Iowa West Foundation awards more than $9 million in grants and initiatives

More than a dozen southwest Iowa communities receive funding for education & wellness

(Council Bluffs, IA) The Iowa West Foundation Board of Directors recently awarded $9.4 million in grants and initiatives to several area nonprofits. Missions fueled by this cycle of funding include alleviating poverty, providing essential equipment for volunteer firefighters, supporting infrastructure and amenities in rural areas, and ensuring high-quality educational opportunities from cradle to career, among others. Among the communities impacted are Council Bluffs, Avoca-Hancock-Shelby-Tenant-Walnut, Carson, Crescent, Glidden, Neola, Oakland, Omaha, Treynor, Tri-Center, Underwood, and Woodbine.

“Glidden is no different from the larger communities in that if you can’t find high-quality childcare, it’s going to stifle your workforce opportunities,” said Angela Lensch, Board President of the Lil’ Wildcat Education Center, Inc., which received a $50,000 grant toward its $1.2 million childcare facility. “This grant will definitely help to fulfill this ever-growing need in our community.”

On the initiative side, IWF funded nearly $1 million for Pottawattamie Promise, which includes full tuition to Iowa Western for those who qualify from six area high schools. This is the 7th year for the program in partnership with Peter Kiewit Foundation and the IWCC Foundation.

“Support from Iowa West Foundation has a profound impact on the lives of children in our community from birth through college,” said Dr. Ann Mausbach, Chair of the Education Advisory Committee for the Iowa West Foundation and Associate Professor for Educational Leadership at Creighton University. Investing in parent education, high quality preschools, and college scholarships shows our commitment to making southwest Iowa communities healthy and vibrant.”

Other notable funding included $2.4 million toward the revitalization of the Council Bluffs Riverfront, an installment of the Foundation’s $15 million overall commitment. In addition, $1.4 million was allocated for the replacement of the “Looking Up” sculpture, to be installed later this spring. The Foundation also distributed more than $2 million in critical operating support for numerous local nonprofits with missions that support education, arts and culture, and healthy families. Letters of Intent for Cycle 2 of 2021 will be accepted through March 15.

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.

2021 Cycle 1 Grants and Initiatives

Angels Among Us
Assistance for Iowa families battling childhood cancer        
$14,400

Carson Volunteer Fire Department
PPE and rescue equipment
$10,000

Catholic Charities Diocese of Des Moines
Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Program     
$53,332

Crescent Volunteer Fire Department
PPE acquisition
$9,604

Heartland Family Service
HEAT 2021
$170,000

Historic General Dodge House, Inc.
2021 Critical Repairs
$21,405

Iowa Environmental Council
Missouri River Flooding Protection
$7,000

Iowa West Foundation Initiative
Looking Up Art
$1,400,000

Iowa Western Community College
Pottawattamie Promise
$939,894

Lil Wildcat Education Center, Inc.
Quality Childcare
$50,000

Nebraska Wildlife Rehab, Inc.
Baldwin Wildlife Center & Hubbard Family Wildlife Hospital
$25,000

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

Omaha Women’s Fund
Women of Color leadership program
$70,000

Pottawattamie County
CITIES Program
City of Neola -$50,000

City of Oakland –$54,328

City of Underwood – $84,275

Promise Partners
Early Childhood Iowa
$100,000

Southwest Iowa Nonprofit for Collective Impact
Riverfront Revitalization         
$2,425,710     

The 712 Initiative
530 W. Broadway
$340,000

The 712 Initiative
Operating Support
$375,000        

United Way of the Midlands
Community Care Fund 2021
$255,500

Vision Treynor Group
Treynor Family Recreation Complex “The T”
$175,000

Woodbine Community Foundation
Woodbine Regional Wellness Center
$250,000

           

2021 Multi-Year Funding Recipients

Ballet Nebraska
$125,000

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands
$85,000

Durham Museum
$25,000

FAMILY, Inc.
$120,000

Green Hills AEA
$1,100,000

Heartland Family Services
$330,000

Iowa Western Community College Foundation – Performing Arts Center
$30,000

Joslyn Art Museum
$25,000

Immigrant Legal Center
$65,000

Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska, Inc.
$50,000

MICAH House
$90,000

Lauritzen Gardens
$12,500

Lauritzen Gardens – Railroad Days
$25,000

Omaha Children’s Museum
$45,000

Omaha Symphony Association
$25,000

Omaha Theater Company – Rose Theater
$25,000

Opera Omaha
$25,000

Pottawattamie Arts, Culture & Entertainment
$200,000

Foundations Fuel Hospitals’ Joint Effort to Combat COVID-19

(Council Bluffs, IA) – In a world full of competition, four distinct, yet like-minded organizations in the heartland have come together for the common good.

The Southwest Iowa COVID-19 Response Fund, a collaboration between the Iowa West Foundation and the Pottawattamie County Community Foundation, recently awarded $150,000 – approximately $75,000 each – to the two hospitals that sit on opposite sides of main thoroughfare in Council Bluffs.

While each is its own unique entity, the two health care providers have a long history of collaboration. Fortunately, they have been especially unified in their provision of COVID-19 care. Unfortunately, that has also resulted in a mirror image of increased need for treatment space as well as essential equipment since the pandemic began.

“From the very beginning, we sat down together to brainstorm ways to support our staff members as well as our community,” said Tara Slevin, Vice President and Chief Philanthropy Officer at Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital and Foundation. “The first few months we talked regularly as we partnered up to engage public health experts, funders and community partners. Looking ahead, I anticipate continuing to collaborate on matters that affect the health of our community.”

Slevin’s counterpart at CHI Health Mercy Council Bluffs echoed those sentiments.

“The Jennie Ed team has been so wonderful to work with throughout COVID,” said Abby Jares, Development Officer. “I have really enjoyed and valued the spirit of collaboration between our two health systems. We are all in this together and strive to work side-by-side for the betterment of Southwest Iowa.”

The SWI COVID-19 Response Fund grants awarded to the hospitals will both allow for:

Dr. Mark Otto of CHI Health Mercy

Dr. Mark Otto of CHI Health Mercy dons a PAPR (Powered Air Purifying Respirator) while preparing an isolation cart outfitted with essential medical equipment needed for treating COVID-19 patients. CHI Health Mercy and Methodist Jennie Edmundson in Council Bluffs each recently received approximately $75,000 from the SWI COVID-19 Response Fund, a collaboration between Iowa West Foundation and the Pottawattamie County Community Foundation.

With Iowa’s record high numbers of COVID-19 cases, all are crucial to the safety of front-line health care workers, as well as COVID and non-COVID patients. With the pandemic came never-before-seen policies and protocols, which forced many facilities to come up with more space in short time, costing millions of dollars and thereby straining budgets like never before.

“The COVID pandemic and patient surge has stressed our healthcare systems in Southwest Iowa,” said Denise McNitt, Vice President of Patient Care at CHI Health Mercy Council Bluffs. “Receiving these much-needed funds from the Iowa West Foundation and the Pottawattamie County Community Foundation has enabled us to purchase essential pieces of equipment needed to care for these critically-ill patients.”

Dave Burd, Senior Vice President Operations at Methodist Jennie Edmundson agreed, thanking the convening funders for their support of local health care teams.

“Throughout this pandemic, Methodist Jennie Edmundson has directed a considerable amount of resources to safely take care of our COVID patients and our employees,” he said. “We are truly grateful for the Iowa West and Pottawattamie County Community Foundations’ for their COVID financial assistance funds.”

The partnership between the Iowa West Foundation and Pottawattamie County Community Foundation has allowed for foundation funds to be combined with outside donations that are collectively channeled to provide

“Health care is not one of our standard funding areas, but when the extreme need for expanding public health infrastructure arose, we adapted to meet the needs of our community,” said Deb Debbaut, Director of Grants Programs and Manager of the Healthy Families portfolio at the Iowa West Foundation. “The Southwest Iowa COVID-19 Response Fund has helped to stabilize nonprofits and organizations who are on the front lines serving and caring for those affected by the pandemic, and we’re thankful for their service.”

President and CEO of the Pottawattamie County Community Foundation, Donna Dostal, said on behalf of her organization, PCCF is honored to be able to support the hospitals.

“The true spirit of service shines at both Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital and CHI Health Mercy Council Bluffs,” Dostal said. “The staff, volunteers, and leadership at these organizations have been working tirelessly in service of our community, providing the healthcare support necessary to battle this pandemic, and we are truly grateful to them.”

Individuals, families, corporations, and others who would like to donate to the Southwest Iowa COVID-19 relief efforts are encouraged to visit www.ourpccf.org or call 712-256-7007. The Southwest Iowa COVID-19 Response Fund also continues to accept applications on a rolling basis. The universal application for relief funding can be found at both www.iowawestfoundation.org and www.ourpccf.org.

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 throughout southwest Iowa 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.

About Pottawattamie County Community Foundation
The Pottawattamie County Community Foundation is a tax-exempt public charity, 501(c)(3), that serves thousands of people who share a common interest in improving the quality of life in Pottawattamie County, Iowa. Through PCCF, individuals, families, businesses and organizations can create permanent charitable funds that help their communities meet the challenges of changing times. The foundation invests and administers these charitable funds.

About CHI Health Mercy Council Bluffs
CHI Health is a regional health network with a unified mission: nurturing the healing ministry of the Church while creating healthier communities. Headquartered in Omaha, the combined organization consists of 14 hospitals, two stand-alone behavioral health facilities, more than 150 employed physician practice locations and more than 10,000 employees in Nebraska and southwestern Iowa.
In fiscal 2019, CHI Health invested more than $185 million back into our communities. The majority of those dollars went to caring for the poor and underserved. CHI Health is part of CommonSpirit Health, a nonprofit, Catholic health system dedicated to advancing health for all people. It was created in February 2019 through the alignment of Catholic Health Initiatives and Dignity Health. CommonSpirit Health is committed to creating healthy communities, delivering exceptional patient care, and ensuring every person has access to quality health care. With its national office in Chicago and a team of approximately 150,000 employees and 25,000 physicians and advanced practice clinicians, CommonSpirit Health operates 142 hospitals and more than 700 care sites across 21 states. In FY 2018, Catholic Health Initiatives and Dignity Health had combined revenues of $29.2 billion and provided $4.2 billion in charity care, community benefit, and unreimbursed government programs.

About Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital
Established in 1886 and affiliated with Methodist Health System since 1994, Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital is a 230 licensed bed regional health care center serving approximately 250,000 residents in southwestern Iowa. Jennie Edmundson Hospital employs a workforce of 422 full-time and nearly 162 part-time staffers, and has over 300 physicians on its Medical Staff, 168 which are currently active.

Iowa West Elects New Board Member

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 Iowa Foundation.

“Steve’s familiarity with the community, along with his proven leadership capabilities made him an excellent board member candidate,” said Matt Gronstal, Iowa West Foundation Board Chair. “His wealth of knowledge from economic development to entrepreneurship along with his demonstrated commitment to Council Bluffs will be an enormous asset to our organization.”

“My career motto has been to engage and make a positive difference,” Baumert said. “I believe in Council Bluffs, and throughout my career have worked to improve and strengthen our community. This aligns well with Iowa West’s vision, and I hope to continue the significant impact they’ve made on the community.”

In addition to Baumert’s election, members of the Iowa West Foundation and the Iowa West Racing Association board re-elected officers for 2021. Those members include:

“Our Board members have the significant responsibility of being good stewards of the Foundation’s assets and ensuring that our investments have a lasting impact, said Brenda Mainwaring, President and CEO of the Iowa West Foundation. “We are confident all of our board members will serve as great contributors to achieving the vision of the Iowa West Foundation: a community where families choose to live and businesses choose to locate because of the quality of life and standard of living.”

Nominations for board members are solicited from multiple outside organizations throughout the community including the Council Bluffs Chamber of Commerce, Council Bluffs City Council, the Council Bluffs Community School District, Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors and Western Iowa Development Association.

“Looking Up” Sculpture Moving Out of Council Bluffs’ River’s Edge

Similar version of popular art piece by Tom Friedman will fill empty space in 2021

Looking Up sculpture

(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 sit empty for long, as a similar version is planned to land at the River’s Edge in 2021.

“’Looking Up’ was loaned as a temporary installation, but the popularity of the piece inspired an anonymous donation to create a site-specific, permanent version,” said Brenda Mainwaring, President and CEO of the Iowa West Foundation, which matched the anonymous donation. “This permanent artistic addition will add to the Riverfront’s status as a regional destination.”

In 2019, the National Center for Arts Research ranked the Council Bluffs metro at No. 6 on the list of most vibrant art communities in the country for medium-sized cities.  

“Public art not only serves to beautify our green spaces, but it also provides visitors and residents with even more access to cultural opportunities in our parks.” said Mayor Matt Walsh.

No taxpayer dollars were used to fund either “Looking Up” sculpture. Arrangements are currently being made to install the new edition on the dry side of the levee sometime next spring. Pottawattamie Arts, Culture, and Entertainment (PACE), an Iowa West Foundation initiative, helped bring the original version to River’s Edge in May of 2019. Artist Tom Friedman’s sculpture had previously been installed along Chicago’s lakefront and on Park Avenue in New York City.

The polished stainless steel piece is quasi-human figure gazing up to the sky, inviting others to stand at its base and do the same. To learn more about Friedman’s inspiration, the fabrication process and more, download the free Otocast art app.

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.

BLink Wi-Fi Celebrates Five Years Online

Thousands of students and residents access the Internet for free daily; more expansion coming soon

(COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA) –

In October of 2015, the City of Council Bluffs and Council Bluffs Schools, with support from key partners such as Iowa West Foundation and Google, launched Phase 1 of a free public Wi-Fi initiative at the Charles E. Lakin Human Services Campus. BLink’s mission: to provide Internet access wherever technically and financially feasible that would not only allow students to connect to their classrooms at home, but also for residents to boost their connectivity to resources, opportunities and each other. Five years and five phases later, BLink is now available in a multitude of Council Bluffs neighborhoods, all of the Council Bluffs Schools’ buildings, and many outdoor spaces such as Gale Wickersham Athletic Complex, the Council Bluffs Rec Complex and Bayliss Park. More expansion is coming soon.

Partnerships

Funding for BLink continues to be a community-wide effort. To date, no tax dollars have been used to offer this amenity to the community. BLink Partners include Google, Iowa West Foundation, Charles E. Lakin Foundation, Echo Group, Mid-American Energy, Miller Electric, Ruckus Wireless, SmartWAVE Technologies, UNITE Private Networks, Bluffs Electric, City of Carter Lake and OPPD.

“This project is a great example of public-private partnerships,” said Mayor Matt Walsh. “Without the support of Google, Iowa West Foundation, and Council Bluffs Schools, Bluffs Community Wi-Fi would not be possible.”

“Access to reliable Wi-Fi is critical for academic success, especially this year,” said Brenda Mainwaring, Iowa West Foundation President and CEO. “BLink truly sets our community apart as it helps thousands of students in Council Bluffs to learn, and allows our community to connect. We are proud to continue our support for this cutting-edge partnership.”

 

Launch & Expansion

The launch of Phase I, from 14th Street – 23rd Street north of Broadway encompassed the Lakin Campus and Wilson Middle School. Since that time, the coverage has expanded to add five more phases in five years westward to 35th St. and as far south as 9th Avenue. Phases six and seven are underway with expected completion dates of later 2020 and early 2021, respectively.

“The BLink project has grown exponentially in a short time.  This is thanks to unusual cooperation between the school district, the cities of Council Bluffs and Carter Lake, the Iowa West Foundation and Google,” said Dave Fringer, Wi-Fi Consortium Governance Committee Member. “This project is a great example of how private-public partnerships can change communities for the better.”

“BLink Wi-Fi’s network in Council Bluffs is helping local kids access the internet so they can continue their education,” said Dan Harbeke, Head of Public Policy and External Affairs at Google. “Internet accessibility is a priority for Google in our home communities like Council Bluffs, and we’re proud to support BLink’s effort to ensure students and our community’s workforce have the tools they need to be successful.”

COVID impact

Back in March, the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the challenges for students and families without internet access. Thanks to grant funding from the Southwest Iowa COVID-19 Response Fund – an initiative of the Iowa West Foundation and the Pottawattamie County Community Foundation- along with contributions from Peter Kiewit Foundation and the City of Council Bluffs totaling $400,000, CBCSD was able leverage CARES Act funding to accelerate planned connectivity expansions in the Rue and Longfellow Elementary School neighborhoods. Funding from Google and the Iowa West Foundation also expanded BLink to the students and families who live in Carter Lake. BLink Wi-Fi coverage thus expanded 17 percent, providing access for nearly 1,500 more students.

“Our students and families are fortunate to be part of a truly connected community. We value this unique BLink partnership to make Internet services available so our students can use their Chromebooks to access their learning materials and connect with their teachers and classmates while at home,” said Dr. Vickie Murillo, Superintendent of the Council Bluffs Community School District. “With each new phase, our community can proudly say that we are removing barriers so that students will continue to thrive in their learning.”

“BLink is a tremendous asset for our school district,” said John Stile, Chief Technology Officer, Council Bluffs Community School District. “We are very fortunate to have a tremendous relationship with the City of Council Bluffs and more recently the City of Carter Lake in addition to Google and the Iowa West Foundation, who continue to assist in support in so many different ways. These partnerships do not exist in other cities and they are what makes BLink so very special.”

What’s Next

At the completion of Phase 7, the BLink coverage area will reach more than 5.5 square miles, providing Wi-Fi access to more than 7,600 students in Council Bluffs Schools and reaching the doorsteps of many homes in Council Bluffs. BLink will eventually be one of the most extensive free community Wi-Fi networks in the United States. The partners continued commitment to this project demonstrates the vision for community-wide access and growth.

Historic Mural Brings More Color to Council Bluffs

Iowa West Foundation initiative, in partnership with local businesses, leads to more place-based art

Riverboat on the Missouri mural

(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 Availa Bank and Western Iowa Mutual Insurance to fund the mural, Iowa West Foundation’s initiative will bring art to a blank passageway between Bayliss Park and the Council Bluffs Public Library along Pearl St.

Address of mural: 127 Pearl St, Council Bluffs, IA 51503

“This mural will be a cultural destination in our community that is part of a larger ongoing initiative seeking to take the amenities present in downtown Council Bluffs and unify them into a formal trail,” said Matthew Henkes, Vice President of Grants and Initiatives for the Iowa West Foundation. “The added vibrancy to the downtown district becomes an opportunity for discovery for tourists and increased sense of place for residents.”

Other points along the cultural trail included the temporary crosswalk murals that coincided with the 150th anniversary of the transcontinental railroad in 2019 and the current “Telepoem Booth” exhibit at Pottawattamie Arts, Culture & Entertainment’s Hoff Center.

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Facebook: /luisvalleart
Instagram: el_chan_guri

About Luis Valle
Luis Valle aka El Chan Guri, is a Nicaraguan artist born April 16, 1977 in Managua, Nicaragua.  At an early age his family exiled to the United States due to war and political instability in his homeland.  Valle’s family re-located to Miami, Florida where he was raised and gained his primary education.   Growing up in Miami Luis excelled in the arts from an early age. Valle received his formal training from Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida where he graduated with a BFA in Visual Arts. He later went on to receive a Masters in Arts Degree from New York University, where he developed an interest in video and video art while continuing his progression as a painter.

Living in New York was a big influence on Valle’s work.  Being in one of the world’s epicenters of art helped enrich his knowledge and skill as an artist.  Visiting the city’s museums and local galleries helped give Valle invaluable lessons as he continued on his studies and research for his own work.  Luis grew an affinity for New York, especially Brooklyn and its diverse art scene but Art Basel and the ever-growing Miami art scene brought Luis back to where he grew up.

Valle has immersed himself in the local scene working closely with the community and local organizations such as Arts For Learning Miami, the Miami children’s Museum, The Miami Dade Library Systems, Boys and Girls Club of Miami, The Overtown Youth Center, Dade County Public Schools, The Art Experience, Giants in the City and Irreversible Projects to name a few. He also worked closely with several of the city’s art galleries and art studios formulating art exhibits and events.  Luis was the co-founder of Brisky Gallery Miami where he served as the gallery director, curator and was also one of the artist.

Currently Luis is very active creating commissioned murals as well as paintings for public art projects, corporate clients, yachts, hotels, cruise ships, malls, businesses, private homes and neighborhoods.  His work can be seen throughout South Florida.  He is an internationally recognized artist with murals in China, India. Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Mexico, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Cuba and throughout the US.    His style can be easily recognized, as it is a blend of influences from indigenous cultures, psychology, shamanism, religion, spirituality, frequency, vibration and energy.  Luis is considered a staple in the Miami art scene and art community.

Luis believes that spirituality has been lost in the mix of commercialism and fashion in art. He strives to bring the essence of the soul to his artwork. He believes that humans are inherently spiritual beings who are here to realize the same goal. Which is the self-realization of thy self and destiny.

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.

Foundations Connect to Expand Free Wi-Fi in Council Bluffs

Phases 6 and 7 of BLink will be completed four years ahead of schedule

BLink logo
More students in the Council Bluffs Community School District will be able to access the internet for free following a recently announced expansion of BLink Wi-Fi. Back in March, the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the challenges for students and families without internet access. Now, thanks to grant funding from the Southwest Iowa COVID-19 Response Fund – an initiative of the Iowa West Foundation and the Pottawattamie County Community Foundation- along with contributions from Peter Kiewit Foundation and the City of Council Bluffs totaling $400,000, CBCSD is able leverage CARES Act funding to accelerate planned connectivity expansions in the Rue and Longfellow Elementary School neighborhoods.

“Accessibility is a great equalizer for students in our region, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when virtual learning requires students to be online,” said Pete Tulipana, President & CEO of the Iowa West Foundation. “This wouldn’t have happened without partnerships between private philanthropy and public sector and we are pleased to have helped bring everyone together.”

Due to school closures that began in March, CBCSD was eager for students to be able to access digital learning opportunities. However, approximately 20 percent of the district’s families do not have internet access. By leveraging the foundations’ funding coupled with the contribution from the City of Council Bluffs, BLink Wi-Fi coverage will be expanded 17 percent. That translates to Wi-FI access for nearly 1,500 more students.

“The BLink project is so important for students during this difficult time, particularly as we strive for equitable access to educational resources,” said Donna Dostal, President and CEO of the Pottawattamie County Community Foundation. “We were excited to support this initiative with resources directly from PCCF and our generous donors through the COVID-19 Response Fund.”

Since 2015, the school district and the City of Council Bluffs, with support from key partners such as Iowa West Foundation and Google, have launched and expanded the free, public Wi-Fi known as BLink throughout the community. The mission of the consortium is to provide access wherever technically and financially feasible. Philanthropy uniting around a common goal made it possible.

“One of our impact areas at the Peter Kiewit Foundation is ‘Youth Pathways to Success,’ said Wendy Boyer, Executive Director. “The BLink Wi-Fi expansion speaks to that by removing a barrier and opening access to an education that can help students reach their full potential.”

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.

Iowa West Foundation Hires Next President & CEO

Council Bluffs native Brenda Mainwaring is the first female to lead the organization

Following a nationwide search, the Iowa West Foundation (IWF) Board of Directors recently named the organization’s new leader. Council Bluffs native Brenda Mainwaring was selected to serve as the next President and CEO beginning in September. With the announcement, Mainwaring becomes the first woman to be named to the role since IWF was formed nearly 25 years ago.

Mainwaring brings decades of experience to the position from her years as an executive at Union Pacific. She is credited with developing funding partnerships with communities and not-for-profit organizations across Iowa, Nebraska and eight southern states as they implemented transformative projects. In addition, she helped communities create jobs as well as develop community spaces.

“Brenda is a problem-solver,” said Iowa West Foundation Board President Matt Gronstal. “Her extensive experience creating and implementing strategic initiatives at every level will be of great value to the Foundation and to the communities of southwest Iowa.”

Rick Killion, past president of the Iowa West Racing Association and chair of the search committee, echoed those sentiments.

“In Brenda, we found a candidate who is both familiar with the community and has a reputation for getting things done,” Killion said. “Her passion for collaboration, coupled with her many accomplishments in both the public and private sector, made her the perfect fit to be our next leader. We are confident she will continue the forward momentum of the Foundation.”

Mainwaring will replace current President and CEO, Pete Tulipana, who will retire after serving in the lead role since 2012.

“Pete and the entire Iowa West Foundation team have built an organization that provides a model for the greater philanthropic community,” Mainwaring said. “The work completed under his leadership has touched the lives of every resident of the region, whether you are an athlete, an arts aficionado, a parent of a school-age child, or all of the above. It’s an honor to have the opportunity to continue the work of the staff, board and community members as we all focus on improving lives and strengthening our communities.

“My husband Brian and I are absolutely thrilled to be coming back home to Council Bluffs.”

Mainwaring is a graduate of Abraham Lincoln High School with undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Iowa. Her background includes private foundation grantmaking, public-private partnerships, and relationship-building across a broad spectrum of geography and interests. Council Bluffs residents may be familiar with her work to develop the Union Pacific Railroad Museum and Kenefick Park at Lauritzen Gardens. She also served as a volunteer, fundraiser, or board member for the following local organizations:
-Council Bluffs Planning Commission
-Pottawattamie Conservation Board and Foundation
-Bluffs Art Council (now Pottawattamie Arts, Culture & Entertainment)
-West Pottawattamie Master Gardeners
-Midlands Humane Society
-Union Pacific Railroad Museum.
-Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation

Mainwaring’s official start date is Sept. 8th with more details on community engagement opportunities to come.