Community Foundations of Southwest Iowa

03/10/2026

We were grateful to join fellow Iowa Community Foundations at the Iowa Council on Foundations’ Legislative Breakfast last week. Thanks to Alex Burton for representing the Montgomery County Community Foundation with us! We are proud to represent and serve 9 county community foundations in Southwest Iowa.

03/09/2026

T‑Mobile Hometown Grants is a $25 million, five-year initiative to support the people and organizations who help small towns across America thrive and grow. Hometown Grants are given every quarter to up to 25 small towns.

Apply for funding to support a community project of your choice, like revitalizing or repurposing a historic structure, creating a downtown asset or destination, or improving a space where friends and neighbors gather. Projects that add to a sense of place or could lead to further investment are of particular interest. We look forward to learning more about your town and your project. Deadline: March 31.

T-Mobile Hometown Grants offers $50,000 placemaking grants to small towns with 50,000 people or less.

03/04/2026

03/02/2026

Please join us in celebrating Sarah Beth Ray’s two-year anniversary as Southwest Iowa Foundations Advisor with the Omaha Community Foundation!

In this role, Sarah Beth manages grant and scholarship programs for nine local community foundations throughout Southwest Iowa, which means building relationships in community-led efforts across the region. She connects with every nonprofit applicant, city, county government, and advisory committee member, bringing important local insight to each step of the grant and scholarship process.

Before joining OCF, Sarah Beth worked with chambers of commerce in Iowa and Missouri, building relationships with local business, nonprofit, and community leaders. That foundation has helped her build personal connections into her career life. She stepped into what was once an administrative support role that has grown into full program management, reflecting both increased responsibility and trust.

“My favorite part of the work is the people. I really enjoy the balance between the technical details and the relationships that make this work meaningful,” Sarah Beth said. “Whether it’s supporting committees through tough decisions or getting to share the excitement of grant checks and scholarships going out the door, I love being part of a process that helps communities thrive.”

As her colleague Sunni Kamp shared, “It has truly been a joy working with Sarah Beth these past two years. She brings authenticity, levity, and curiosity to her work, challenging old ideas, embracing change, and helping strengthen what we do. From road trip antics to new food recommendations, it has been a pleasure to work alongside her across Southwest Iowa. I’ve loved supporting her growth, uplifting her strengths, and watching her take on new skills and responsibilities with confidence.”

Thank you, Sarah Beth, for two years of dedicated work with local communities.

01/21/2026

We are so excited for our partners and friends in Dunlap and the work they are doing to strengthen the future of their community!

Dunlap Community Foundation to Launch First Grant Application Process This Spring

Dunlap, Iowa — The Dunlap Community Foundation (DCF) is pleased to announce that it will open its first annual grant application process this spring, marking an exciting milestone just months after the Foundation’s kick-off fundraiser last summer.

Thanks to tremendous community generosity, the Dunlap Community Foundation has already reached a point where it can begin reinvesting donated funds back into the Dunlap area. Local nonprofit organizations will be invited to apply for grant funding, with awards based on identified community needs and available resources. Specific application timelines and details will be announced at a later date. Community members and organizations are encouraged to follow the Dunlap Community Foundation page to stay apprised as information becomes available.

To support the long-term strength and sustainability of the Foundation, DCF has established a partnership with the Harrison County Community Foundation (HCCF). Through this partnership, donated funds will receive professional management and investment oversight, helping ensure the Foundation can continue supporting Dunlap causes for generations to come.

While HCCF provides administrative and investment services, local leadership remains at the heart of the Dunlap Community Foundation. Grant decisions will be guided by a rotating advisory board made up of Dunlap community members. Current advisory board members include Lisa Gross, President; Jon Schaben, Vice President; Jake Schaben, Secretary; and Margo Hansen, Treasurer.

The Dunlap Community Foundation extends sincere thanks to the many individuals who made this progress possible, including donors to the kick-off auction fundraiser hosted by Jon Schaben, members of the Founders Club, and others who have contributed since the Foundation’s launch. Their early support has helped create a lasting source of funding dedicated to strengthening the Dunlap community — now and into the future.

For more information:

Questions pertaining to the Dunlap Community Foundation may be directed to Margo Hansen at (712) 643-5158.

Questions related to the grant application process may be directed to Sunni Kamp with the Harrison County Community Foundation at (402) 933-4188.

01/08/2026

Spring Grant Applications are open until February 1st! Start working on your application today: https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=omahafoundation

01/08/2026

Thank you to the Community Foundations of Southwest Iowa – Cass County for their generous grant support that allowed WCCA to purchase new children’s clothing room equipment, including a clothing rack, basket topper, and hangers. These improvements help us better organize and display donated items and make it easier for families to find what they need. We are grateful for your continued support of our community! 👕✨ Community Foundations of Southwest Iowa

12/11/2025

Thank you to everyone who helped us Gather for Good last week in Malvern at Classic Cafe & Catering, Malvern IA! We enjoyed networking and celebrating our 2025 grantees.

12/04/2025

Giving Tuesday was a resounding success! Thank you to everyone who helped kick off the giving season this week!

Yesterday, OCF fundholders showed up for our community in a remarkable way, granting more than $2.6 million in a single day. That level of generosity strengthens nonprofits at a time when they are serving more people with fewer resources, and it reflects the deep commitment our fundholders have to serving others.

At the Omaha Community Foundation, we are honored to help connect you with the causes and organizations that matter most to you. Whether you are a lifelong giver or exploring ways to give back for the first time, now is a meaningful moment to reach out and open a fund before the year ends.

12/01/2025

As we approach the end of 2025, the Community Foundations of Southwest Iowa is here to assist with your year-end giving. The timing of your year-end charitable gifts affects your eligibility for a charitable income tax deduction in the 2025 tax year. As you move forward with your year-end giving, please keep the following deadlines in mind.

As we approach the end of 2024, the Omaha Community Foundation is here to assist with your year-end giving. The timing of your year-end charitable gifts affects your eligibility for a charitable income tax deduction in the 2024 tax year. As you move forward with your year-end giving, please keep the...

11/21/2025

Shoutout to our friends in Fremont County! The Fremont County Community Foundation supported this vital resource during the Fall 2025 Grant Cycle. 🥳

🌟 Community Partner Spotlight 🌟

WCCA is thrilled to share that our Fremont County Food Pantry recently received two brand-new freezers, made possible through generous grant funding from the Community Foundations of Southwest Iowa – Fremont County!

These freezers will have an immediate impact by allowing us to safely store more perishable food items, reduce spoilage, and keep a consistent supply of nutritious options available for families who rely on the pantry. Their support strengthens our ability to serve the community each week and helps ensure no family goes without essential food resources.

We are incredibly grateful for this partnership and the foundation’s continued commitment to supporting local families. Thank you for helping us make a difference in Fremont County! 💙❄️ Community Foundations of Southwest Iowa