By Degrees Foundation, a nonprofit working to increase postsecondary readiness for Central Iowa high school students, has recently received a $100,000 grant and will also be the beneficiary of a separate fundraiser that goes through this week.

ADM, a human and animal nutrition company, contributed a $100,000 grant to By Degrees Foundation through ADM Cares. According to a news release, ADM Cares helps communities where ADM colleagues work and live by directing funding, volunteerism, and industry knowledge to initiatives and organizations that drive social, economic, and environmental progress worldwide.

“This investment from ADM Cares will help us significantly increase our reach and develop even more impactful programming for the 2,500 students at our partner schools,” Ken McCullum, By Degrees Foundation board chair, said in a prepared statement. “This school year alone, we’ve facilitated 50 visits to postsecondary institutions across Iowa and added a new visit to Historically Black Colleges and Universities for Harding and North students. Support from ADM Cares will help us expand our successful postsecondary and career programming while developing new health, wellness, and nutrition supports.”

The organization was also selected as the nonprofit to benefit from the Get Active fundraiser held by the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the Athene Black & Brown Business Summit.

Donations for the fundraiser are open through Friday, April 21, with 100% of the proceeds going to By Degrees. The fundraiser aims to promote health and support social justice and future leaders. Participants are encouraged to do something active ahead of the summit in recognition of their donation. A check will be presented to By Degrees during the summit on Friday. Donations can be made at this link.

“Just as the Athene Black & Brown Business Summit was created to elevate minorities and bring businesses owned by Black, Indigenous, and people of color together to build connections and provide resources, By Degrees works in public schools to elevate students and families, create connections, and provide resources to ensure students succeed,” a spokesperson for the foundation said in a prepared statement. “We believe education is a community effort and actively work in neighborhoods that are historically under-resourced. By Degrees understands that success in school requires support in other areas. With funds raised through the Athene BBBS, By Degrees looks forward to expanding our health and wellness programing for all 2,400 scholars in our partner schools.”