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Iowa West Foundation Issues $2 Million Matching Grant to Westfair Capital Campaign

April 15, 2026

Campaign reaches critical halfway point to complete Phase I COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA — The “Spirit of Westfair” capital campaign volunteers are thrilled to announce two major milestones in their mission to revitalize the Westfair fairgrounds. The multi-million-dollar capital project recently received a transformative challenge grant from the Iowa West Foundation that will match donations dollar for dollar up to $2 million. Additionally, the campaign has officially surpassed the $5 million mark—reaching the critical halfway point of […]

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Iowa West Foundation Awards $2.7 Million in Grants & Initiatives

March 19, 2026

Investments strengthen housing stability in Council Bluffs & workforce pipeline in Pottawattamie County  Council Bluffs, IA – The Iowa West Foundation recently awarded a series of grants and initiatives that address housing and financial stability in the Council Bluffs community, as well as funding poverty alleviation programming and student workforce training. The Iowa West Foundation board of directors approved more than $2.7 million in funding to more than 30 nonprofits, schools, […]

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Iowa West Welcomes New Members

February 5, 2026

Four Council Bluffs Residents Join Iowa West’s Volunteer Board & Advisory Committee  Council Bluffs, IA – Iowa West recently appointed four new members to the board and advisory committee, as well as elected new officers to the Iowa West Foundation and Iowa West Racing Association boards. All are Council Bluffs residents with a history of involvement in the community. Advisory committee members utilize expertise in their field to help review and approve grant applications. Board members also review grants, as well as oversee the Foundation’s […]

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Iowa West Honors 24 Local Sports Legends in Inaugural Professional Athlete and Olympian Recognition Ceremony

January 20, 2026

Council Bluffs, Iowa — Council Bluffs celebrated its rich sports history on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, with the inaugural Pro Sports Roster ceremony, honoring 24 individuals with Council Bluffs connections who went on to compete professionally or in the Olympics. The ceremony took place at the Iowa West Field House, where students from area high schools, […]

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Iowa West Foundation Awards $2 Million in Grants & Initiatives

December 1, 2025

Investments in novel approaches will keep people housed and families fed Council Bluffs, IA – The Iowa West Foundation board of directors recently approved $2 million in grant and initiative funding to 24 nonprofits and cities throughout southwest Iowa, with a focus on the most basic needs: food, clothing, and shelter. “Many in our community […]

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Iowa West Foundation Awards More Than $4 Million in Grants & Initiatives

July 29, 2025

From Preschool to Home Repairs, Iowa West Grants Strengthen Families and Futures As southwest Iowa students prepare to head back to school this fall, they can do so knowing a multitude of unique enrichment opportunities await, thanks in part to numerous Iowa West Foundation grants to local nonprofits. The Iowa West Foundation board of directors […]

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Iowa West Foundation, CB Chamber and City of CB Launch Council Bluffs Area Survey

June 19, 2025

The Iowa West Foundation, Council Bluffs Chamber of Commerce, and City of Council Bluffs—together with the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Center for Public Affairs Research—are conducting the Council Bluffs Area Survey to better understand what attracts people to live and work in our community and what supports long-term satisfaction and success. Why this matters: […]

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Iowa West Foundation Awards $3.9 Million In Grants & Initiatives

April 1, 2025

Funding supports events for residents + tourists alike; housing continues to be a focus The Iowa West Foundation (IWF) continues to inject funds into non-profit organizations that retain residents and attract visitors to Council Bluffs, while also adding to the housing stock to allow more people to call Pottawattamie County home. The Board of Directors […]

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Iowa West Foundation Grants $2.5 Million to Westfair’s Massive Modernization and Expansion Efforts in Pottawattamie County

January 9, 2025

Council Bluffs, IA — In a fairground game-changer, Iowa West Foundation announced a $2.5 million lead gift to Council Bluffs’ Westfair as part of a multi-phased $34 million campaign to revitalize the beloved fairgrounds and amphitheater and enhance the visitor experience for years to come. For 50 years, Westfair has been a cornerstone of the […]

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