A high priority is given to community development projects that encourage neighborhood revitalization and create more livable neighborhoods.
Proposals that improve the quality of life and enhance the image and/or appearance of our community will be seriously considered. Priority will be given to projects of quality urban design that improve public spaces along the Missouri Riverfront, in downtown Council Bluffs, at the Mid-America Center area, and along major traffic corridors leading into downtown Council Bluffs. Proposals that improve the appearance of major traffic corridors cited in the CB-21 plan will be considered; however, top priority will be given to the completion of corridor beautification improvements along West Broadway Avenue and East Kanesville Boulevard as well as the initiation of improvements along the South Expressway.
Community beautification and development proposals outside of Council Bluffs in Pottawattamie County will be considered if they are consistent with the "Nishnabotna Loop Vision Plan" or are included in community plans.
The CB-21 Plan "Council Bluffs in the 21st Century" and the Nishnabotna Loop Plan – addressing rural towns in Pottawattamie County – are posted on-line for easy reference.
An important community goal is to retain or create family wage jobs that will result in increased economic self-sufficiency for area families and residents.
The Foundation’s primary economic development role is to serve as a catalyst by building the capacity of the public and the nonprofit sectors to effectively plan and manage economic development projects.
A special focus is partnering with local government and the nonprofit sector to support ongoing economic development projects at the Mid-America Center in order to create a major tourist and visitor destination for the region.
Proposals to support infrastructure improvements for rural communities within Pottawattamie County are not considered directly by the Foundation, but are referred to the Pottawattamie County CITIES Fund (Community Improvements to Increase Economic Stability).
The Foundation has an interest in new and innovative programs that promote life-long learning, academic performance, and workforce preparation.
Early childhood educational programs and quality daycare programs that address underserved age groups and serve children from economically and educationally disadvantaged families in Pottawattamie County will be considered.
Proposals for capital improvements to school property will not be considered. Nor does the Foundation accept K-12 proposals from individual schools or school districts without the approval of the local Area Education Agency. Individual petitions for scholarships are not accepted outside of the existing Iowa West Foundation Scholarship Program (see below).
The Foundation places a high priority on new and innovative programs that strengthen families, address the needs of underserved youth, provide services to senior citizens, and help our citizens to reach their potential. Examples of such programs include proposals that address the following: homeless/transitional housing needs; the high incidence of teenage pregnancy; the lack of availability of prenatal care; and chemical dependency issues, especially the increase in the region of methamphetamine use. Collaboration between various partners to meet human and social needs is strongly recommended.
