In the spring of 2024, the Community Foundations of Southwest Iowa awarded 139 grants totaling $1,238,228 to nonprofits and community programs in Audubon, Cass, Crawford, Fremont, Harrison, Mills, Montgomery, Page, and Shelby Counties.
These grants aim to improve each county’s quality of life by supporting needs and opportunities in the areas of arts and culture, education, environment, health, human services, and historic preservation.
This grant cycle was made possible through the State of Iowa County Endowment Fund Program and is funded by a percentage of the state’s commercial gaming tax revenue, which is distributed annually to participating community foundations associated with counties without a state-issued gaming license.
Below are the 2024 grant awardees:
Audubon County
The Audubon County Community Foundation awarded $143,342 to Audubon County nonprofit organizations and community projects during its Spring 2024 Grant Cycle.
The following organizations are Spring 2024 Grant Recipients:
| Organization | Project | Grant amount |
| Audubon County Conservation Board | New Playground Handicap Accessible Sidewalk | $10,000.00 |
| Audubon Recreation Foundation | ARC Fitness Area Addition | $40,000.00 |
| Brayton Community Club | Phase Two: Exterior Renovation | $15,000.00 |
| City of Exira | Fire Department Roof Replacement | $20,000.00 |
| Exira-Elk Horn-Kimballton Community School District | Exira Community Fitness Room Renovation | $40,000.00 |
| Friendship Home | Spa Room Renovations | $9,171.00 |
| The Children’s Nest | Operational Funds | $9,171.00 |
Advisory board members of the Audubon County Community Foundation are Pat Kaiser, Gina Benton, Megan Wagner, Dr. Bob Blomme, Travis Nelson, Donna Olson, and Doug Carter.
Cass County
The Cass County Community Foundation awarded $145,696.77 to Cass County nonprofit organizations and community projects during its Spring 2024 Grant Cycle.
The following organizations are Spring 2024 Grant Recipients:
| Organization | Project | Grant amount |
| American Legion Post 508 | Bathroom remodel | $5,000.00 |
| Anita Health and Wellness Center | Cardio equipment | $5,349.99 |
| Anita Volunteer Fire Association | Stryker cot | $15,000.00 |
| Ann W. Wickman Child Development Center | Improvements/updates for quality care | $10,000.00 |
| Atlantic Parks & Recreation | Atlantic swimming pool equipment | $5,000.00 |
| Atlantic Rock Island Society Enterprise | Replace upper-level windows | $15,000.00 |
| Cass County 4-H Rabbit Department | New tables for rabbit cages | $5,000.00 |
| Cass County Drone Team | Equipment expansion | $3,000.00 |
| Cass County Historical | Bathroom revision and renovation (two) | $5,000.00 |
| Griswold Fire Dept. | Portable ground monitor | $4,855.39 |
| Griswold Rescue | Cardiac monitor mounts | $3,800.00 |
| Griswold Youth Sports Complex, Inc. | Upgrades | $4,855.39 |
| Healthy Cass County – Grow Another Row | Mollett Park community garden hydrants | $3,000.00 |
| Lewis Public Library | Mobile adult section book shelving | $4,500.00 |
| Marne Fire and Rescue Association | New firefighter PPE | $8,700.00 |
| Massena Childcare | Massena childcare | $11,318.00 |
| Massena Public Library | Outdoor improvements/mural & hardscape | $3,000.00 |
| Nishna Valley Family YMCA | Quality pool air | $15,000.00 |
| SHIFT ATL | Atlantic community splash pad | $5,000.00 |
| Trivium Life Services | Fresh Start fund | $2,000.00 |
| Vision Atlantic | Vision Atlantic Child Development Center | $11,318.00 |
Advisory board members of the Cass County Community Foundation are Kristi Burg, Gaylord Schelling, Sue Hunt, Sandy Bierbaum, Justin D. Hockenberry, and Mike Tibken.
Crawford County
The Crawford County Community Foundation awarded $141,535 to Crawford County nonprofit organizations and community projects during its Spring 2024 Grant Cycle.
The following organizations are Spring 2024 Grant Recipients:
| Organization | Project | Grant amount |
| Aspinwall Community Club | Flooring project | 10,000.00 |
| CCHappyCats, Inc. | Spay/neuter and adoption enhancement | 1,000.00 |
| Charter Oak Fire Department | Purchase of 5 air tanks | 5,500.00 |
| Children’s Imagination Station | Interior facelift – phase 2 | 3,000.00 |
| City of Buck Grove | Buck Grove City Park improvements | 5,000.00 |
| City of Charter Oak | Pool renovation and repairs | 10,000.00 |
| City Of Kiron | North Park equipment | 4,252.00 |
| City Of Ricketts | Sidewalk repair and sign | 6,292.00 |
| Crawford County Shooting Sports | CCSS range sustainability, phase 2 | 4,200.00 |
| Crossroads of Crawford County | Center’s remodel and upgrade | 10,000.00 |
| Dow City Community Club | Improvements to enhance utilization | 10,000.00 |
| Eventide Foundation | Stairway to safety & accessibility | 5,000.00 |
| Friends of Yellow Smoke Inc. | Hatching chickens in the classroom | 3,575.00 |
| Hospital Foundation of Crawford County | The Good Samaritan Thrift Shop | 5,000.00 |
| Kiron Community Club | 125th centennial celebration | 1,808.00 |
| Little Hawks Childcare Center | LHCC is growing | 11,200.00 |
| Manilla Fire Department | Bunker gear replacement | 6,000.00 |
| Manilla Wellness Center | Equipment and building upgrades | 6,000.00 |
| Schleswig Community Club | Schleswig 125th Celebration | 1,808.00 |
| Schleswig Enterprise | Table and chair replacement | 10,000.00 |
| Share My Smile | Crawford County Ambassador | 2,500.00 |
| Under The Son Childcare, Crawida Regional Child Care | 2024 classroom enhancements | 3,000.00 |
| Westside American Legion Auxiliary–Crawford County | Building upkeep and utilities | 3,500.00 |
| Westside Fire & Rescue | Emergency Medical Technician Education | 9,400.00 |
| Westside Public Library | PHASE II: Restock, & Remodel | 3,500.00 |
Advisory board members of the Crawford County Community Foundation are Kelly Sonnichsen, Maura Sailer, Steve Vollstedt, Steve Brownmiller, Deb Garrett, Jace Hawley, Paul Outhouse, Deb Quandt, and Sarah Weinbrandt.
Fremont County
The Fremont County Community Foundation awarded $97,773 to Fremont County nonprofit organizations and community projects during its Spring 2024 Grant Cycle.
The following organizations are Spring 2024 Grant Recipients:
| Organization | Project | Grant amount |
| Thurman Hometown Pride | Veteran Memorial | $10,000 |
| Town of Thurman | Temperature control | $9,192 |
| Farragut Fire and Rescue | Live fire training ground | $10,000 |
| Fremont County Disaster Coalition | CERT Program training phase 2 | $2,800 |
| Fremont County Historical Society | Construction of addition | $9,738 |
| Hamburg Community School Fiscal Sponsor of Hamburg Hometown Pride | Corner Stone of Iowa Project | $8,400 |
| Hamburg Inter Church Council | Replace ceiling tiles and lights | $8,053 |
| Hamburg Public Library | Library Program equipment Renewal Project | $5,099 |
| Percival Hometown Pride | Percival Park improvements | $5,000 |
| Tabor Hometown Pride | Main Street Pocket Park shelter | $14,500 |
| Thurman Fire Department | Truck repair and fire gear | $14,991 |
Advisory board members of the Fremont County Community Foundation are Darynn Ruiz, Teri Emberton, Staci Shearer, Teresa Hardy, Tim Inman, and Mai Le.
Harrison County
The Harrison County Community Foundation awarded $143,314 to Harrison County nonprofit organizations and community projects during its Spring 2024 Grant Cycle.
The following organizations are Spring 2024 Grant Recipients:
| Organization | Project | Grant amount |
| City of Logan | Emergency siren | $12,000 |
| City of Missouri Valley | EMS Power-LOAD Cot System | $10,706 |
| City of Mondamin | City Park Improvement Project | $7,500 |
| City of Persia | City of Persia water tower | $10,000 |
| Dunlap Betterment Group | Dunlap Railroad Heritage Project | $9,311 |
| Dunlap Volunteer Fire and Rescue | Monitoring infants oxygen, purchasing air pack | $10,860 |
| Harrison County Conservation Board | Doidge wildlife area acquisition | $15,000 |
| Harrison County Sheriff’s Office | K-9 vehicle upfit | $8,177 |
| MV Youth Baseball | Youth baseball field improvements | $23,400 |
| MV Youth Softball Organization | Purchase adequate softball player equipment | $4,420 |
| Pisgah Volunteer Fire & Rescue | Bunker gear replacement | $10,465 |
| West Central Community Action | Harrison County Food Pantry expansion | $3,500 |
| Woodbine Carnegie Public Library | Lady Liberty base repair | $7,975 |
| Woodbine Little League Softball | Field renovation | $10,000 |
Advisory board members of the Harrison County Community Foundation are Barb Oliver, Lori Thomsen, Kerry Stueve, Gordon Fliehe, Todd Noah, Noel Sherer, and Ashley West.
Mills County
The Mills County Community Foundation awarded $143,313 to Mills County nonprofit organizations and community projects during its Spring 2024 Grant Cycle.
The following organizations are Spring 2024 Grant Recipients:
| Organization | Project | Grant amount |
| City of Emerson | ADA compliance for City Hall | $25,000 |
| Davies Amphitheater | Davies Amphitheater lighting improvements | $15,500 |
| East Mills Area Youth Sports (EMAYS) | Youth football equipment upgrade | $5,000 |
| East Mills Child Care Solutions | East Mills Child Care Solutions | $20,768 |
| East Mills Wolverines PTO | Playground equipment | $3,500 |
| Glenwood Beautification and Betterment Committee | Glenwood Visibility Project | $10,000 |
| Glenwood Fire Department | Elevated CPR device | $8,500 |
| Glenwood Public Library Foundation | Height-adjustable mobile modular circulation desk | $3,000 |
| Hastings fire and first responders | SCBA air bottles | $7,376 |
| Mills County Historical Museum | New porch decking and substructure | $3,800 |
| Mills County YMCA | Mills County YMCA aquatics upgrades | $2,000 |
| Mills Masquers Community Theater | Bathroom upgrades | $5,000 |
| Oak Township Fire and Rescue | Traffic safety warning devices | $4,200 |
| Silver City Ambulance | Replacement of cardiac monitor defibrillator | $7,000 |
| Silver City Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department | Fire engine emergency light bar | $3,800 |
| The Malvern Volunteer Fire Department | Upgrade nozzles and hoses | $10,869 |
| Wabash Trace Nature Trail | Wabash Trace Malvern facility expansion | $8,000 |
Advisory board members of the Mills County Community Foundation are Jennifer Gee, Kate McGann, Keith Johnson, Mary Bolton, Jim Schoening, and Brent VonEssen.
Montgomery County
The Montgomery County Community Foundation awarded $143,337 to Montgomery County nonprofit organizations and community projects during its Spring 2024 Grant Cycle.
The following organizations are Spring 2024 Grant Recipients:
| Organization | Project | Grant amount |
| City of Red Oak Park and Tree Board | Irrigation in Fountain Square Park | $4,000.00 |
| Elliott Public Library | Funds for Computer Replacement/Equipment | $3,940.00 |
| Feed the Pack-West | Shelter House Project | $5,450.00 |
| Montgomery County Agricultural Society | Fairgrounds lighting improvement | $4,500.00 |
| Montgomery County Child Development Association | Playground Enhancements/Organization | $30,000.00 |
| Montgomery County Conservation Foundation, Inc. | Conservation SUP Purchase | $2,500.00 |
| Nishna Productions, Inc. | Residential Site Furnishings | $5,000.00 |
| Project Porchlight | Project Backpack | $6,000.00 |
| Red Oak Arts Destination (ROAD) | Exterior Wall Mural | $10,000.00 |
| Red Oak Grand Theatre, Inc. | Tuckpointing | $20,000.00 |
| Restored Burlington Northern Depot and World War II Memorial Museum | Grates replacement with brick pavers | $5,000.00 |
| Southwest Valley Schools – Villisca Campus | Wellness Center & Middle School | $10,000.00 |
| Stanton Historical Society | Replacing South Edge Sidewalk | $3,500.00 |
| Stanton Viking Center | Ballfield Expansion and Improvements | $25,000.00 |
| Villisca EMS Association Inc | Medical equipment purchase | $3,500.00 |
| Villisca Public Library | Library Gutter Guards | $4,947.00 |
Advisory board members of the Montgomery County Community Foundation are Kevin Britten, Kim Robinson, Brian LeRette, Marty Barnett, Dennis D. Bloom, Tammie Bodwell, Christine Johnson, Jenna Ramsey, and John Tischer.
Page County
The Page County Community Foundation awarded $143,333.59 to Page County nonprofit organizations and community projects during its Spring 2024 Grant Cycle.
The following organizations are Spring 2024 Grant Recipients:
| Organization | Project | Grant amount |
| City of Clarinda, IA, Parks and Recreation Department | Gym floor replacement project | 36,355.85 |
| City of Essex | City Park safety additions/improvements | 9,776.64 |
| Clarinda Chamber of Commerce | Chamber community board meeting room | 3,170.00 |
| Clarinda Community Trail Committee | Clarinda community trail phase three | 15,000.00 |
| Clarinda Fire Department | Firefighter and community safety | 5,325.00 |
| Essex Child Center | Center equipment and toy upgrades | 10,784.18 |
| Essex Community School District | ECSD kitchen nightmare | 2,250.00 |
| Essex Fire Rescue | Essex fire rescue air conditioner | 3,500.00 |
| Grandma’s House Daycare | Classroom improvements | 5,984.02 |
| Nishna Productions, Inc. | Residential site furnishings | 6,513.00 |
| Page County Conservation Board | River access camping area | 7,176.00 |
| Shenandoah Fire Department | SCBA replacement project | 10,498.90 |
| Shenandoah Pregnancy and Resource Center | Technology and education needs | 3,500.00 |
| Southwest Iowa Families Inc | New facility finishing | 3,500.00 |
| Wabash Trace Nature Trail | Wabash trace rapp park connection | 20,000.00 |
Advisory board members of the Page County Community Foundation are Mark Walter, Brian Steinkuehler, Pam Herzberg, Marlene Bashaw, Scott Brown, and Zeb Burkheiser.
Shelby County
The Shelby County Community Foundation awarded $141,531 to Shelby County nonprofit organizations and community projects during its Spring 2024 Grant Cycle.
The following organizations are Spring 2024 Grant Recipients:
| Organization | Project | Grant amount |
| City of Shelby (Shelby Fire & Rescue) | Personal protective equipment-turnout gear-5 sets | $11,365 |
| Danish Windmill | Entertainment & recreation building | $8,000 |
| Dream Playground Reimagined | Dream playground reimagined | $30,000 |
| Earling Fire & Rescue Department | Turnout gear and hose replacement | $15,500 |
| Irwin Fire and Rescue Association | Personal protective equipment | $13,300 |
| Kids in the Village | Indoor & outdoor classroom improvements | $14,485 |
| Little Cyclones Baseball | The shed | $10,000 |
| Shelby County Conservation Board | Environmental education renovations | $3,500 |
| Shelby County Fair Corporation | Defibrillators and security additions | $5,000 |
| Shelby County Historical Museum | Museum field trip expansion | $3,752 |
| Shelby County Trails Board | Ballpark-to-ballpark trail phase 2 | $20,240 |
| Westphalia Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. | Completing grain bin rescue equipment | $6,389 |
Advisory board members of the Shelby County Community Foundation are Brock Darling, Michael Riley, Max Powers, Jodee Dixon, Leona Konz, and Jill Mages.
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For information about donating or establishing an individual foundation/fund, please contact Sunni Kamp (sunni@omahafoundation.org) or Sydney Calcagno (sydney@omahafoundation.org) at 800-794-3458.