DES MOINES, Iowa – June 25, 2026 – The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is proud to receive a 2026 Capital Project Grant from Bravo Greater Des Moines in the amount of $125K.
“We are grateful for the generous support of Bravo Greater Des Moines and for the grant funding awarded to our Access Today, Capacity Tomorrow project,” said Kim Perez, President and CEO of the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. “Through this support, the Botanical Garden will construct a new facility addition that will serve as a temporary public entrance during the renovation of our main lobby. This critical investment will allow us to remain open and fully accessible throughout construction, ensuring uninterrupted access to exhibits, educational programs, events and experiences that welcome nearly 150,000 guests each year.”
This project is currently under construction and will serve as a temporary public entrance in 2027 while the Botanical Garden builds its new permanent front entrance. Following completion of the
lobby renovation, the space will be converted into expanded administrative offices that will support their growing team of staff and volunteers and strengthen their capacity to serve the community for years to come.
The Botanical Garden is one of three Des Moines-area organizations to receive a 2026 Capital Project Grant during Bravo Greater Des Moines’ spring grant cycle. Capital Project Grants provide nonprofit organizations with essential funding to complete facility improvements that strengthen operations and support continued community impact. Learn more about the Capital Project Grant program, recipients and history here.
“This was an exciting spring cycle, one that exemplifies Bravo’s core value that investing in the arts is investing in the community,” said Bravo President Sally Dix. “Together, these spring grants show that there are many pathways that lead to more arts and cultural access in our community. Bravo is proud of the role we get to play in making Greater Des Moines vibrant.”
Bravo’s 2026 grant programs are made possible by partnership with 17 local government communities that contribute a percentage of hotel/motel tax revenue specifically for investment in arts, culture, heritage and interpretive science: Altoona, Ankeny, Bondurant, Carlisle, Clive, Des Moines, Grimes, Indianola, Johnston, Norwalk, Pleasant Hill, Polk City, Polk County, Urbandale, Waukee, West Des Moines and Windsor Heights.
To plan your next trip to the Botanical Garden, visit our website for information on upcoming events, tickets, visitor’s guide and more.
About the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is more than a dome, it’s the connection point between plants, people and the natural world. It’s a place where you can be who you are, do the things you love and spend time with the people who matter most. A place where anyone can explore, create, connect, and find their true nature. This urban oasis, located in downtown Des Moines, is a nonprofit that keeps growing because of the support of its members and volunteers. Located amidst a vibrant cityscape and lovely river views, the 12-acres of gardens are teeming with thousands of native plants and exotic greenery from across the world. Its verdant offerings include a soothing waterfall and pond, one of the country’s most extensive bonsai collections and brilliant seasonal blooms galore. No matter the season, the Botanical Garden provides a range of fun, signature events and classes in an always friendly climate. In operation since 1979, it features an 80 feet tall geodesic-domed conservatory that includes a living wall and 18 outdoor gardens interspersed with sculptures, a serene water garden, regal rows of shade trees, walking paths, a stunning orchid collection, vibrant rose garden, unique Asian-style garden and much more.
About Bravo Greater Des Moines
Bravo Greater Des Moines leverages community resources to maximize the impact of arts, culture and heritage to advance regional priorities. Leveraging funds contributed by seventeen local
government partners, Bravo invests strategically in arts, culture and heritage organizations and projects that contribute to and enhance the quality of life in Greater Des Moines for residents and
visitors.
