To galvanize belonging in the Council Bluffs community, the Iowa West Foundation supports a wide range of events that foster new connections and deepen community ties through small grants called Belonging Grants.
Priority is placed on helping launch new events or efforts to reach new people.
Block Parties
Neighborhood Events
Cultural/Seasonal Celebrations
School Community Gatherings
Hobby-Shares
The Belonging Grants program empowers clubs, associations, and neighbors in Council Bluffs to host community connection events with grants of up to $500.
Grants will only be issued to 501(c)3 public charities or government entities. If your group is not a 501(c)3 public charity, there may be opportunities to work through one of the trusted community partners noted below who are helping to facilitate this program.
Habitat for Humanity of Council Bluffs
Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce
Outside of Council Bluffs, we work directly with each city in Pottawattamie County to provide Belonging Grant funds for their priority event/celebration.
Iowa West Foundation believes thriving communities are created through everyday acts of connection. By funding Belonging Grants, we’re investing directly in the events that bring communities and neighborhoods together — helping to strengthen bonds and create lasting positive change.
Fill out our simple application describing your event. Include a brief budget showing how the grant funds will be used.
Applications will be reviewed as they come in and funds awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to events hosted in the 2026 calendar year. Be sure to check the guidelines for event eligibility and the restrictions on how funds can be used.
Once approved, your grant will be sent via check or ACH, and you can get to work hosting your event. We’ll send a brief survey to find out how your event went, confirm how grant funds were spent, and provide an opportunity to share photos and personal stories.
"*" indicates required fields
For more information or questions about the application process, email us.
