2020 Economic Impact Awards Celebrates Facebook

Greater Des Moines (DSM) has become a top location for data center sites, which is why in April 2013, Facebook built its fourth global data center, among the company’s largest in the world, right here in Altoona. The company has expanded since then to eight buildings and nearly 3.5 million square feet, representing an estimated $2 billion for DSM. Not only that, but the Altoona Data Center supports more than 1,300 construction workers and, once completed, will support more than 400 operational jobs.

Facebook Community Action Grant Recipients Benefits

As a way to give back to the community, Facebook sought applications for the 2021 Facebook Community Action Grant for nonprofits serving the Altoona area. This program invests in the long-term vitality of Altoona through supporting groups that meet community needs.

The Community Action Grant program has been in existence since 2015, supporting projects that meet community needs by putting the power of technology to use for community benefit, connecting people online or off or improving local STEM education. This is in addition to recent COVID-19 relief grants totaling $900,000 that were made available to schools, nonprofits and small businesses in Polk County this summer. It also includes more than $500,000 in STEM education and technology support for the City of Altoona, Bondurant-Farrar Community Schools and Southeast Polk Community Schools.

Learn more about the Facebook culture to understand more about why the company is a Greater Des Moines Partnership 2020 Economic Impact award winner.

The Economic Impact Awards are presented in the fall by the Greater Des Moines Partnership. The Awards recognize regional companies for their outstanding contributions toward the economic vitality of Greater Des Moines (DSM). Learn more about all Partnership awards here.

Greater Des Moines (DSM) has one of the best business climates in the country. The region is nationally recognized for having a talented and educated workforce, a cost of doing business 17 percent below the national average, a low cost of living and an exceptional quality of life.