Community Impact Grants

The 2025 Community Impact Grants program, offered through the Pottawattamie County Impact Fund, is facilitated by the Community Foundation for Western Iowa. The Foundation supports charitable work that directly benefits residents of Pottawattamie County. The program aims to fund innovative, impactful projects that address local needs, enhance quality of life, and foster community improvement. Applications open on February 1, 2025, and close on March 15, 2025, at 11:59 p.m., with awards announced in late May 2025. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt nonprofit organizations, governmental entities, and churches proposing projects that occur within Pottawattamie County. Funded projects must focus on at least one of the following areas: arts and culture, community improvement, education, environment and animals, health, human services, or youth. Grant awards range from $500 to $5,000, with funds supporting project expenses incurred after the award announcement date in mid-May 2025. The grant review process evaluates proposals based on their ability to address a clear and identifiable need within Pottawattamie County, creativity, operational strength of the applicant organization, leadership capacity, and how the proposal compares with other applications during the cycle. Applications are reviewed by both Community Foundation staff and an independent panel, with final funding decisions made by the Foundation’s Board of Directors. Several types of projects and expenses are excluded from funding consideration, including clinical or medical research, capital campaigns, discriminatory organizations, debt relief, annual fund drives, real estate purchases, and political projects. The Foundation generally gives lower priority to applications from tax-supported organizations, although exceptions may be made. Applications must be submitted electronically through the Community Foundation’s Online Grant Center. New applicants are encouraged to review guidance provided within the online system prior to applying. Because funding is limited and competition is high, successful proposals must demonstrate community need, offer proven or promising solutions, maximize other community resources, and provide a clear plan for future financial sustainability. In the 2024 granting cycle, the Community Foundation received 71 applications requesting a total of $290,064. Ultimately, 37 grants were awarded, distributing a total of $66,876 to nonprofits and city organizations throughout Pottawattamie County. Interested applicants can contact the Community Foundation for Western Iowa at info@givewesterniowa.org or by phone at 712-256-7007 for further information.