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The Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines aims to improve the lives of others through philanthropy.

By fostering links between community organizations and summoning local leaders, the organization works to advance the common good. And to accomplish its mission, the foundation relies on a group of employees who understand the power of cooperation.

“It works like a well-functioning community,” said J. Barry Griswell, the foundation’s president, noting that honesty and integrity are major tenets of the culture there.

“People have a great deal of respect for one another,” he said.

Griswell said the foundation’s egalitarian atmosphere dovetails with its overarching purpose: to improve the lives of all.

“We try to involve the staff in as many communiqués as we can,” Griswell said, noting that the foundation strives internally to model the respect and civility that it hopes to foster in the broader community.

He said that is achieved “most importantly by the work that we do.”

Another way the foundation works to build community in the office is by holding a monthly birthday celebration, during which its 13 employees gather for a big family breakfast, a cookout or ice cream sundaes.

“We can’t pay the greatest salaries; we’re a nonprofit,” Griswell said.

But a relaxed dress code, long holiday weekends and flex time inspire employees in their work, he said. And though Griswell said it may sound counterintuitive, those perks ultimately increase productivity and efficiency while improving morale.

According to its website, the Community Foundation was formed in 1969 by a small group of citizens as “an enduring method for preserving our area’s quality of life and extending its benefits to the entire community.”

The Community Foundation has experienced significant growth over the years. It currently manages assets in excess of $159 million, administers more than 650 charitable funds created by Iowans and distributed more than $22 million in grants in 2009.

“We really have an opportunity each and every day to improve the quality of life for people in Central Iowa,” Griswell said. “And I think that’s a special privilege.

“If you truly have people that are dedicated to the organization and what it’s trying to accomplish, then I truly do think you have a great place to work.”