Ruan has long believed that strong communities and strong businesses go hand in hand. Since the company’s founding in 1932, giving back has been a core part of Ruan’s identity. In 2026, that commitment entered a new chapter with the launch of the Community Impact Program, an initiative designed to make charitable giving easier, more flexible, and more meaningful for team members.
The newly coined program began this year with an exciting milestone: Ruan’s inaugural Community Impact Fair, hosted at the Ruan Center in January. Fourteen nonprofit organizations from across Central Iowa joined the event, giving team members the opportunity to learn more about the missions, services, and impact of local organizations. The fair served as an introduction to the new giving platform and highlighted the many charities employees can support through Ruan’s matching program.
Initially launched for team members based at Ruan’s headquarters, the Community Impact Program encourages employees to contribute to Central Iowa nonprofits through a dedicated company giving platform. To amplify the impact of these contributions, Ruan matches eligible employee donations up to an approved amount. The Community Impact Fair was followed by a silent auction fundraiser, where team members bid on donated items. All proceeds from the auction were distributed among the fourteen participating nonprofits, providing immediate support to organizations making a difference throughout the region.
This initiative reflects a tradition of service that dates back to Ruan’s founder, John Ruan. At just 18 years old, John started the company to help support his family after the loss of their father, which left them without their primary source of financial stability. As the business grew and his family regained its footing, John remained deeply grateful to the Des Moines and Central Iowa community that helped make that recovery possible. He believed strongly that businesses should be a force for good, using their success to strengthen the communities around them.
Those values continue to guide Ruan today. The Community Impact Program builds on the company’s long-standing employee giving initiatives while expanding opportunities for engagement throughout the year. In addition to an annual fall campaign, the program now provides ongoing ways for team members to participate through giving, volunteer opportunities, events, and recognition.
Rooted in the values established by John Ruan, the Community Impact Program carries forward Ruan’s long tradition of giving while empowering today’s team members to strengthen their communities and continue building a legacy of service for the future.