Eric Heininger

Managing director
Eden+ Fundraising Consulting

Age: 35

Partner: Dr. Tiffani Milless

Children: Charlotte Heininger

Mentor: Joan Bindel, senior director of development, MercyOne Des Moines Foundation 

Why he’s a Forty: Eric's role at Eden+ has helped nonprofits in Central Iowa raise over $35 million in the last two years. He serves as treasurer for TEDx Des Moines, president of Salon 4700 at the Des Moines Art Center and board member for the Iowa Medical Society Foundation, and volunteers across the community. As a certified fundraising executive and an Association of Fundraising Professionals master trainer, he co-founded the Des Moines Fundraising Institute, which provides professional development to fundraising professionals across the world. He also serves on the Association for Fundraising Professionals Political Action Committee board and was recognized in 2019 as one of the Association for Healthcare Philanthopy's 40 Under 40. 

What are your goals in your role at your company? 

Our north star at Eden+ is to help make our community better. When I founded Eden+ I dreamed of helping communities across Iowa achieve their aspirational goals. Today, it's very much the same. Our goal is to offer our expertise to make the greatest philanthropic projects in Des Moines a reality and to see our thumbprint in our own backyard. 

What are your goals for your community involvement? 

I serve on the Government Relations Committee and the Political Action Committee board for the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Iowa has some really creative legislation such as Endow Iowa that helps both nonprofits and donors in Iowa to keep their dollars local. I would love to see that expand nationally in a way to serve our communities. The generosity of others and philanthropy make our community run smoothly, and I want to make sure we use data to highlight that. 

What's your biggest passion, and why? 

I am always looking for the next creative or wild idea. I love to hear one person's dream over a cup of coffee and then think, "OK, what's the next step to make it happen?" 

What is it that drives you? 

I frequently wake up well before dawn while the world is still quiet to get work done, and why do I do it? The consequences are too high not to. Indirectly, my work helps make sure people have food and shelter, get the treatment they need when they are sick, and expand their minds with education and the arts. If I have the choice and ability to help one more person by working a little harder, I'm going to do it. That one person makes a difference to me.

What are your future aspirations? 

My aspirations fall into two categories: Learn from others and lift others up. I love to learn new skills and wisdom. Sometimes those lessons come from those who have come before me and sometimes those lessons come from my daughter. But this needs to be a reciprocal process, and I want to guide the next generations of leaders to success.

Three hobbies: A perfect day would include enjoying the beach, playing tennis, and cooking a meal for my family and friends. 

Fun Fact: While bootstrapping my first venture I drove Uber in Chicago for two years. Snowstorms, wedding proposals, rock stars, and even a burst appendix. I have stories for days! 

ONE word: Handy.

What is your wish for the Central Iowa business community? 

I wish that Central Iowans would do everything they can to support the small businesses that make Iowa strong. Instead of going to dinner at a chain restaurant, consider HoQ in the East Village that is locally owned and sources from Iowa's small family farms. One meal choice can support dozens of Iowa businesses and families.

Anything else you haven't addressed that people must know about you? 

I grew up in Michigan and my wife grew up in Ohio. Neither of us expected to move to Des Moines just a few years ago, but we have been welcomed with open arms. We want to say thank you to everyone who has been there to support us as we have grown our family and created our forever home in Des Moines.