It is one of the great privileges of leading a family foundation to witness the moment when the next generation steps forward and says, "We're ready." At Change Happens Foundation, that moment has arrived. This spring, we formally welcomed three extraordinary young women to our board of directors: Zoe Nong, Liza Burmeister, and Lydia Nong. They represent Generation 3 of our foundation's leadership, and their election marks one of the most significant milestones in our organiz

This year we had the privilege of attending the Confluence Philanthropy Conference, titled Flow , in Asheville, North Carolina. We returned home energized, challenged, and deeply grateful to be part of a community that is redefining what it means for foundations to show up fully for their missions. Confluence brings together foundations and investors who believe that aligning capital with values is not optional but essential. The conference gathered philanthropic leaders comm

Meeting the Moment sometimes means responding quietly and decisively to ensure that essential care remains available, dignified, and within reach. It means supporting institutions that hold steady when uncertainty is high and needs are immediate. In that spirit, Change Happens Foundation is proud to support Planned Parenthood California Central Coast . Planned Parenthood California Central Coast plays a vital role in the health and well being of individuals and families acros

As Change Happens Foundation continues to grow, so does our commitment to investing in communities where our relationships, responsibilities, and long term vision are strongest. Iowa is one of those places. With half of our directors calling Iowa home, this work is personal as well as strategic. It reflects a desire to listen closely, learn deeply, and support organizations that are embedded in the daily lives of the people they serve. We are proud to support The FreeStore ,

At Change Happens Foundation, Meeting the Moment means recognizing when our civic institutions need care and reinforcement, and responding with intention. In this season, protecting access to participation is not abstract. It is immediate, practical, and essential. We are therefore deeply grateful to stand with Vote.org and VoteRiders , two organizations whose work strengthens democracy in concrete and measurable ways. Vote.org has quietly become one of the most trusted ci

This year’s Exponent Philanthropy conference was nothing short of energizing. We returned feeling reconnected to our purpose, inspired by our peers, and deeply grateful to be part of a philanthropic community grounded in trust, courage, and shared learning. In a time when many communities face increasing complexity and uncertainty, gathering in person with fellow funders felt both grounding and essential. Nearly 500 philanthropic leaders came together to reflect on how we can

At the Change Happens Foundation, we believe that dignity begins with the basics. When families have reliable access to fresh, healthy food, everything else in life becomes a little more possible. That is why we are proud to support the Urbandale Food Pantry, a community anchored in care, service, and the simple belief that no neighbor should ever go hungry. The Urbandale Food Pantry has become a vital resource for families across the Central Iowa. What began as a small, loca

At the Change Happens Foundation, we believe that meaningful progress on climate begins with knowledge, curiosity, and empowered young people. This year, we are proud to support SubjectToClimate, an organization that is transforming climate education for teachers and students across the country. SubjectToClimate was built on a simple but powerful idea: every student deserves access to clear, engaging climate learning resources, and every educator deserves the tools to teach t

Last week, members of the Change Happens Foundation team joined peers from across the country at the National Center for Family Philanthropy’s Leadership Retreat in La Jolla . The gathering brought together family foundation leaders, trustees, and next-generation philanthropists — all committed to learning from one another and strengthening how we lead, listen, and collaborate for greater impact. While much of our daily focus is on advancing our own mission, this retreat offe

Why We Attended the Regenerative Food Systems Investment Forum At the Change Happens Foundation, our mission has always been rooted in advancing science, environmental innovation, and human wellbeing. This October, our team traveled to Minneapolis to attend the Regenerative Food Systems Investment (RFSI) Forum, joining a remarkable gathering of farmers, scientists, entrepreneurs, and investors who share a simple but powerful belief: the health of our planet and the health of

Change Happens Foundation was honored to support Technovation this past quarter and even more honored to see its impact firsthand during...

At Change Happens Foundation, we don’t just believe in the next generation — we invest in it. And few organizations embody that belief...

At Change Happens Foundation, we believe the future belongs to the bold — to those who ask big questions, imagine daring solutions, and...

Independent journalism stands as a crucial pillar of a thriving democracy, providing citizens with the unbiased information needed to...

Recently, members of the Change Happens Foundation had the distinct pleasure of participating in the 2025 Mission Investing Institute...

At Change Happens Foundation, we believe meaningful progress occurs where innovation meets equity. That’s why we are proud to support...

At Change Happens Foundation, we believe that some of the most powerful solutions to complex problems are also the simplest. That’s why...

At Change Happens Foundation, our mission is grounded in the belief that every child deserves a safe place to sleep, a nourishing meal,...

At the heart of every thriving community is a foundation of literacy, learning, and opportunity. That’s why we are proud to support Reach...

At a time when plastic pollution threatens the health of our oceans, wildlife, and communities, the need for bold, science-driven...