joining or forming a coalition
Community partners working across sectors
Anyone who has experienced the complexity (or frustration) of collaborative work
If you’ve ever asked, “Is this coalition actually helping?”—this conversation is for you.
Featuring Local Leaders in Coalition Work
We’re grateful to be joined by a panel of experienced leaders who bring perspectives from housing, advocacy, public health, and policy:
Moderator: Peggy Huppert
Bethany Snyder, MPP
Julian D. Neely, M.S.
Matt Unger
Jackie Cale
Their collective experience spans both legislative advocacy and on-the-ground community collaboration, offering a well-rounded view of how coalitions function in practice.
Why Coalition Building Matters Right Now
Coalition work is often treated as a default strategy—something organizations “should” do. But without clarity, structure, and aligned expectations, coalitions can just as easily drain time and energy as they can create impact.
This panel will cut through that tension.
You’ll leave with a clearer sense of:
When a coalition makes sense
How to structure collaboration so it actually moves work forward
What to watch for before things go sideways
Join the Conversation
Heart of Des Moines exists to connect nonprofit leaders with the expertise and conversations that make their work more effective.
This event is part of that effort—creating space for honest discussion, shared learning, and stronger collaboration across Central Iowa.
