The Community Foundations of Southwest Iowa have announced the results of their spring 2025 grant cycle, awarding more than $1.3 million to 120 organizations and community initiatives across the region. 

From historic preservation and public safety to early childhood care and community development, this year’s funded projects reflect a continued investment in the future of Southwest Iowa. 

“We continue to be inspired by the passion and commitment of local leaders in each county,” said Sunni Kamp, Southwest Iowa Foundations Director, which provides administrative support to the nine-county network of community foundations. “Their care and knowledge guide every grant cycle—and together, we’re funding projects that bring lasting improvements to the people and places of Southwest Iowa.” 

The Community Foundations of Southwest Iowa are supported by the Iowa County Endowment Fund Program, which allocates a portion of the state’s commercial gaming tax revenue to counties without a state-issued gaming license. Each affiliate is guided by a local advisory board made up of residents who understand their community’s needs and opportunities. These board members review applications, prioritize projects, and ultimately decide how funds are distributed. 

That local insight is at the heart of each funding decision—and it’s one reason the program has had such a broad and lasting impact. 

“Throughout the years, we’ve been able to fund a wide array of projects and programs,” said Kristi Burg, Foundation Advisory Committee representative. “Grants have been awarded to support a variety of recreational opportunities and building renovations, as well as many more projects that will have a positive effect on our community members—both young and old—for years to come. We’re proud of the impact of the Foundation, and we’re glad to have the opportunity to help make our communities and county better.” 

2025 Spring Grant Recipients by County 

Audubon County
Total Awarded: $144,709 | Grants: 8 

  • Audubon County Hospital Foundation – $14,760 
  • Audubon County Agricultural Society – $10,000 
  • Audubon Recreation Foundation – $10,000 
  • City of Exira (3 grants supporting the Exira Community Club, Exira Public Library, and the City) – $44,355 
  • Brayton Fire Department – $24,108 
  • Friendship Home Foundation – $41,486

Cass County
Total Awarded: $144,710 | Grants: 14 

  • Vision Atlantic Inc. – $25,000 
  • Cass County Coalition for Mental Wellness – $12,800 
  • American Legion Post 508 – $24,270 
  • Cass County Historical Society – $10,000 
  • 309 Club, Inc. – $8,000 
  • LC Clinic – $8,000 
  • Massena Childcare – $10,592 
  • Griswold Volunteer Fire Association Inc. – $3,512 
  • Cass County Conservation Board – $6,000 
  • Friends of Anita Public Library – $9,000 
  • Anita Health & Wellness Center. – $10,913 
  • City of Griswold (2 grants supporting Griswold Fire & Rescue, and the City) – $8,623 
  • Nishna Valley Family YMCA – $8,000 

Crawford County
Total Awarded: $144,675 | Grants: 12 

  • City of West side (2 grants supporting the Westside Public Library and the City) – $43,500 
  • City of Manilla (2 grants supporting the Manilla Fire Department and the Memorial Hall Project Committee) – $15,319 
  • City of Vail Park Foundation – $40,000 
  • Charter Oak Fire Department – $5,000 
  • Schleswig Enterprise – $6,500 
  • Aspinwall Community Club – $3,500 
  • Friends of the Dow House, Inc. – $5,000 
  • Children’s Imagination Station – $3,000 
  • Crawford County Hunger Fighters – $4,500 
  • City of Dow City – $18,356

Fremont County
Total Awarded: $144,709 | Grants: 12 

  • Sidney Volunteer Fire & Rescue – $35,000 
  • Tabor Hometown Pride – $23,395 
  • George C. Grape Community Hospital – $11,071 
  • Fremont County Fair Board – $12,710 
  • Riverton Fire & Rescue – $16,000 
  • Sidney Iowa Community Fitness – $8,140 
  • City of Farragut (2 grants supporting Farragut Community Hometown Pride and the City) – $10,248 
  • Wabash Trace Nature Trail – $16,750 
  • Friends of Waubonsie State Park – $3,500 
  • Nishna Productions, Inc. – $4,000 
  • Sidney Youth Sports – $3,895

Harrison County
Total Awarded: $144,681 | Grants: 14 

  • The CREW Center – $15,000 
  • Dunlap Betterment Group (2 grants) – $29,000 
  • City of Persia – $17,000 
  • City of Mondamin – $9,747 
  • Harrison County Humane Society – $3,580 
  • Woodbine Community Foundation – $7,976 
  • Loess Hills Youth Shooting Sports – $14,580 
  • Friends of Missouri Valley Dog Park – $2,050 
  • Pisgah Reach Out Group – $9,867 
  • Harrison County Conservation Board – $13,381 
  • Trivium Life Services – $10,000   
  • Woodbine Main Street – $10,000 
  • Woodbine Saddle Club – $2,500

Mills County
Total Awarded: $144,680 | Grants: 16 

  • Jennie Edmundson Memorial Hospital Foundation – $20,000 
  • Southwest Iowa Technical Career Hub – $20,000 
  • Glenwood Wrestling Club – $10,950 
  • Emerson Improvement Organization – $12,500 
  • Mills County Fair Association – $6,781 
  • St. John Lutheran Church – $6,670 
  • Glen Haven Home – $5,500 
  • City of Glenwood (3 grants supporting Glenwood Fire Department, Glenwood Police Department, and the city) – $20,852 
  • City of Emerson – $3,712 
  • Silvery City Ambulance – $3,838 
  • City of Malvern – $14,177 
  • Oak Township Fire and Rescue – $6,500 
  • Nishna Productions, Inc. – $3,700 
  • Wabash Trace Nature Trail – $9,500 

Montgomery County
Total Awarded: $144,705 | Grants: 15 

  • Red Oak Grand Theatre – $20,000 
  • Stanton Historical Society – $15,000 
  • Stanton Community Foundation – $10,000 
  • Wilson Performing Arts Center – $10,000 
  • Montgomery County Child Development Association – $20,000 
  • Villisca EMS Association – $4,205 
  • Villisca Public Library – $4,000 
  • City of Red Oak – $4,500 
  • JVAA – $26,000 
  • Stanton Child Resource Center – $5,000 
  • Red Oak Heritage Foundation – $3,500 
  • City of Villisca – $5,000 
  • Nishna Productions – $10,000 
  • Montgomery Agricultural Society – $2,500 
  • Montgomery County Conservation Foundation – $5,000

Page County
Total Awarded: $144,701 | Grants: 10 

  • Page County Sherriff’s Reserve – $5,400 
  • Wabash Trace Nature Trail – $20,000 
  • Page County Board of Supervisors – $51,000 
  • Essex Community School District – $26,599 
  • Turnbull Child Development Center – $12,000 
  • Grandma’s House Day Care – $5,450 
  • Clarinda Fire Department – $10,600 
  • Shenandoah Fire Department – $5,500 
  • Nishna Productions, Inc.  – $5,000 
  • Shanendoah Medical Center – $3,152

Shelby County
Total Awarded: $144,705 | Grants: 16 

  • City of Irwin (2 grants supporting the Iriwin Fire and Rescue Association and the City) – $29,793 
  • City of Elk Horn – $17,500 
  • Westphalia Volunteer Fire Department – $14,912 
  • Earling Fire and Rescue – $14,050 
  • Shelby County EMS Association – $9,500 
  • Shelby Fire & Rescue – $6,250 
  • Shelby County Conservation Board – $5,500 
  • Museum of Danish America – $5,000 
  • Danish Windmill Corporation – $5,500 
  • Concerned, Inc. – $2,000 
  • Harlan Community Library Foundation – $12,000 
  • Kids in the Village – $7,000 
  • Shelby County Community Outreach – $4,200 
  • Shelby County Fair Association – $8,000 
  • Shelby County Historical Society – $3,500

Grants awarded through the Community Foundations of Southwest Iowa continue to improve the quality of life in our region. From supporting emergency responders to enhancing parks and community spaces, each grant tells a story of progress and partnership. 

Visit swiowafoundations.org to explore past recipients and learn more about future grant opportunities in your county.