Over the last 15 years, the Community Foundation has learned how necessary it is to build funding sources for areas of need, where caring and committed donors can invest their charitable dollars in ways that fill their passion, while creating lasting change in our communities. Two “Field of Interest” funds have been established at the Community Foundation – the Women’s Fund of Southwest Iowa and Southwest Iowa Mental Health and Substance Abuse Fund – both created to support nonprofit organizations in nine counties throughout southwest Iowa while increasing access to philanthropic funding in a holistic and regional way. In addition to the new funding sources, the Community Foundation established a “Make It Happen” fund development program to help nonprofit organizations build leadership within their organizations, and to assist them in developing a rich culture of philanthropy in the communities they serve. In late May, the Community Foundation will also bring SHARE Iowa to our region to support nonprofit organizations through donor engagement and a high level of donor-centered service.
All these elements have led the Community Foundation to a place in its mission that has grown beyond Pottawattamie County and into the western Iowa region. A name change from Pottawattamie County Community Foundation to the Community Foundation for Western Iowa better reflects the Foundation’s mission to build community through giving while being a leader in donor-centric philanthropy.
Over the last year, area stakeholders, donors, committee members, and the Community Foundation’s Board of Directors conversed in a series of meetings and events to determine the direction and strategic vision. The consensus was to choose a name that better reflects the work the Community Foundation does in our region: supporting vibrant communities; engaging nonprofit organizations; and building a culture of philanthropy.
Visit the Community Foundation for Western Iowa's website to learn more about the important work they do in western Iowa!
