CHARLES E. LAKIN FOUNDATION
LAUNCHES $165 MILLION INITIATIVE TO
REVITALIZE SOUTHWEST IOWA
LAUNCHES $165 MILLION INITIATIVE TO
REVITALIZE SOUTHWEST IOWA
Inspiring a thriving Southwest Iowa: The Charles E. Lakin Foundation is dedicated to revitalizing our communities by directing $165 million towards enhancing local housing, childcare, and educational causes through the Community Foundation for Western Iowa. We envision a future where every child, family, and educator benefits from a nurturing environment. Collaborating with designated local nonprofits ensures these Field of Interest Funds fuel meaningful development and opportunities. We aim to build a vibrant, sustainable region, creating a legacy of prosperity and opportunity. Together, we're shaping a Southwest Iowa where everyone has the foundation to succeed.
Since 1900, Southwest Iowa’s population has declined by 17%, while East Central Nebraska’s has grown by 380%.
The "Revitalizing Southwest Iowa" initiative will allow the Charles E. Lakin Foundation to fulfill its mission of nurturing sustainable, prosperous futures for communities within Southwest Iowa.
Through a philanthropic partnership with the Community Foundation for Western Iowa, this transformative $165 Million donation will benefit 51 small towns across Southwest Iowa in the following six counties: Cass, Fremont, Mills, Montgomery, Page, and Pottawattamie.
The Charles E. Lakin Foundation’s investment to revitalize southwest Iowa will primarily focus on housing, childcare, and community resilience and will create a lasting legacy of positive socio-economic transformation across the region.
Cass | Fremont | Mills | Montgomery | Page | Pottawattamie
To learn more about the initiative, or inquire if you are eligible for funding,
please complete this form and a Charles E. Lakin Foundation representative will contact you.
FINAL OCTOBER 1 PRESENTATION.pdfNEWS
KMA Land | Lakin Foundation unveils $165 million donation to revitalize southwest Iowa
Iowa Capital Dispatch | Lakin Foundation donates $165M to support southwest Iowa
Atlantic News Telegraph | Lakin Foundation donates $165 million to help southwest Iowa communities
The Gazette | Lakin Foundation gives $165M to reshape Southwest Iowa
Philanthropy News Digest | Lakin Foundation launches $165 million revitalization initiative
KSOM | Charles E. Lakin Foundation Launches $165 Million Initiative to Revitalize Southwest Iowa
KCCI Des Moines | Charles Lakin Foundation donates $165 million to revitalize southwest Iowa towns
RadioIowa | $165 million investment fund established for 51 SW Iowa communities
The Daily Nonpareil | The Lakin Foundation makes $165 million transformative gift to southwest Iowa