Iowa Shares, a fund-raising group for nonprofit organizations, is hoping Iowa State has a heart for giving.

The group is planning to send letters to university members in mid-September asking for contributions.

Information and Organization Specialist Cassandra Amesly said Iowa Shares helps raise funds so member groups can remain focused on their main purpose — helping people.

Iowa Shares is a coalition of nonprofit organizations that is trying to improve social conditions across Iowa.

Member groups like Amnesty International of Iowa and Iowa Coalition for Housing and the Homeless work with Iowa Shares to raise funds.

ISU is part of Iowa Share’s “Workplace Fund-raising Organization.” Once a year, the university allows the group to send letters to faculty and staff asking for donations, Amesly said.

She pointed out that Iowa Shares is not the only source of funding for any of the member groups.

Amesly said there are 25 nonprofit groups across Iowa that benefit from the work of Iowa Shares. Some of the social problems the groups encounter include cultural awareness, the environment, health care and social justice.

Individual donators can choose to which member group or groups they would like their money sent.

If no preference is given, the donation will be put into a fund to be shared by all member groups. Only 14 percent of the donation is used for Iowa Shares expenses, Amesly said.

Amesly said Iowa Shares is an important program for the state because “everyone deserves a nice neighborhood.

“If an organization can spend less time looking for funding, they can spend more time changing things. We tell people that for every dollar donated, you get some change.”