Iowa West Foundation

08/26/2026

Grant Spotlight ⭐️ Habitat for Humanity of Council Bluffs

A $62,500 grant is helping Habitat for Humanity of Council Bluffs do what they do best, build neighborhoods are that residents are proud to call home. 🏡

08/24/2026

Grantee Spotlight ⭐️ Center for Immigrant and Refugee Advancement

With an $85,000 grant, the Center for Immigrant and Refugee Advancement is providing immigrant legal services to support families building their lives in southwest Iowa.

To learn more, visit: https://ciraconnect.org/

08/20/2026

Grant Spotlight ⭐️ First Responder Education & Training Center

A $500,000 investment from Iowa West Foundation will help bring a new first responder education and training center to the Gretna, Nebraska area, expanding access to critical firefighter training for rural volunteer departments across the region.

For volunteer firefighters who balance emergency response with full-time jobs, access to specialized training has long been out of reach. The center will serve both volunteer and paid departments, including Council Bluffs Fire Department, strengthening emergency response capacity for communities throughout southwest Iowa and eastern Nebraska.

08/20/2026

Behind every smooth-running office is someone who makes it look easy. At the Iowa West Foundation, that someone is Emily. She recently celebrated her birthday, so please join us in celebrating our office coordinator, logistics pro, and the person who always offers to help! 🎉

08/18/2026

Dinner, live music, and a new spot to explore along the Missouri River.

Join us Wednesday, August 26 from 5-7 p.m. to celebrate the opening of the Charles E. Lakin Foundation Pier. Tastee Treet and Kona Ice will be near the River’s Edge Pavilion, and Tony Schneider will be playing acoustic music at the pier.

Bring your bike or scooter, or enjoy the walk down the trail. We’ll see you at River’s Edge!

08/18/2026

This month, Tim Galligan celebrates 8 years with Iowa West. Eight years of capital projects in rural communities, from recreation spaces to public infrastructure, and more. Since 2018, he's brought thoughtful leadership and steady dedication to every investment that's helped southwest communities grow and thrive. We are happy to have him on our team.

08/17/2026

💙 Everyone deserves the opportunity to move forward.

Join Sweet tomorrow morning at 7:50am for , sponsored by the Iowa West Foundation.

Peggie visits with Greg Smith, Director of Community Partnerships for Omaha/Council Bluffs Bridges Out of Poverty, to talk about the organization's recent Family Reunion event and the free programs now available to help individuals and families build a stronger future.

Learn about the free Getting Ahead classes that provide practical life, leadership, and financial management skills, along with ongoing coaching and connections to valuable community resources. Participants may also receive a completion incentive after finishing the program.

💙 Hear how Bridges Out of Poverty is helping people create lasting change in their lives. Join Peggie Sweet tomorrow morning at 7:50am for !

08/17/2026

08/17/2026

❤🚒🖤

A heartfelt thank you to the Iowa West Foundation for their generous support of the Stanton Fire Department through their grant!

Because of their support, we were able to purchase two complete sets of bunker gear and dual-certification gear for our firefighters. This equipment is essential in helping protect our volunteers as they respond to fires, rescues, medical emergencies, and other calls for service in our community.

Our firefighters selflessly give their time to serve and protect our community, and having properly fitted, up-to-date protective gear helps ensure they can do their jobs safely and confidently.

We are incredibly grateful to the Iowa West Foundation for investing in the safety of our firefighters and the continued protection of the Stanton community. Your support makes a difference! 🚒❤️

Thank you for supporting those who serve!