Iowa West Foundation Awards $3.9 Million In Grants & Initiatives

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 for IWF recently approved $3.9 million in grants and initiative funding, more than $500,000 of which will support arts and sports entertainment events, while upwards of $2 million will contribute to creating and rehabbing housing units.

Grants to the Pottawattamie County Historical Society, which manages the RailsWest Museum and Squirrel Cage Jail, along with operating funding for the Hoff Arts & Culture Center through Pottawattamie Arts, Culture, & Entertainment will allow both organizations the capacity to manage and elevate visitor experiences. An additional grant to the Omaha Sports Commission, in partnership with the Council Bluffs Convention & Visitors Bureau, will expand events at sports venues and facilities in Council Bluffs. The partnership already attracts events such as the US Open Badminton Championships, USA Boccia National Championships, and the Corgi dog races at River’s Edge Park.

“This grant will unlock incredible opportunities for our local sports venues and facilities,” said Mark Eckman, Executive Director of the Council Bluffs Convention and Visitors Bureau. “By strategically activating our venues like the Field House, Sports Plex, and Mid-America Center, we can attract more dynamic events that bring visitors to our community, boost local businesses, and showcase Council Bluffs as a premier destination for sports tourism. We’re excited to continue working with the Omaha Sports Commission to create memorable experiences for athletes and fans alike.”

“The Iowa West Foundation has spent years building amenities and helping to create communities where people love to live,” said Brenda Mainwaring, CEO of the Foundation. “That is our core purpose, but to truly be successful we also have to help build more places for people to live.”

Two awards totaling $1,500,000 will prevent the loss of existing housing, improve the quality of housing in need of repair, and catalyze construction of new housing units. Front Porch Investments received $500,000 toward a revolving loan fund specifically for development of affordable housing in Council Bluffs.  Habitat for Humanity received $1 million for a partnership to acquire distressed or blighted properties in Council Bluffs and convert them to quality, safe housing units. Recognizing that individuals may be displaced by a property acquisition, this program emphasizes a coordinated response with Iowa Legal Aid for any tenants who might be impacted.

“This funding empowers us to proactively address aging and unsafe properties in Council Bluffs,” said Blake Johnson, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Council Bluffs. “By acquiring these homes, we can transform neglected spaces into safe, quality housing for families in need. Our partnership with Iowa Legal Aid and other local nonprofits ensures that if tenants are affected, they’ll have access to vital resources and support during the transition. This is a crucial step toward strengthening our neighborhoods and expanding affordable housing opportunities.”

Partnerships with local casinos Ameristar, Harrah’s, and Horseshoe make it possible for the Foundation to continuously award outcome-focused grants in southwest Iowa communities that support belonging, financial stability, opportunities, and wellbeing. Fees from gaming and income from Foundation investments provide funding for programs and projects that benefit the residents of 14 counties in southwest Iowa.

The Iowa West Foundation has a two-step grants process, with Letters of Inquiry (LOI) accepted year-round. LOIs received by May 1 will be considered in the next cycle with final applications due by May 15th.

2025 Cycle 1 Grants and Initiatives

712 Initiative/Council Bluffs Chamber
Event Programming
$50,000

Bridges Out of Poverty
Poverty alleviation courses for Southwest Iowans
$90,000

Boys and Girls Club of the Midlands
Operating support for Council Bluffs club
$95,000

Catholic Charities of Des Moines
Operating support for domestic violence & sexual assault services in southwest Iowa
$60,000

City of Essex
Water System Upgrade
$200,000

Jennie Edmundson Memorial Hospital
First Responder Community Health Coach
$100,000

Front Porch Investments
Developing and preserving affordable housing
$500,000

Greater Omaha Chamber Foundation
Metro Region Economic Development Strategy
$275,000 over three years

Habitat for Humanity of Council Bluffs
Housing Acquisition
$1,000,000

Heartland Family Service
Permanent Supportive Housing
$122,000

Historical Society of Pottawattamie County
Capacity Building & Museums Relaunch
$177,750 over three years

Iowa Legal Aid
Eviction Diversion Help Desk
$75,000

Iowa Western Community College
89.7 The River concert at River’s Edge Park
$50,000

Omaha Children’s Museum
School Partnerships and Memberships for southwest Iowa
$35,000

Omaha Sports Commission
Council Bluffs events attraction
$140,000 over four years

Pottawattamie Arts, Culture & Entertainment
Operating support for building expenses
$200,000

Southwest Iowa Leadership Academy
Leadership Camp 2025
$5,000

Together Inc.
Nourish CB Choice Pantry
$500,000 over two years

United Way of the Midlands
Community Impact Fund
$225,000

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

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 western Iowa community, providing a space for the county fair, concerts, community celebrations, and agriculture events. Much of the infrastructure dates back to 1974 and is at critical end-of-life stages. Addressing outdated power, water, and accessibility needs is paramount for Westfair to achieve an ambition to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors to the fair, concerts, and events throughout the year.

A 65,000 square foot state-of-the-art livestock building complete with a show ring and arena will serve as the crown jewel and a versatile space for rodeos, equestrian events, and agricultural showcases, as well as a community hub with space for classrooms. The building will be unique to the metro area, and organizers expect to draw visitors from across the river and throughout the region. A new amphitheater setup will add seating to the existing lawn and will hold 8,000 people for concerts. Other improvements include green spaces and hard-surface parking to accommodate year-round activities.

“These enhancements will enable Westfair to host larger, more frequent events,” said Connie Casson, board member of the Friends of the Fair. “These will include bigger livestock shows, expanded 4H programming, and broader agricultural education while offering a first-rate guest experience that preserves Westfair’s legacy and boosts regional economic growth.”

Projections show that the Westfair rejuvenation has the potential to create more than $25 million in annual economic impact.

On behalf of the board of directions, Iowa West Foundation President and CEO Brenda Mainwaring said the organization is honored to provide the lead gift to this cherished western Iowa institution.

“We believe in the power of community spaces like Westfair to bring people together, celebrate our regional agricultural heritage, and create lasting memories,” she said.  “Our foundation shares a proud history with Westfair, and we are committed to seeing it thrive for future generations to enjoy.”

For more information on the Westfair capital campaign or to learn how to contribute, please visit www.westfair.org.

Iowa West Awards $10,000 to each Volunteer Fire Department that Responded to Tornadoes in Southwest Iowa

A total of $114,000 is being awarded to 12 volunteer fire departments in southwest Iowa

(Council Bluffs, IA) – Volunteers for local southwest Iowa fire departments went above and beyond in the aftermath of recent tornadoes that damaged homes and businesses in Pottawattamie County.  According to Jacob Nelson with the Minden Volunteer Fire Department, his colleagues immediately sprang into action checking on residents and their homes, ensuring safety, assisting with gas shut offs, and clearing streets among other duties. Several first responders did so even though their own homes were directly affected, according to Jacob Nelson with the Minden Fire Department.

“Our first responders -in the following hours, days, and weeks – put their lives on hold, taking time from work to assist in the daunting task of cleanup efforts and ensure our residents felt cared for,” he said. “We are so proud to call this our hometown.”

To recognize and support these efforts, the Iowa West Foundation board of directors approved a $10,000 grant to each volunteer fire department that aided in the disaster response, and an additional $4,000 grant to the Shelby County Fire Department. In addition to Minden, 10 other southwest Iowa departments responded including Avoca, Carson, Crescent, Lewis Township, McClelland, Neola, Oakland, Treynor, Underwood, and Walnut.

“The Minden Fire Department is beyond grateful to all those who came from all over the county, state, and country to assist in clean-up efforts,” Nelson said. “The outpouring of support for our community is something magical and brings tears to our eyes. There are so many people, businesses, and entire communities to thank.”

Iowa West Foundation’s contribution to local fire department’s is in addition to its commitment of $50,000 to match donations to the Community Foundation for Western Iowa’s Southwest Iowa Disaster Relief fund.

“We’re fully committed to bolstering the immediate relief efforts in the affected regions and aiding those who have been impacted. Our dedication extends beyond the immediate crisis, as we remain steadfast in our commitment to stand by these communities and their residents throughout the rebuilding process,” said Brenda Mainwaring, President, and CEO of the Iowa West Foundation. “It’s inspiring to witness the outpouring of support from individuals rallying to assist their neighbors, and the Iowa West Foundation is privileged to play a role in supporting these commendable endeavors.”

Iowa West Foundation Awards $3.7 Million In Grants & Initiatives

Funding supports access to preschool, playgrounds, and financial freedom

(Council Bluffs, IA) – A recent report from the Iowa Department of Education found that Pottawattamie County ranked No. 1 in Iowa for kindergarteners’ early literacy skills, a significant increase over the past five years. Since 2008, Iowa West Foundation has invested more than $18 million in 4-year-old preschool programs in partnership with Green Hills Area Education Agency. The accessibility of high-quality preschool programming has clearly moved the needle in the right direction, according to IWF President and CEO, Brenda Mainwaring.

“The results speak volumes about what an investment in our youngest residents can do for a community,” she said. “When southwest Iowa kids are better prepared for kindergarten, it sets them up for academic success: they are more likely to graduate and reach their full potential. Pottawattamie County kids are setting the standard for our state. We are thrilled that our dollars are making a real difference in families’ lives.”

Chief Administrator of the Green Hills Area Education Agency, Dr. Jason Plourde, believes attending full-day preschool is undeniably beneficial for all students. The AEA received $1.3 million in funding from Iowa West in Cycle 1 of 2024.

“Our longitudinal studies and data have shown consistently that full day preschool is undeniably beneficial for all students, and even more so for our most vulnerable students,” Dr. Plourde said. “We at Green Hills AEA are grateful for this partnership with the IWF and our local schools, and proud of the work we are doing together.”

Supporting opportunities for all is a Foundation funding priority. By removing barriers and offering on-ramps to achievement, more residents can succeed within their community. Two such examples are a grant to Iowa Legal Aid for $75,000 to prevent evictions, benefiting both tenants as well as property owners and managers and a grant to Bridges Out of Poverty for $100,000 for the Southwest Iowa Poverty Alleviation Initiative.

“This grant from the Iowa West Foundation significantly impacts individuals and families facing poverty in Council Bluffs and Southwest Iowa by providing essential resources and support,” said Marcos Bell, CEO of Bridges Out of Poverty. “The grant enables a tangible increase in the number of graduates of the Bridges program, empowering them with the skills to break the cycle of poverty and strive towards stability and self-sufficiency. This investment is crucial for fostering resilience and economic mobility within the community, creating a ripple effect of positive change for generations to come.”

The rural communities of Denison and Glenwood also received funding to improve accessibility at local playgrounds. Glenwood’s Hiley Park project received $40,000 while Denison’s Washington Park received $55,000 to build all-inclusive playgrounds. These renovations will allow children of all abilities to better enjoy their community parks.

“The Iowa West grant for Hiley Park in Glenwood will have a transformative impact, particularly by addressing accessibility concerns, which ensures that all members of our community can fully enjoy the park’s amenities,” said Chad Lang, President of the Kiwanis Club leading the project. “The grant not only enhances inclusivity, but also demonstrates a commitment to equitable access to recreational spaces, making it a vital investment for our community’s wellbeing and cohesion.”

Partnerships with local casinos Ameristar, Harrah’s, and Horseshoe make it possible for the Foundation to continuously award outcome-focused grants in southwest Iowa communities. Fees from gaming and income from Foundation investments provide funding for programs and projects that benefit the residents of 14 counties in southwest Iowa.

The Iowa West Foundation has a two-step grants process, with Letters of Inquiry (LOI) accepted year-round. LOIs received by May 1 will be considered in the next cycle with final applications due by May 15th. All applicants will need to create a Giving Data account on the Iowa West Foundation website to access the LOI and application unless they have already done so. 

2024 Cycle 1 Grants and Initiatives

Avenue Scholars of Southwest Iowa
Rural Pottawattamie County expansion
$215,000

Boys & Girls Club of the Midlands (Council Bluffs)
Operating funding
$95,000

Bridges Out of Poverty
Southwest Iowa Poverty Alleviation Initiative
$100,000

Catholic Charities
Flooring replacement in shelter bedrooms
$8,750

Centro Latino
Operating funding
$75,000

City of Council Bluffs
Multimodal Bridge Study
$275,000

City of Denison
Washington Park All-Inclusive Playground
$55,000

City of Glenwood
Hiley Park All-Inclusive Playground
$40,000

Green Hills AEA
Preschool in Pottawattamie County
$1,350,000

Hancock Fire Department
Gear/Equipment
$10,000

Heartland Family Service
Operating funding
$330,000

Iowa Legal Aid
Legal services for people facing eviction
$75,000

Lauritzen Gardens – Omaha Botanical Center
Summer Day Camp for southwest Iowa students
$25,000

Lutheran Family Services
Operating funding in Council Bluffs
$45,000

Macedonia Hamilton Development
Heart & Soul Community Coordinator
$10,000

Mental Health & Disability Services Region
Coordinated hand-off pilot project
$44,000

NeighborWorks Home Solutions
Hillside Estates Townhomes Phase II
$259,650

Omaha By Design
Open Omaha
$5,000

Omaha Children’s Museum
Field trips and outreach for southwest Iowa students
$35,000

Pottawattamie Arts, Culture & Entertainment
Building Operations
$200,000

Project Harmony
Training for southwest Iowa community and school-based mental health
$30,000

Southwest Iowa Nature Trails
Rapp Park Connector Trail in Page County
$150,000
Renovation/Addition to Wabash Trace Maintenance Building
$25,000

Southwest Iowa Leadership Academy
4-day leadership camp for 100 Pottawattamie County students
$7,500

United Way of the Midlands
Community Care Fund
$250,000

“The Best Wrestler” to Join Iowa West Field House  

Known for developing world champion wrestlers, the club also will offer community-use hours

(COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA) – An Olympic-caliber wrestling club will join Fast Break Sports Iowa (Omaha Sports Academy) and the Council Bluffs Pickleball Club at the Iowa West Field House later this summer. The addition of The Best Wrestler will fill the remaining unleased space, which will now feature three growing sports and recreational organizations. The Iowa West Foundation will convert the space for mat-based sports and lease it to The Best Wrestler for use by their wrestlers and other qualified non-profit organizations.

Iowa West Foundation is thrilled to be able to bring this offering to southwest Iowa.

“The Best Wrestler’s track record of success is remarkable,” said Foundation CEO Brenda Mainwaring, noting wrestling teams have come from as far away as Alaska to train with their coaches. “Not only will this partnership provide a Council Bluffs home for world-class wrestlers, but it also offers the opportunity for the community to take advantage of previously unutilized space and to draw more visitors to the Mid-America Center corridor.”

The three-mat facility with space for a coach’s office and a parent waiting area will be operated by the father-son duo of Ivan Delchev Ivanov and Georgi Ivanov.

Georgi Ivanov is a 2008 Lewis Central High School alum and a top wrestling recruit in the country for that year. He wrestled for the University of Nebraska at Omaha, winning three team championships and two individual NCAA All-American honors before completing his eligibility and bachelor’s degree at Boise State University. Georgi earned his master’s degree at Maryville University in Saint Louis, Missouri, where he was an Associate Head Coach for the wrestling team. He then qualified for the Bulgarian World Team in 2015 and Olympic team in 2016. He earned his citizenship in 2018 and is now hoping to help local athletes qualify to wrestle for Team USA.

Some of the big-name athletes the Ivanovs have coached include Riverside, Iowa sophomore, Molly Allen, a two-time state champion and a Fargo National Champion in the growing sport of girls’ wrestling and the three-time state champion from Omaha’s Millard South, 17-year-old Joel Adams, who is also a Team USA World Champion and a two-time Fargo National Champion. Adams received a scholarship to wrestle at Michigan University next fall but was given the greenlight for a gap year to train with The Best Wrestler for the 2024 Summer Olympics.

“We’re able to offer both extremely technically skilled training as well as a focus on strength and endurance and sports psychology,” Georgi Ivanov said of their reputation for success. Referencing the community use hours, he added, “We want new kids to come in and experience all wrestling has to offer and get hooked on the sport. This is an incredible opportunity for our club and for the greater community.”

Ivanov was looking to expand to a larger facility after outgrowing his current building in McClelland, Iowa. He also operates a location in Elkhorn, Neb. With 170 wrestlers, ages 5-18, enrolled, the new space will allow for continued growth and development of the club. He indicated opportunities for community use could include fitness classes, gymnastics, martial arts, boxing, or other activities that require a mat.

The new location is expected to be open in late summer.

Iowa West Foundation funds $3.9 million to improve lives for southwest Iowans

Grants & initiatives will support nonprofit partners addressing financial stability, housing, and services for vulnerable populations

(Council Bluffs, IA) The Iowa West Foundation Board of Directors recently approved $3.9 million in grant and initiative funding for more than 20 nonprofits in the southwest Iowa region. The funding will address several of the needs voiced by local citizens at the Foundation’s series of “Imagine Hour” listening sessions held earlier in 2022.

“We heard from so many people in Council Bluffs and surrounding communities who said housing is an issue,” said Brenda Mainwaring, President, and CEO of the Iowa West Foundation. “For some of our residents that means being able to afford a down payment on a home while for others it is a lack of housing stock. We want to assist individuals across that spectrum by collaborating with our nonprofit partners so more people can call our region home and love where they live.”

Several of the grants awarded in the final cycle of 2022 were concentrated on helping area residents increase financial stability. While the Foundation does not grant to individuals, a $25,000 grant awarded to the nonprofit Lending Link will provide opportunities for Council Bluffs residents to increase their financial security. The organization offers access to low-cost capital with the goal to divert the need for payday loans.

“The grant from the Iowa West Foundation will assist us in expanding our low-cost lending operation in Council Bluffs,” said Executive Director Daniel Padilla. “With matching funds, we can provide 20 – 30 low-cost loans to individuals and families and the repayments from those loans will be recycled into new loans in the community. We are excited to create more low-cost loan opportunities in the Council Bluffs area as we continue to combat predatory lenders.”

Both Habitat for Humanity of Omaha as well as Habitat for Humanity of Council Bluffs also received funds to address down payments on housing in Iowa and owner-occupied home repair, respectively. Studies show home ownership increases financial stability as well as a sense of belonging in communities.

With food insecurity having grown significantly during the pandemic and remaining at staggering levels, Together Inc. received $200,000 for the current operations of the choice food pantry located on West Broadway, which has distributed more than 1.5 million pounds of food since it opened in Sept. of 2021.

 “The support from the Iowa West Foundation allows us to continue to serve the community with hope, dignity, and compassion and to meet the unprecedented need we continue to see,” said Mike Hornacek, President, and CEO of Together, Inc. “The partnership allows us to significantly impact the lives of thousands of Council Bluffs and Southwest Iowa residents experiencing food insecurity.

For this cycle, the rural communities of Elk Horn, Glenwood, Harlan, Macedonia, Minden, and Oakland also received funding for programs and projects.

It is through partnerships with local casinos Ameristar, Harrah’s, and Horseshoe that make it possible for the Foundation to continuously award impactful grants in the community. Fees from gaming in addition to the Foundation’s investments contribute to the funding for operating, capital, and programmatic grants throughout 14 counties in southwest Iowa.

The Iowa West Foundation now accepts Letters of Inquiry (the first step in the grant application process) year-round with deadlines of Jan. 1, May. 1 and Sept. 1 prior to each of the three grants cycles.

2022 Cycle 3 Grants and Initiatives

Advance Southwest Iowa
Entrepreneurial development
$125,000

Catholic Charities Diocese of Des Moines
Prevention programming for domestic violence and sexual assault
$60,059

City of Oakland
Residential land acquisition
$300,000

Council Bluffs Chamber of Commerce Foundation
Council Bluffs Workforce Development
$100,000

Danish Mill Corporation (Elk Horn)
Outdoor picnic tables
$750

Golden Hills Resource Conservation & Development
ALUS U.S.A and Golden Hills Partnership Pilot Program    
$40,000

Habitat for Humanity of Council Bluffs
Owner-Occupied repair program
$60,000

Habitat for Humanity of Omaha
Down payment assistance fund for future homeowners in Council Bluffs
$125,000

Heartland Family Service
Operating funding
$330,000
HEAT 2023
$115,000

Iowa Western Community College Foundation
Mid-America Gaming Expo 2023
$150,000

Iowa West Foundation Initiative
Women of Color Leadership Program
$70,000

Iowa West Foundation Initiative
Career Preparedness Fund
$145,610

Iowa West Foundation Initiative
Permanent location of Together’s Council Bluffs Food Pantry
$1,000,000

Lending Link
Lending expansion to Council Bluffs
$25,000

Loess Hills Maker Space (Glenwood)
StopSaw table saw
$2,005

Macedonia Hamilton Development
Heart & Soul Coordinator position
$10,400

Minden Community Club
Minden Little League field lights
$12,042

Minden Volunteer Fire & Rescue
Power load system for ambulance cot
$10,000

New Visions Homeless Services
Operating funding
$100,000

Omaha Performing Arts Society
Southwest Iowa music & arts education programs
$25,000

Omaha Zoo Foundation
Hubbard Orangutan Forest renovations
$500,000

Project Harmony Child Protection Center
Trauma-Informed training in Southwest Iowa
$35,000

Pottawattamie County
Adolescent sexual health treatment and prevention services
$50,000

Red Oak Arts Destination (ROAD)
Mural Project
$8,000

Shelby County Historical Society (Harlan)
Community outreach
$452

The 712 Initiative
Operating funding
$300,000

Together, Inc
Council Bluffs food pantry operations
$200,000

Iowa West Foundation awards $3.5 million in funding to benefit southwest Iowans 

Programs and projects support quality of life, infrastructure, and housing  in Council Bluffs and surrounding communities

(Council Bluffs, IA) The Iowa West Foundation Board of Directors recently approved approximately $3.5 million in grant and initiative funding for more than 20 nonprofits in the southwest Iowa region. The funding will improve and enhance the lives of residents in Pottawattamie and surrounding county, particularly those of children by way of early childhood services, trauma-informed care training, Wi-Fi access, parenting programs, and music education, among others.  

“Our goal is to help communities achieve their dreams. By supporting both critical services like access to early childhood development while also funding projects that increase quality of life such as park space and free, family-friendly events, it allows for the next generation to thrive within their community,” said Brenda Mainwaring, President and CEO of the Iowa West Foundation.  

The Iowa West Foundation also continues to address the lack of housing in the area. This follows a series of “Imagine Hour” listening sessions in which participants indicated it was a priority issue for the community. Anawim Housing as well as and Metro Area Continuum of Care for the Homeless will receive support to increase the amount of safe housing for Council Bluffs residents. Studies show home ownership increases financial stability as well as a sense of belonging in communities.  

“Anawim Housing is looking forward to the opportunity to support existing providers in the community through an enhanced service delivery model that builds upon the vital work already taking place,” said Russ Frazier, President. “Through the generous gift from the Iowa West Foundation we expect to provide housing solutions and case management support for many of Council Bluffs’ most vulnerable citizens.  Utilizing a housing first approach with a foundation in evidence-based practices we believe this new collaboration will have a significant impact on the unsheltered population in the community.”  

Mainwaring noted that the partnerships with local casinos Ameristar, Harrah’s, and Horseshoe make it possible for the Foundation to continue meaningful grantmaking and initiative work in the community. Fees from gaming in addition to the Foundation’s investments enable the organization to award operating, capital, and programmatic grants throughout 14 counties in southwest Iowa. 

For this cycle, the rural communities of Carson, Carter Lake, Dunlap, Little Sioux, Treynor, Underwood, and Walnut received funding for placemaking projects or essential fire safety gear. This includes a $500,000 grant to the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation to preserve the Little Sioux Scout Ranch as Loess Hills State Forest. 

“Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation greatly appreciates the early support and vision from Iowa West Foundation to help protect Iowa’s Loess Hills and make this project happen,” said Joe McGovern, President. “It is a big project, but the result will be an expansive complex of nearly 6,000 wilderness acres protected for public enjoyment and natural resource conservation that also maintains the memorial to the four young scouts who lost their lives there in the 2008 tornado. The project will create a lasting impact on the Loess Hills and surrounding communities.”  

The Iowa West Foundation now accepts Letters of Inquiry (the first step in the grant application process) year-round with deadlines of Jan. 1, May. 1 and Sept. 1 prior to each of the three grants cycles. For more information, visit www.iowawestfoundation.org and sign up for our e-newsletter. 

About the Iowa West Foundation 

The Iowa West Foundation is one of the largest private foundations in the Midwest. It has distributed more than $500 million to nonprofits and governmental agencies through southwest Iowa and eastern Nebraska since the inception of its grant program. Funding for the grants comes from investment earnings and the Iowa West Racing Association, which receives contractual fees from casino operators, Ameristar and Harrah’s. IWRA is the license sponsor for Ameristar and Harrah’s and the license holder for Horseshoe-Bluffs Run. The Foundation targets resources into programs and projects that focus on economic development, education, placemaking, and healthy families.


2022 Cycle 2 Grants and Initiatives

Anawim Housing
Supportive housing gap
$360,000

Angels Among Us
Assistance for Iowa families of children with cancer
$10,000

Carson Volunteer Fire Department
Equipment
$10,000

Children’s Square U.S.A.
Trauma Informed Care expansion initiative
$50,000

City of Carter Lake
Mabrey Park enhancements
$45,000

Council Bluffs Community School District
BLink Phase IX
$100,000

Council Bluffs Schools Foundation
STARS Scholarships
$275,000

FAMILY, Inc.
Expanding Early Head Start
$300,000

Food Bank of Iowa
Feeding Adams, Audubon, Carroll and Taylor Counties
$27,576

Four County Fair Association
Parking lot improvements
$20,000

Historic General Dodge House
2022-2025 Operations
$38,500

Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation
Little Sioux Scout Ranch addition to Loess Hills State Forest
$500,000

Iowa West Foundation Initiative
Capacity-building
$100,000

Iowa West Foundation Initiative
Support to leverage state and federal infrastructure funding
$1,600,000

Metro Area Continuum of Care for the Homeless
Pottawattamie County housing problem solving
$75,000

Nebraska Diaper Bank
Pottawattamie County distribution
$8,000

Omaha Conservatory of Music
Council Bluffs String Sprouts
$25,000

Thriving Families Alliance
Coordinated intake
$85,000

Treynor Volunteer Fire Department
Gear replacement
$10,000

Underwood Fire and Rescue
Gear & radio replacement
$10,000

Union Pacific Museum Association
Railroad Days at Mile Zero
$18,662

Walnut Volunteer Fire Department
Equipment & gear
$9,720

Iowa West Foundation announces multi-million dollar round of grants & initiatives

Projects and programs will help multiple communities in southwest Iowa

The Iowa West Foundation Board of Directors recently awarded $3.7 million in grants and initiatives to 25+ area nonprofits and government entities. The impact will be felt throughout the region as the funding reaches the communities of Atlantic, Audubon, Clarinda, Council Bluffs, Elk Horn, Hancock, McClelland, Missouri Valley, Stanton, Treynor, Walnut, Woodbine, as well as the counties those communities reside within. The second funding cycle of 2021 includes grants to support entrepreneurs through economic development, vulnerable populations by way of healthy families’ grants, preschoolers to post-secondary students through education initiatives, and city and county residents via placemaking projects.

“The range of communities both rural and urban that will benefit from these grants and initiatives is what makes this announcement so meaningful,” said Brenda Mainwaring, President and CEO of the Iowa West Foundation. “The funds extend more than 100 miles throughout southwest Iowa and include programs and projects that support local residents’ efforts to make their communities safer, more prosperous, and even more appealing.”

HEALTHY FAMILIES
Children’s Square has been a beacon of hope for abused and abandoned children for nearly 140 years. The emergency shelter provides a safe and caring environment for children during their most difficult days. Iowa West Foundation awarded $150,000 to the ongoing efforts.

“Our goal is to help them begin the healing process and teach skills building resilience so they can reach the potential we know they have,” said Debbie Orduna, President and CEO. “We’re grateful to the Foundation for supporting this essential service to keep vulnerable children in our community safe as we help their families.

EDUCATION INITIATVES
For 25 years, the STARS Scholarship has provided support to those seeking to better their lives through higher education. Established by IWF and managed by the Council Bluffs Schools Foundation, the program designed for non-traditional students can be credited with furthering the careers of nearly 500 people. CBSF received $286,000 from IWF for 2021.

“I am thankful for the Iowa West Foundation’s commitment to helping the underserved population and communities break the cycle of poverty by building individual’s capacities and resilience,” said Mia Laustrup, Director of the program and past STARS Scholarship recipient.
“We are enriching the lives of parents, growing our workforce, and improving our community.”

RURAL PLACEMAKING

The future Willow Lake Nature Center will be the “crown jewel” of the recreation area located northwest of Woodbine, according to the Director of the Harrison County Conservation Board, Scott Nelson. Construction is expected to start later this fall on the $3.9 million, 14,000 square foot facility for which the Iowa West Foundation awarded $200,000.

“We’ve been working out of a building that was built in 1979 as a pole shed, so it’s time. We’ve just outgrown our current space,” Nelson said. “The new Nature Center is going to be a hub for environmental education with a focus on water –our greatest resource. Thanks to the Foundation grant, people will be able to bring their families, school groups can take field trips, and everyone can come learn more about what’s in their backyard in western Iowa.”

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

SHIFT ATL purchased a two-story commercial building in 2019 to renovate the first story for a potential business and the upper story into a short-term rental, both major needs in the Atlantic community. A $35,000 grant from the Iowa West Foundation will aid in the completion of the capital project.

“We have fixed the structural issues, framed out the spaces, and are now working to add all of the finishing touches so that the space can be a fresh addition and asset to Atlantic,” said Jessie Shiels, President of SHIFT ATL. “We are very grateful for the partnerships, especially Iowa West Foundation, to make this project happen.”

Other notable funding included $1.5 million for the final installment of the $9 million commitment to revitalize West Broadway and $10,000 each to the rural volunteer fire departments of Hancock, Treynor and Walnut.

About the Iowa West Foundation

The Iowa West Foundation is one of the largest private foundations in the Midwest. It has distributed more than $500 million to nonprofits and governmental agencies through southwest Iowa and eastern Nebraska since the inception of its grant program. Funding for the grants comes from investment earnings and the Iowa West Racing Association, which receives contractual fees from casino operators, Ameristar and Harrah’s.

2021 Cycle 2 Grants and Initiatives

Advance Southwest Iowa
Entrepreneurial development for Southwest Iowa
$100,000

Audubon County Conservation Board
Playground equipment at Littlefield Recreation Area
$30,000

Career EdVantage
Scholarships
$40,000
Centro Latino of Iowa
General operating support
$75,000

Children’s Square
Children’s emergency shelter
$150,000

City of Council Bluffs
River’s Edge parking garage
$775,369
West Broadway Phase V
$1,500,000

City of McClelland
Maintenance building
$36,000

Completely KIDS
Domestic violence shelter
$9,000

Council Bluffs Schools Foundation
STARS Program 2021
$286,000

Crossroads of Western Iowa, Inc.
Ending service gap years
$21,370

FAMILY, Inc.
Raise Me to Read
$99,520
Greater Omaha Chamber Foundation
Kitchen Council
$75,000

Hancock Volunteer Fire Department
Gear replacement
$10,000

Harrison County
Willow Lake Nature Center
$200,000

ISU Extension & Outreach–West Pottawattamie
Speak Up Be Safe Pottawattamie County
$10,000

Museum of Danish America
Historic preservation at Bedstemor’s House
$35,316

National Arbor Day Foundation
Emerald ash borer community tree recovery
$75,000

Omaha Conservatory of Music
Council Bluffs String Sprouts
$27,000

Pottawattamie County Housing Trust Fund Inc.
Affordable housing
$17,300

SHIFT ATL
Downtown building rehabilitation in Atlantic
$35,000

Senior Futures, Inc.
Chore services
$6,304

SHARE Omaha
Targeted SHARE app for Southwest Iowa donors
$30,000

Southwest Iowa Families, Inc.
Child and Family Center in Clarinda
$50,000

Stanton Community Foundation
Stanton downtown revitalization
$40,000

The Set Me Free Project
Expansion initiative
$10,000

Treynor Volunteer Fire Department
Gear replacement
$10,000

Walnut Volunteer Fire Department
Wild Land Fire Gear & Structure Fire Gear
$10,000

One Year Later: Southwest Iowa COVID-19 Response Fund A Lifeline for Local Arts & Culture Nonprofits

Pottawattamie County museums grateful for IWF, PCCF support

From shutdowns to sanitizing to social distancing, pandemic protocol has forced local arts and culture nonprofits that rely on visitors to repeatedly adjust and adapt over the past year. Even though their buildings were often closed down, expenses didn’t stop piling up. Therefore, the nonprofit continuity of operations funding received through a collaboration between Iowa West Foundation and the Pottawattamie County Community Foundation has allowed their doors to stay open, and just in time for tourism season.

“We were thrilled to receive the financial support as we were basically closed all last year and had no income,” said Gayle Strickland of the Oakland Historical Society, which received $2,000 in operating funding for the Nishna Heritage Museum.

In a typical year, the museum welcomes approximately 1,000 visitors travelling along Highway 59 to see the 100 foot mural or get a glimpse of life in the early 20th century. In 2020, the number of guests and free will donations was practically nonexistent.

Council Bluffs’ Historic General Dodge House shares a similar story of struggle, but was able to maintain operations with the help of the Foundations’ funding.

“We are so thankful to be a part of a generous and supportive community,” said Tom Emmett, Executive Director of the Dodge House, which received $6,000. “We appreciate the generosity of Pottawattamie County Community Foundation and the Iowa West Foundation.”

Leaders from both museums as well as those of other cultural amenities in the region look forward to this summer, and are eager to provide fulfilling experiences for their patrons again.

“The arts are so much more than bricks and mortar in our community; they are invaluable when it comes to quality of life,” said Brenda Mainwaring, President and CEO of the Iowa West Foundation. “This funding has done exactly what it was designed to do: support nonprofits during their most critical time of need.”

In addition to continuity of operations, the Southwest Iowa COVID-19 Response Fund also supports emergency assistance to vulnerable populations and expanded infrastructure for public health.

“Ensuring the organizations that make up the fiber of our communities are strong and able to deliver on their intended mission is essential to the purpose of the COVID-19 Response initiative,” said Donna Dostal, President and CEO of Pottawattamie County Community Foundation. “As we work our way through this extremely difficult time in our region, the generosity of businesses, foundations, and individuals who are committed to the strength and resilience of our communities certainly is shining through and building on the hope of recovery from the devastating effects of this pandemic. The culture of philanthropy and generosity runs strong in Southwest Iowa and our Board and staff are honored to help as we rebound as a community.”

About the Southwest Iowa COVID-19 Response Fund

Individuals, families, corporations, and others who would like to donate to the Southwest Iowa COVID-19 Response Fund are encouraged to visit www.ourpccf.org or call 712-256-7007. The fund also continues to accept applications on a rolling basis.