Donna Van Pelt (she/her/hers) 

Donna Van Pelt, Director of Foundation Relations

Donna Van Pelt is Springtide’s Director of Foundation Relations. She comes to this role from a background in higher education, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge and experience ranging from campaign strategies and communications, to proposal and grant writing, and even institutional fundraising with corporations and other organizations.  

Thinking on the impact she wants to have in life, Donna hopes to “demonstrate acceptance and inclusion of all people into my personal and professional communities.” She is eager about her work at Springtide, and is especially drawn to the idea of bringing young people’s insights forward in a way that speaks to education, faith, and community leaders. “Springtide is making connections that can positively impact the way young people are supported in their personal journeys—in robust and actionable ways.”  

Donna lives in the Greater Des Moines, Iowa area with her husband, with whom she has two teenage children. Their family follows St. Louis Cardinals baseball and they love going to spring training in Florida when they can. In her spare time, Donna loves to paint and bake.