(Council Bluffs, IA) – The Iowa West Foundation recently awarded a series of grants and initiatives that address housing and financial stability in the Council Bluffs community, as well as funding poverty alleviation programming and student workforce training.
In a news release last Thursday, officials said the Iowa West Foundation board of directors approved more than $2.7 million in funding to more than 30 nonprofits, schools, and cities.
Funding for Together, Inc. for $250,000, Heartland Family Service for $200,000, and Iowa Legal Aid for $75,000 will provide increased housing stability services for the area.
Other significant investments include $90,000 to Bridges Out of Poverty for classes in Council Bluffs and $30,000 to Family Housing Advisory Services for increased counseling and case management for area residents.
Rounding out Cycle 1 of 2026 were eight initiatives totaling approximately $850,000 as part of the ASPIRE program and partnership with Pottawattamie County high schools. The success of the initiative thus far led to the renewal for the third straight year.
Data shows an increase in work-based learning opportunities, more college credits taken by high school students, and an uptick in degrees, credentials, and certificates earned in tandem with high school diplomas.
Grant applications begin with Letters of Inquiry, which are accepted year-round; however, to be considered for the next funding cycle, submissions must be received by May 1. To help applicants prepare strong proposals, a grants workshop will be held on April 1, with a deadline to register by March 30th.
2026 Cycle 1 Grants & Initiatives...
ASPIRE Program grants were awarded to:
The AHSTW Community School District – Work-based learning, $25,000; Career EdVantage
– Rural Pottawattamie County Program Support, $200,500; Council Bluffs Community School District – Plus One Pathways Program, $325,000; Iowa Western Community College – College and Career Transition Counselors, $126,000; Lewis Central Community School District –
College and Career Readiness Coordinator, $100,000; Riverside Community School District –
iJAG Program (Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates), $25,000; Treynor Community School District –
Career Coach, $25,000; Tri-Center Community School District – iJAG Program, $25,000/
Other grants included:
Bridges Out of Poverty – Southwest Iowa poverty alleviation initiative, $90,000; Golden Hills Resource Conservation & Development – Capacity Building, $10,000; Heartland Family Service – Permanent supportive housing, $200,000; Horses Help Southwest Iowa – Summer Programming for Area Youth, $1,725; Micah House – Emergency shelter for women and families, $85,000; Minden Volunteer Fire & Rescue – Equipment and gear, $9,977; Pottawattamie Arts, Culture, & Entertainment – General operating funding for building maintenance, $200,000; Project Harmony – Safe & Together Southwest Iowa training, $24,586; Shenandoah Public Library Foundation – Digital community sign, $10,000; Stanton Volunteer Fire & Rescue – Bunker Gear & Dual Certified Gear, $4,000.
See the full list of Iowa West Foundation grant recipients here: https://www.iowawestfoundation.org/news/iowa-west-foundation-awards-2-7-million-in-grants-initiatives/?fbclid=IwY2xjawQue4JleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeik6RpuzpCWIQk1Aa8S9NIXVIIe_ODZ8v_XMysfgWBxnGhuZir4tDw8QJol4_aem_fOnMxtMoZ30Oh7XJ_nhvpQ
