The Urbandale Uplift Project (UP) is a one-day community event where teams of volunteers come together to make a real difference in Urbandale. Local companies form volunteer groups of coworkers, friends, and neighbors who spend an afternoon giving back. The day starts with lunch, followed by hands-on projects that help uplift the community.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6oTurM7gESE
Urbandale Uplift Project (UP)
In 2025, more than 300 people from area companies participated in the Urbandale Uplift Project. Thank you to all the volunteers, companies, and sponsors that joined us.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a non-profit participate?
The more projects the better! Our non-profit partners are the root of the Uplift Project, and we are excited to welcome any new additions to our lineup. Non-profit organizations submit a one-day volunteer project to be completed on October 22nd, from 8:30-11am or 1-5pm. After the project is added to our lineup, a volunteer group from an Urbandale-located business will choose the project that best suits their team’s skills and interests. Uplift Projects have a lot of variety, such as furniture disassembly, painting a fence, meal-prepping, administration tasks, gardening, and even hosting a Trunk or Treat party for children! Every project is welcome, and we’re excited to see how we can help your non-profit uplift the community!
If you haven’t already been contacted with information, then reach out to Anna Fritz to hear more details.
How can businesses in Urbandale, Iowa get involved?
You already completed the first step by working in Urbandale! The Uplift Project is centered around connecting Urbandale-located employees to non-profits in the DSM area. Once you decide to be a part of the Uplift project, rally 5-20 coworkers to be on your volunteer team. Project listings will go live in August, so in the meantime, start thinking about how you would want to spend this volunteer day out of the office.
If you’re eager to learn more about the annual Uplift project, reach out to Anna Fritz.
Do you have volunteer options outside of the October date?
The Uplift Project is reserved solely for our October date, typically the second to last Thursday of October. In order to respect our volunteer’s work schedule, we do not offer projects that are multi-day events. If you are a volunteer who’s interested in volunteering outside of the Uplift Project, then we encourage you to stay in connection with your non-profit partner! Non-profits have volunteering opportunities year-round, and they would be glad to keep in contact throughout the year.
What if my team has less than 5 people?
Small teams of less than 4 are welcome to participate in the Uplift Project! A team of this size would be signing up for projects with the “Free Agent” description. “Free Agent” projects are unique in that multiple groups, possibly from different Urbandale-located companies, will get paired together to help one non-profit. The collaborative nature is exactly what we hope to see during the Uplift Project.
Curious about our Sponsor packages?
Sponsorships from Urbandale businesses help keep the Uplift Project free for everyone. If you’re interested in becoming an Uplift Sponsor, reach out to Aaron DeJong of Urbandale’s Economic Development department to learn more about Sponsorship packages.
2026 Sponsors
