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UCAN tells Urbandale council it must raise $35,000 to sustain 2026 services
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Summary
Eileen Boggess presented UCAN’s 2026 strategic plan, describing a nine‑person board, program priorities and a $35,000 fundraising target to cover operating costs; she said UCAN provided 462 rides for seniors in the first three months of 2026 and continues food rescue and student support work.
Eileen Boggess, speaking for UCAN, briefed the Urbandale City Council on the nonprofit’s strategic plan for 2026 and its immediate fundraising needs.
"We currently need to raise $35,000 in order to cover our expenses for 2026," Boggess said, outlining a fundraising strategy that includes a proposed community "amazing race" event, spring and fall matching campaigns, grant applications and outreach to churches and local donors.
Why it matters: UCAN provides direct services to Urbandale residents, including volunteer transportation for seniors, weekend food bags and school support for students. Boggess told the council UCAN recorded 462 volunteer rides in the first three months of 2026 and distributes food rescued through the Iowa Food Bank to partner organizations and Metro West schools.
Boggess described UCAN’s governance and program priorities: a full nine‑member board that will use committees for government relations, financial oversight, fundraising, programs and marketing; an office manager in place; and plans to professionalize fundraising and storytelling to broaden donor support.
On partnerships and operations, Boggess said UCAN works with Metro West and school FFOs to supply weekend food bags and ad‑hoc student needs (shoe requests, clothing, supplies), and that the organization serves as a pickup/distribution point for rescued food that is then routed to local partners.
Councilors asked for more data from the community‑wide human services survey to help UCAN identify service gaps. Boggess said she is joining the city’s human services committee work and that several UCAN board members will participate in the city’s planning efforts.
The council did not take formal action on funding at the meeting; Boggess said a fundraiser proposal will be presented April 21 and that UCAN will continue grantwriting and donor outreach.
