Tournament surpasses $83 million in charitable giving since 2007
DES MOINES, Iowa – The Principal® Charity Classic today announced the 2026 tournament generated a record $10.8 million for youth, marking the largest charitable contribution in tournament history. As Principal Financial Group® celebrates its 20th year as title sponsor, the tournament has now generated more than $83 million to support youth-focused initiatives since 2007.
“As we celebrate 20 years of Principal® serving as title sponsor, the Principal Charity Classic continues to showcase what is possible when a community comes together,” said Ken McCullum, board chair of the Principal Charity Classic. “For two decades, this tournament has created meaningful opportunities for youth, and we are proud to continue building on that legacy of impact.”
Over the past 20 years, the Principal Charity Classic has grown into one of the top charitable events on the PGA TOUR Champions schedule. Tournament proceeds support four Tournament Charity Partners, more than 70 Birdies for Charity participating nonprofits, and the Legacy Project: Career Ready Collective. Together, these organizations positively impact more than 130,000 youth annually.
“The Principal Charity Classic is a powerful example of the impact of purpose and community coming together,” said Jo Christine Miles, Charitable Purpose Committee Chair of the Principal Charity Classic. “We are proud of all that has been made possible through the dedication of our sponsors, volunteers, charitable partners, fans, and community leaders. Together, we are investing in youth, helping build a brighter and more prosperous future for them and the communities they will one day lead.”
Alex McCarty, Tournament Director of the Principal Charity Classic, said the record result highlights the tournament’s impact beyond the golf course.
“We are proud to bring world-class golf to Des Moines, but the lasting impact of the Principal Charity Classic is measured by the opportunities it creates to empower future generations,” McCarty said. “This record result is a fitting way to celebrate our 20-year strategic partnership with Principal and gives us momentum as we look toward the tournament’s next chapter.”
The Principal Charity Classic will return to Wakonda Club June 2–6, 2027, continuing its tradition of bringing world-class PGA TOUR Champions golf to Des Moines while helping generate meaningful support for youth.
About the Principal Charity Classic
The Principal Charity Classic is an annual PGA TOUR Champions event hosted in Des Moines, Iowa, and is dedicated to investing in the future of youth. Since 2007, the tournament has raised more than $83 million for youth-focused charities. Funds support organizations focused on education and culture, financial security and stability, and health and wellness for youth initiatives.
Golf Charitable Foundation of Greater Des Moines, operating as Principal Charity Classic, is a duly recognized 501(c)(3) organization focused on providing philanthropic support to youth serving programs across the State of Iowa. While Principal® Charity Classic receives funding from Principal Financial Group® and Principal® Foundation, Principal® Charity Classic is a distinct, independent, charitable entity.
For more information, visit principalcharityclassic.com.
About Principal Financial Group®
Principal Financial Group® (Nasdaq: PFG) is a global financial company with over 19,000 employees1 passionate about improving the wealth and well-being of people and businesses. In business for 147 years, we’re helping 82 million customers1 plan, insure, invest, and retire, while working to support the communities where we do business, and build an inclusive workforce. Principal® is proud to be recognized as one of the 2026 World’s Most Ethical Companies2 and named as a “Best Places to Work in Money Management3.” Learn more about Principal and our commitment to building a better future at principal.com.
| 1 As of June 30, 2026 |
| 2 Ethisphere, 2026 |
| 3 Pensions & Investments, 2025 |
Media Contact:
Karena Ries
karena@principalcharityclassic.com
641-745-7853
