Pottawattamie county
IMPACT fund
IMPACT fund
The 2025 Community Impact Grants application process
opens February 1 through March 15!
opens February 1 through March 15!
WHAT ARE COMMUNITY IMPACT GRANTS?
Community Impact Grants through the Pottawattamie County Impact Fund are available to organizations whose innovative and meaningful work benefit the lives of all Pottawattamie County residents. Grant awards range from $500 to $5,000.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?
Any tax-exempt, nonprofit organization, governmental entity or church - using the funds for charitable purposes and proposing a project within Pottawattamie County - is eligible to apply.
WHAT TYPE OF PROJECTS ARE ELIGIBLE?
Grant funds can be used to support projects and expenses that take place after the selection date (mid-May)
Projects must happen within Pottawattamie County
Projects that apply to one of the following focus areas: Arts & Culture, Community Improvement, Education, Environment & Animals, Health, Human Services, Youth
WHEN IS THE DEADLINE?
2025 grant applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on March 15.
GRANTING CRITERIA
Projects are selected based on:
The project's focus on a specific issue
Ability to meet a clear, identifiable need in Pottawattamie County
Creativity
The operational strength of the application's organization, including project leadership
The project's ranking when compared with other applications received during the funding cycle
THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION'S FUNDING LIMITATIONS INCLUDE:
Clinical or medical research
Contributions to capital campaigns
Organizations that practice discrimination by race, color, creed, sexual orientation, gender, age, or national origin
Operating deficits or retirement of debt
Annual fund drives
Real estate acquisitions
Political projects of any kind
HOW ARE APPLICATIONS REVIEWED?
Grant applications are reviewed by staff and an independent panel of reviewers from across Pottawattamie County. Our Board of Directors makes all final funding decisions and awards are announced in late May.
HOW DO YOU SUBMIT AN APPLICATION?
Applications can now be submitted electronically through the Community Foundation's Online Grant Center.
For new users, please click here to learn about the Community Foundation's Online Grants Center and to begin the application process.
Please note: The Pottawattamie County Impact Fund Grants Program is a highly-competitive process due to the limited amount of funding each year. Successful applications respond to a demonstrated or emerging community need; support effective, proven or promising solutions; build upon and maximize other community resources; and offer a clear plan for financial sustainability. The Foundation, except under unusual circumstances, does not make grants for deficit financing, fund drives, or fundraising activities. Less consideration may be given to applications from tax-supported organizations. Please contact us at info@givewesterniowa.org if you have further questions.
Community Foundation awards $66,876 in 2024 Impact Fund Granting Cycle.
The Community Foundation received 71 grant proposals totaling $290,064 in project requests, with total project budgets combined at $13 Million dollars, signifying the incredible work that is being done in the cities throughout Pottawattamie County. After a thorough evaluation process, the Community Foundation elected to award 37 grants totaling $66,876 to nonprofits and city organizations throughout Pottawattamie County. Read the full release.
