1000 Friends of Iowa is a statewide non-profit organization founded in 1998 and is based in Des Moines, Iowa.

Our mission

1000 Friends of Iowa promotes responsible development that

• Conserves and protects our agricultural and natural resources
• Revitalizes our neighborhoods, towns and cities, and
• Improves the quality of life for future generations

1000 Friends of Iowa is a membership-based 501(c) 3 organization. All donations to 1000 Friends of Iowa are tax-deductible.

1000 Friends of Iowa is the only group in the state focused solely on promoting responsible land use in community, state, and federal development decisions. We seek to prevent poorly-planned sprawl through citizen engagement and education about sustainable development. We encourage land use planning that protects farmland and natural areas, and ensures livable communities through implementation of smart growth principles.

Why the name 1000 Friends of Iowa?

The first 1000 Friends group was founded in Oregon, 1000 Friends of Oregon. Since then, almost a dozen 1000 Friends groups have been founded across the US to work on land use and community development issues. The name implies that if 1000 people donated $100 per year, our work would be more economically sustainable.

Although we are not officially affiliated with the other 1000 Friends groups, we work with many organizations across the country that are members of Smart Growth America.