Stories

As disaster survivors navigate through their recovery, difficulties with insurance or accessing assistance programs can be challenging and difficult to manage.

All disaster survivors impacted by the 2024 severe weather events are asked to complete a short survey in order to identify and connect those impacted with programs currently available, identify gaps, and guide the development of additional assistance programs by identifying long-term needs.

Completion of this survey is crucial to accessing assistance that may be available.

The Mental Health and Substance Abuse Fund of Southwest Iowa Fund was created to enhance the reach and capacity of our nonprofit service providers around their ability to educate the public, provide preventative solutions, and internal training to increase the capacity and ability of the providers.

The Community Foundation for Western Iowa is now accepting grant applications through June 15 for the Women's Fund of Southwest Iowa.  

Grants starting at $10,000 are available for projects in one (or more) of the following focus areas: Education Initiatives (STEM); Accessible and Affordable Childcare; Women's Health, Safety and Well-being; and Aging in Place.

The Southwest Iowa Emergency Relief Fund will provide funding to organizations and services in Pottawattamie County that are filling basic human needs, rebuilding communities, and providing direct support to individuals and families.

Falling on National Volunteer Week, a major focus for Do Good Days this year is volunteerism.  SHARE Iowa, an initiative of the Community Foundation for Western Iowa, provided online educational opportunities for nonprofits and presented the second annual “Do-Gooder of the Year” award.  All nonprofit organizations participating on the SHARE Iowa platform were encouraged to nominate their volunteers or “Do-Gooders” of the year.  Share My Smile nominated Ruth Kreger for the award. 

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Many volunteers look for opportunities to serve as a family. Kamryn Ryan from Volunteer Iowa is joining us to discuss how to engage youth and family volunteers as well as barries and solutions to youth volunteering.

Few words in our everyday lives strike more fear than "Artificial Intelligence" (or AI for short). For some, AI is a valuable tool that helps work be more efficient. For others, AI is feared as a replacement for positions in the workforce. In this session, we'll explore the myths, the truths, the benefits, and the challenges of working with AI in non-profit organizations. 

Join us for a lunch and learn Thursday, April 25 from 11:30 - 1:00 hosted by the Community Foundation for Western Iowa with speaker Dr. AnnMarie Marlier.

Nominate a Do-Gooder Today!

Do Good Days is April 24 - 27. In the spirit of National Volunteer Week, we will celebrate volunteers and nonprofits, encourage volunteering, and honor what doing good means to you.  Do Good Days is a great opportunity to show gratitude for current volunteers and the "Do-Gooder of the Year" award is an excellent opportunity to show thanks for all your volunteers do!

Community Grants are available to organizations whose innovative and meaningful work align with the Community Foundation for Western Iowa's mission to improve the lives of all Pottawattamie County residents.

Grant awards range from $500 to $5,000.