Getting Started

Getting Started

IWF’s Grants Policies and Procedures were updated as of 6/20/23 and will take affect in Cycle 3 of 2023.

The Iowa West Foundation strives for communities where families love to live, and businesses thrive. To accomplish this vision, the foundation uses a variety of tools, including an open grants program. The grants program supports priorities identified by our southwest Iowa residents. Through thousands of ideas shared in community Imagine Hour listening sessions, four core ideas defined a community vision of success. Together they form a picture of a vibrant, successful community. They are: 

  1. Belonging – Everyone in the community experiences a deep sense of being included and appreciated. 

2. Financial stability – The community is rooted in meeting all residents’ basic needs and beyond. 

  3. Opportunity – High quality opportunities are available to pursue personal achievement. 

  4. Well-being – Individuals have the opportunity to thrive, not just survive. 

We accept Letters of Inquiry throughout the year through our online grants portal, Cybergrants. We know your time is a limited resource. Because of this, we encourage new applicants as well as past grantees to reach out to the grants team staff with any questions about our policies and procedures.

In the pages that follow, you’ll learn more about eligibility requirements, the types of grants we do and do not fund, and the process to apply for a grant. If you have questions, the grants team staff can help you find the answers. Once you are familiar with our grants criteria, you may begin a letter of inquiry.