Stories

According to GivingTuesday Data Commons, a record-breaking $3.6 billion was donated across the United States on Giving Tuesday earlier this month by 18.5 million people. This is a 16% donation increase from the previous year. 

That donation spirit is alive and well in western Iowa. For a second consecutive year, the Community Foundation for Western Iowa has reported that SHARE Iowa nonprofit organizations collectively raised more than $1.5 million in donations during Giving Tuesday 712. 

Giving Tuesday is December 3! Nonprofits find resources for the day here!

The Community Foundation for Western Iowa is dedicated to create a lasting legacy in the region through resident and community engagement for durable change and to foster a culture of philanthropy. This is where giving grows. 

Join the Community Foundation for Western Iowa and SHARE Iowa as we welcome Rob Hilbert, president of the Iowa PBS Foundation to discuss planned giving!

As disaster survivors navigate through their recovery, difficulties with insurance or accessing assistance programs can be challenging and difficult to manage.

All disaster survivors impacted by the 2024 severe weather events are asked to complete a short survey in order to identify and connect those impacted with programs currently available, identify gaps, and guide the development of additional assistance programs by identifying long-term needs.

Completion of this survey is crucial to accessing assistance that may be available.

The Mental Health and Substance Abuse Fund of Southwest Iowa Fund was created to enhance the reach and capacity of our nonprofit service providers around their ability to educate the public, provide preventative solutions, and internal training to increase the capacity and ability of the providers.

The Community Foundation for Western Iowa is now accepting grant applications through June 15 for the Women's Fund of Southwest Iowa.  

Grants starting at $10,000 are available for projects in one (or more) of the following focus areas: Education Initiatives (STEM); Accessible and Affordable Childcare; Women's Health, Safety and Well-being; and Aging in Place.

The Southwest Iowa Emergency Relief Fund will provide funding to organizations and services in Pottawattamie County that are filling basic human needs, rebuilding communities, and providing direct support to individuals and families.

Falling on National Volunteer Week, a major focus for Do Good Days this year is volunteerism.  SHARE Iowa, an initiative of the Community Foundation for Western Iowa, provided online educational opportunities for nonprofits and presented the second annual “Do-Gooder of the Year” award.  All nonprofit organizations participating on the SHARE Iowa platform were encouraged to nominate their volunteers or “Do-Gooders” of the year.  Share My Smile nominated Ruth Kreger for the award. 

Changed to Zoom!

Many volunteers look for opportunities to serve as a family. Kamryn Ryan from Volunteer Iowa is joining us to discuss how to engage youth and family volunteers as well as barries and solutions to youth volunteering.