During the 2023 Community Impact Grants Cycle, the Community Foundation for Western Iowa (givewesterniowa.org) funded holiday projects and events dedicated to making the holiday season brighter for families in the cities of Avoca, Carson, Carter Lake, Council Bluffs and Treynor.
Community Impact Grants are awarded annually to eligible tax-exempt, nonprofit organizations or governmental entities and used for creative or impactful projects that meet a clear, identifiable need in Pottawattamie County.
The Community Foundation supported two “Sensory Santa” events for the Dexter’s Dream Foundation for families of children with disabilities or special needs. Families experienced an individual 20-minute visit with Santa in a judgement-free zone, complete with refreshments and cookies, a flash drive full of photographs and special sensory-seeking toys.
Additional Impact Grant funding supported: the City of Avoca’s “Holidays on Main Street” event that supported live reindeer and a sleigh photo opportunity to more than 500 rural Pottawattamie County residents; the 30th Annual Carson Christmas event showcasing the city’s businesses and volunteer organizations; and the annual Carter Lake Winter Festival where grant funds were used to purchase gifts for nearly 220 children.
The 2024 Community Impact Grants Cycle will open on February 1, 2024, and additional information can be found at www.givewesterniowa.org/grants/Upcoming.
The Community Foundation for Western Iowa is a tax-exempt public charity, 501(c)(3), that serves thousands of people who share a common interest in improving the quality of life in western Iowa. For more information, go to givewesterniowa.org.