It’s never a good idea to declare victory prematurely, but as we head into a new stage of COVID-19 – the vaccination and recovery phase – let’s take a minute to thank those who helped our community pull through the overwhelming challenges of 2020. Last March, the Iowa West Foundation announced we would commit $1 […]
Iowa West’s Board of Directors recently elected a new board member to serve a 3-year term. Steve Baumert, CEO of Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital in Council Bluffs, brings decades of experience to the role, having served on a number of nonprofit boards throughout southwest Iowa including the Council Bluffs Chamber of Commerce and the Southwest […]
Similar version of popular art piece by Tom Friedman will fill empty space in 2021 (Council Bluffs, IA) The popular “Looking Up” sculpture along the Council Bluffs Riverfront, which serves as a unique photo backdrop for residents and visitors alike, will be removed and transported to a private location this week. However, the space won’t […]
Grants primarily focused on healthy families (Council Bluffs, IA) The Iowa West Foundation Board of Directors recently approved nearly $2.3 million in grants and initiatives funding, with a focus on programs and projects that seek to strengthen families in Pottawattamie County. The healthy families portfolio includes critical community needs such as mental health, housing/homelessness, and diversity. […]
On November 8, I celebrated 60 days on the job as President and CEO of the Iowa West Foundation. It has been a busy two months! In addition to getting to know the staff and board, I’ve met with partner organizations, grant recipients, community leaders, elected officials, and business owners. In spite of the immediate […]
A recent anonymous donation helped make more grants possible (Council Bluffs, IA) – The Southwest Iowa COVID-19 Response Fund continues to provide relief for Pottawattamie County nonprofits and organizations impacted by the pandemic. The partnership between the Iowa West Foundation and Pottawattamie County Community Foundation has allowed for foundation funds to be combined with outside […]
“Welcome home.” I have been hearing those words a lot lately, and every time I hear them it warms my heart. Coming home to Council Bluffs was not a matter of convenience or luck. It was a longstanding goal. When I graduated from A.L. and headed off to the University of Iowa, I didn’t expect […]
Iowa West Foundation initiative, in partnership with local businesses, leads to more place-based art (Council Bluffs, IA) A mural titled “Riverboat on the Missouri” is coming to life by the day in Council Bluffs, thanks to an Iowa West Foundation initiative designed to create a cultural trail throughout the downtown. By partnering with local businesses […]
Sometimes one person is all it takes to get the ball rolling. Or in this case, the needle threading. Terri Ann Fetz on Shenandoah was frustrated. With more people wearing masks due to the COVID-19 pandemic, her world grew quieter. As a member of the deaf community, she relies on her ability to read lips. […]
Belle’s Play Garden Coming to Council Bluffs in 2021 (Council Bluffs, IA) – Council Bluffs’ River’s Edge will soon be home to another attractive amenity for area families with the announcement of an outdoor children’s playground. Named “Belle’s Play Garden” after the lead donors’ daughters, the 2,000 square-foot area will feature interactive play elements in […]
