The Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) of Des Moines and Independence Bank of Montana have awarded a combined $10,000 to Care Camps Foundation to support camps for children with cancer across the United States and Canada.
The funding aims to enhance medically supervised pediatric oncology camps, ensuring children and their families have access to outdoor experiences that promote healing and support.
The FHLB of Des Moines selected Care Camps Foundation as a recipient of a $7,500 Member Impact Fund grant, with Independence Bank contributing an additional $2,500. The grant application was submitted by Independence Bank, which has a longstanding partnership with the Care Camps Foundation.
“The impact that the Care Camps Foundation has on our youth and the community at large is extremely significant,” said Deborah Callahan, senior vice president of lending at Independence Bank.
“We are honored to submit the grant application on their behalf and are thrilled they were selected,” Callahan noted.
Independence Bank has supported Care Camps Foundation through various initiatives, including its Spirit Debit Card Program, which contributes funds with every transaction made by cardholders.
The bank also sponsors and participates in fundraising events such as the Fore the Kids Golf Tournament and the annual Kampgrounds of America (KOA) Convention, furthering its commitment to the foundation’s mission.
According to a press release, Gwynn Sullivan, executive director of Care Camps Foundation, highlighted Independence Bank’s role in advancing the foundation’s work.
“The Independence Bank team amplifies our mission through collaboration, advocacy, and contributions. They truly went the extra mile to secure this grant that will enable camps to strengthen their programs to serve more children with cancer and their families,” Sullivan said.
In 2024, the Care Camps Foundation awarded grants to 117 pediatric oncology camps, ensuring continued support for families facing childhood cancer. These camps provide medically supervised programs designed to foster community, support, and healing.
Families can participate at no cost, benefiting from a structured environment that enhances the emotional and social well-being of children undergoing treatment.
Care Camps Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding pediatric oncology camps across the U.S. and Canada. By partnering with the outdoor industry, businesses, foundations, and individuals, the foundation works to provide children with cancer access to healing outdoor experiences.
The foundation supports camps that are members of the Children’s Oncology Camping Association (COCA), ensuring quality standards and professional development.