The Iowa West Foundation in Council Bluffs has announced grants totaling $4 million to twenty-nine nonprofit organizations and government entities in southwest Iowa and eastern Nebraska.

The foundation awarded three-year general operating support grants to nine arts organizations in the region so they can focus more intently on their missions. The recipients are Ballet Nebraska ($125,000), the Durham Museum ($25,000), Iowa Western Community College Performing Arts Center ($30,000), Joslyn Art Museum ($25,000), Lauritzen Gardens ($12,500), Omaha Children’s Museum ($45,000), the Omaha Symphony Association ($25,000), Rose Theater ($25,000), and Opera Omaha ($25,000).

Additional grant recipients include the Carson Volunteer Fire Department, which was awarded $25,000 for EMS equipment; FAMILY Inc., which was awarded $120,000 in support of its early childhood education and literacy programming; the Credit Advisors Foundation, which will receive nearly $6,000 in support of outreach to southwest Iowa nonprofits; Heartland Family Service, which will receive $330,000 in support of its substance abuse and homeless services; and Neighborworks Home Solutions, which was awarded $200,000 for a targeted, multi-phase, mixed-income revitalization of the Walnut Grove area.

"The arts and culture organizations housed in Omaha are regional amenities that enhance the quality of life for all southwest Iowans," said Iowa West president and CEO Pete Tulipana. "In addition, our funds are specifically designated to enhance outreach and programming that directly benefits Council Bluffs and Pottawattamie County residents and students."

(Photo credit: Omaha Children's Museum)