The Liselotte Bieber Legacy Scholarship
Managed by Community Improvement Group, Inc.
Investing in the Resilience of Des Moines Neighborhoods
Community Improvement Group, Inc. is proud to announce our Leadership & Legacy Scholarship. This grant is designed to support the next generation of Des Moines leaders who understand that strong neighborhoods are built on perseverance and community dedication. By revitalizing homes and stabilizing neighborhoods in the Des Moines metro, we generate the funds necessary to provide this annual grant.
A Legacy of Resilience
"This grant is dedicated to my grandmother, Lilo, who fled Nazi Germany in 1939 at the age of 18 to eventually find safety and a new beginning in the United States. Her journey from refugee to pinnacle of the community is the foundation of our work today. We aim to support students who carry that same spirit of perseverance."
— Levi Freedman, President, Community Improvement Group, Inc.
$1,000 (One-time grant)
April 15th Annually
May 15th
Eligibility Requirements
- Current resident of Polk County, Iowa.
- Enrolled in or accepted to an Iowa college or university for the Fall term.
- Selection Criteria: Special consideration is given to students who demonstrate a personal or family history of overcoming adversity, including but not limited to challenges related to immigration, refugee status, or neighborhood displacement.
Application Process
To apply, please submit a short essay to scholarship@desmoineshomebuyers.net answering the following:
"How has your family’s history of resilience shaped your view of 'community'? How would you plan to improve Des Moines / Polk County neighborhoods in the future?"
Selection Committee
To ensure a fair and merit-based selection, all applications are reviewed by our panel:
- Levi & Emily Freedman, Founders, Community Improvement Group, Inc.
- James Neal, Partner/Attorney, Schott Mauss & Associates
- Kristin Stoner, English Professor, Iowa State University
Selection Rubric
| Criteria | Points |
|---|---|
| Demonstrated Resilience & Personal Narrative of Overcoming Adversity | 40 |
| Vision for City of Des Moines / Polk County Community Improvement | 30 |
| Academic Dedication & Transcript | 20 |
| Letters of Recommendation | 10 |