As part of its fourth quarter grantmaking efforts, The Iowa West Foundation has announced $4 million in grants for projects in the Council Bluffs area as well as some outside of its direct community. In all, 35 nonprofits received funds through this round of grantmaking.

Some recipients include the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Iowa, which received $15,000 to make the wishes of southwest Iowa children come true. The Council Bluffs Public Library was also granted $40,000 to expand services in its virtual history program, while the City of Council Bluffs was awarded $100,000 for events to celebrate the grand opening of River's Edge Park.

The lion's share of the grant went to the establishment of the Iowa West Foundation. The economic development initiative for West Broadway received $1.25 million. It's a collaborative project between the Chamber of Commerce and the City of Council Bluffs that will spur development of the city's main throughway, according to Pete Tulipana, president and CEO of The Iowa West Foundation. This investment is expected to support economic development and community revitalization that will have long-lasting results.

Foundations that support nonprofit programs year-round can use grant management software to help board members and accountants track funds and recipients as awards are allocated.