Sammons Financial Group, a West Des Moines, Iowa-based financial services company, significantly increased its charitable giving and volunteer efforts in 2025, donating nearly $4.6 million to organizations across its corporate locations and logging over 11,000 volunteer hours. This commitment to community support, focusing on areas like education, healthcare, and diversity, underscores a core value for the employee-owned firm. The substantial contributions highlight a growing trend of corporate philanthropy and employee engagement in social responsibility initiatives. This level of giving represents a significant investment in the communities where Sammons Financial Group operates, aiming to empower futures and change lives.
The company’s 2025 outreach program saw its West Des Moines headquarters lead the way with $1.2 million in donations and 6,500 volunteer hours. The Sioux Falls, South Dakota location followed closely behind, contributing $1.1 million and 4,000 volunteer hours. These figures demonstrate a strong regional focus, with the two largest corporate hubs driving the majority of the impact. The charitable focus encompassed a broad range of needs, including support for education, health care, hunger relief, homelessness, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and services for individuals with disabilities. A matching gift program further amplified the impact of employee contributions.
Employee Ownership Drives Charitable Giving
Rob TeKolste, President of Sammons Financial Group, emphasized the integral role of employee involvement in the company’s philanthropic efforts. “Giving back remains a core part of who we are as an employee-owned company,” TeKolste said in a news release. “Our employees consistently demonstrate generosity through both their financial support and their time, helping us fulfill our purpose to empower futures and change lives in the communities where we live and operate.” This employee-ownership model appears to foster a culture of giving, where staff members are directly invested in the well-being of their communities. Sammons Financial Group has been recognized for its positive work environment, including being named a best place to work by Glassdoor for three consecutive years, as reported on the company’s website. Sammons Financial Group
A Broad Spectrum of Supported Organizations
The $4.6 million in donations were distributed among a diverse array of organizations. According to a press release from August 2025, 25 organizations received financial support through the company’s Community Outreach Program. Sammons Financial Group Employees Direct $175,000 to Iowa Charities Recipients included groups focused on animal welfare, such as the Animal Rescue League of Iowa and Great Plains Pointer Rescue, as well as organizations addressing critical social issues like homelessness (Hope Ministries) and refugee support (Des Moines Refugee Support). Health-focused charities like the American Cancer Society (Iowa Chapter) and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Iowa also benefited from the program. The initiative, which began in 2018, empowers employees to nominate local charities and then vote on which organizations receive funding.
Expanding Community Impact Beyond Iowa
Whereas the initial announcement in August 2025 focused on Iowa charities, a subsequent report in October revealed a broader scope of giving. Sammons Financial Group announced total donations reached $195,000 to local nonprofits. This suggests an expansion of the program beyond its initial focus, or a correction to the initial figures. The company’s commitment to volunteerism is equally noteworthy, with employees dedicating over 11,000 hours to various causes. This represents a significant investment of time and talent, demonstrating a deep commitment to community engagement. The company’s website highlights its strong culture of volunteer service and charitable giving.
Sammons Financial Group’s continued investment in charitable giving and volunteerism reflects a broader trend among corporations to prioritize social responsibility. This approach not only benefits the communities served but also enhances the company’s reputation and strengthens its connection with employees. The company’s employee-ownership structure appears to be a key driver of this commitment, fostering a sense of shared purpose and responsibility. The focus on diverse areas of need – from education and healthcare to homelessness and animal welfare – demonstrates a comprehensive approach to community support.
Looking ahead, Sammons Financial Group is expected to continue its community outreach efforts in 2026. The company has not yet announced details of its next Community Outreach Program, but given its track record, further investment in charitable giving and volunteerism is anticipated. Updates on the company’s philanthropic initiatives can be found on its official website.
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