The Community Foundation for Western Iowa (www.ourpccf.org/womens-fund), formerly Pottawattamie County Community Foundation, announced that the Women’s Fund of Southwest Iowa’s latest grant cycle has awarded $45,000 in project funding to four organizations, including a $10,000 grant to support operational needs and childcare scholarships for the Council Bluffs School Foundation’s STARS Scholarship Program. Funding will assist the STARS Program’s seminar series, training for the program director, and the individual needs of STARS Scholars. Additionally, the grant will assist with childcare scholarships for students who are seeking affordable childcare while studying and/or working and are not applicable for state assistance.

The STARS Program supports low-income parents and custodial grandparents in Pottawattamie County in pursuit of college degree attainment. STARS assists with removing barriers, providing a scholarship for both direct or indirect expenses such as tuition, fees, books, childcare, and living expenses. STARS also offers programming designed to assist with career planning, financial planning, professional skills, and self-sufficiency. Over the last 25 years the STARS Program has served over 400 scholars in pursuit of a post-secondary degree.

Funding from the Women’s Fund, an initiative of the Community Foundation for Western Iowa, supports programming and projects that are focused on improving the quality of life and well-being of women and children in southwest Iowa. Additional information about the fund and granting guidelines can be found at www.ourpccf.org/womens-fund.