Stories

Iowa West Foundation Awards $2.6 Million In Grants & Initiatives

December 5, 2024

Funding supports economic development and amenities in rural southwest Iowa communities (Council Bluffs, IA) – Rual communities in southwest Iowa continue to build and thrive, thanks in part to an Iowa West Foundation economic development program that supports infrastructure in Pottawattamie County. Nearly $1 million in grant funding was awarded to five southwest Iowa towns with […]

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Preschool Partnership with Green Hills AEA

August 10, 2024

The preschool teacher embedded in Franklin Elementary School through the Green Hills AEA calls her students to the colorful rug in the front of the room. She outlines the posted schedule for the day and asks the class a question about today’s weather. Several hands shoot up, begging to be called on. The children aren’t […]

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Iowa West Foundation Awards $3 Million In Grants & Initiatives

July 22, 2024

Funding supports ASPIRE workforce education initiative and the fight against hunger in SWI (Council Bluffs, IA) – The future of career-based education in Pottawattamie County is strong, with the Iowa West Foundation committing nearly $1 million to local school districts and education partners as part of its ASPIRE investments for the second year. The initiative allows […]

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Iowa West Awards $10,000 to each Volunteer Fire Department that Responded to Tornadoes in Southwest Iowa

May 16, 2024

A total of $114,000 is being awarded to 12 volunteer fire departments in southwest Iowa (Council Bluffs, IA) – Volunteers for local southwest Iowa fire departments went above and beyond in the aftermath of recent tornadoes that damaged homes and businesses in Pottawattamie County.  According to Jacob Nelson with the Minden Volunteer Fire Department, his colleagues […]

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Arts Center at Iowa Western

May 11, 2024

Youth Series Field Trips for Thousands of K-12 Students When the two performers walk out onto the stage at the Arts Center, a hush falls over the crowd of hundreds of excited 3rd and 4th graders, from the bus ride from their elementary school and filing down the steps to the auditorium, they are finally […]

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Iowa West Celebrates Nine Women of Color Program Graduates

April 25, 2024

Professional development and mentoring opportunities support leadership growth for women of color who live or work in Pottawattamie County (COUNCIL BLUFFS) –The Iowa West Foundation recently celebrated the graduation of nine participants from its Women of Color leadership program. The program was designed to provide access to professional development and coaching opportunities, resulting in community […]

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FIRST AVE

April 22, 2024

A Vibrant Thoroughfare in Council Bluffs A few years ago, few identifiable amenities existed along a little-known right-of-way called First Avenue. Fast forward to today, where it’s a household name in Council Bluffs (featured on at least one license plate) and a bustling hub of a trail for people walking, children playing, and unique, all-ages […]

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