(Council Bluffs) The Iowa West Foundation (IWF) continues to inject funds into non-profit organizations that retain residents and attract visitors to Council Bluffs, while also adding to the housing stock to allow more people to call Pottawattamie County home. The Board of Directors for IWF recently approved $3.9 million in grants and initiative funding, more than $500,000 of which will support arts and sports entertainment events, while upwards of $2 million will contribute to creating and rehabbing housing units.
Grants to the Pottawattamie County Historical Society, which manages the RailsWest Museum and Squirrel Cage Jail, along with operating funding for the Hoff Arts & Culture Center through Pottawattamie Arts, Culture, & Entertainment will allow both organizations the capacity to manage and elevate visitor experiences. An additional grant to the Omaha Sports Commission, in partnership with the Council Bluffs Convention & Visitors Bureau, will expand events at sports venues and facilities in Council Bluffs. The partnership already attracts events such as the US Open Badminton Championships, USA Boccia National Championships, and the Corgi dog races at River’s Edge Park.
“This grant will unlock incredible opportunities for our local sports venues and facilities,” said Mark Eckman, Executive Director of the Council Bluffs Convention and Visitors Bureau. “By strategically activating our venues like the Field House, Sports Plex, and Mid-America Center, we can attract more dynamic events that bring visitors to our community, boost local businesses, and showcase Council Bluffs as a premier destination for sports tourism. We’re excited to continue working with the Omaha Sports Commission to create memorable experiences for athletes and fans alike.”
“The Iowa West Foundation has spent years building amenities and helping to create communities where people love to live,” said Brenda Mainwaring, CEO of the Foundation. “That is our core purpose, but to truly be successful we also have to help build more places for people to live.”
Two awards totaling $1,500,000 will prevent the loss of existing housing, improve the quality of housing in need of repair, and catalyze construction of new housing units. Front Porch Investments received $500,000 toward a revolving loan fund specifically for development of affordable housing in Council Bluffs. Habitat for Humanity received $1 million for a partnership to acquire distressed or blighted properties in Council Bluffs and convert them to quality, safe housing units. Recognizing that individuals may be displaced by a property acquisition, this program emphasizes a coordinated response with Iowa Legal Aid for any tenants who might be impacted.
“This funding empowers us to proactively address aging and unsafe properties in Council Bluffs,” said Blake Johnson, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Council Bluffs. “By acquiring these homes, we can transform neglected spaces into safe, quality housing for families in need. Our partnership with Iowa Legal Aid and other local nonprofits ensures that if tenants are affected, they’ll have access to vital resources and support during the transition. This is a crucial step toward strengthening our neighborhoods and expanding affordable housing opportunities.”
Partnerships with local casinos Ameristar, Harrah’s, and Horseshoe make it possible for the Foundation to continuously award outcome-focused grants in southwest Iowa communities that support belonging, financial stability, opportunities, and wellbeing. Fees from gaming and income from Foundation investments provide funding for programs and projects that benefit the residents of 14 counties in southwest Iowa.
The Iowa West Foundation has a two-step grants process, with Letters of Inquiry (LOI) accepted year-round. LOIs received by May 1 will be considered in the next cycle with final applications due by May 15th.
2025 Cycle 1 Grants and Initiatives
712 Initiative/Council Bluffs Chamber
Event Programming
$50,000
Bridges Out of Poverty
Poverty alleviation courses for Southwest Iowans
$90,000
Boys and Girls Club of the Midlands
Operating support for Council Bluffs club
$95,000
Catholic Charities of Des Moines
Operating support for domestic violence & sexual assault services in southwest Iowa
$60,000
City of Essex
Water System Upgrade
$200,000
Jennie Edmundson Memorial Hospital
First Responder Community Health Coach
$100,000
Front Porch Investments
Developing and preserving affordable housing
$500,000
Greater Omaha Chamber Foundation
Metro Region Economic Development Strategy
$275,000 over three years
Habitat for Humanity of Council Bluffs
Housing Acquisition
$1,000,000
Heartland Family Service
Permanent Supportive Housing
$122,000
Historical Society of Pottawattamie County
Capacity Building & Museums Relaunch
$177,750 over three years
Iowa Legal Aid
Eviction Diversion Help Desk
$75,000
Iowa Western Community College
89.7 The River concert at River’s Edge Park
$50,000
Omaha Children’s Museum
School Partnerships and Memberships for southwest Iowa
$35,000
Omaha Sports Commission
Council Bluffs events attraction
$140,000 over four years
Pottawattamie Arts, Culture & Entertainment
Operating support for building expenses
$200,000
Southwest Iowa Leadership Academy
Leadership Camp 2025
$5,000
Together Inc.
Nourish CB Choice Pantry
$500,000 over two years
United Way of the Midlands
Community Impact Fund
$225,000
