The Iowa West Foundation in Council Bluffs has announced grants totaling $3.7 million to fourteen nonprofit organizations and government entities in southwest Iowa and eastern Nebraska.

Grant recipients include the City of Council Bluffs, which was awarded $2 million for beautification efforts along West Broadway, the city's main thoroughfare; $500,000 for new signage at the Mid-America Center; and $25,000 for holiday lights at Bayliss Park. Other recipients include Heartland Family Service, which will receive $160,000 to continue providing mental health services and teacher training at Lewis Central schools; FAMILY, Inc., which was awarded $35,000 in support of its Raise Me to Read campaign; and the Charles E. Lakin YMCA, which will receive $100,000 to help underwrite costs associated with its merger with The Center in Council Bluffs.

"These grants are a part of our economic development and placemaking strategies. We believe they will make our community an attractive place to live and do business," said Iowa West Foundation president and CEO Pete Tulipana. "Whether it be through large initiatives like West Broadway or smaller grants like the holiday lights, placemaking investments are both extremely visible and impactful for both our residents and visitors."

For a complete list of grant recipients, see the Iowa West Foundation website.