The Iowa West Foundation has announced approximately $3.5 million in grants and initiative funding for more than 20 nonprofits in southwest Iowa. 

The funding will assist residents in Pottawattamie and the surrounding county, particularly children, through support of early childhood services, trauma-informed care training, Wi-Fi access, parenting programs, music education, and other programs. Anawim Housing as well as Metro Area Continuum of Care for the Homeless in Omaha, Nebraska, will receive support to increase the amount of safe housing for Council Bluffs residents. In addition, the rural communities of Carson, Carter Lake, Dunlap, Little Sioux, Treynor, Underwood, and Walnut were awarded grants for placemaking projects or essential fire safety gear, including $500,000 to the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation to preserve the Little Sioux Scout Ranch as Loess Hills State Forest. 

“Our goal is to help communities achieve their dreams,” said Iowa West Foundation president and CEO Brenda Mainwaring. “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.”

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