(Western Iowa) – The Community Foundation for Western Iowa, formerly Pottawattamie County Community Foundation, has announced that the Community Foundation is currently accepting applications for their “Make It Happen” nonprofit training program sponsored by D.A. Davidson.

The Community Foundation for Western Iowa created the “Make It Happen” program after witnessing an increase in requests for consultation in the areas of nonprofit agency endowments and fundraising. The Community Foundation was awarded an initial grant from the Iowa Council of Foundations in April 2019 to establish the 18-month training program designed to assist nonprofit partners in establishing solid fundraising tactics, building long-term relationships, and growing their sustainability.

The program is unique, in that it expounds on emerging research from Dr. Jenni Frumer, PhD, and focuses on what motivates donors and stakeholders toward philanthropy. Additionally, the program leverages strengths-based management principles to build and solidify internal organizational strengths toward fund development success.

The Community Foundation is delighted to announce that D.A. Davidson is generously sponsoring the 2023 “Make It Happen” training program that will support nonprofit partners by increasing their ability to put a comprehensive plan in place that focuses on the benefits of a strong, endowed funding stream and will not only ensure the organization’s long-term viability and strength, but will also effectively create a widespread culture of philanthropy throughout the Community Foundation’s western Iowa service area.

The partnership with D.A. Davidson will enable the Community Foundation to deliver this comprehensive, full-service fund development learning program to western Iowa nonprofit and community partners in a cohort format, spanning an 18-month period starting in January 2023 at no-cost to the selected participants. The “Make It Happen” training program consists of six-monthly meetings from January to June, and then moves to quarterly “Continuing to Make It Happen” sessions where participants are able to learn from subject matter experts based on their personal feedback and needs.

The inaugural 2020 “Make It Happen” cohort consisted of eight area nonprofit organizations: Council Bluffs Schools Foundation, FAMILY Inc., Golden Hills RC&D, Habitat for Humanity of Council Bluffs, Historic General Dodge House, Midlands Humane Society, and Trivium.

Organizations will be selected through an application process and the second cohort will begin in January 2023. Information on the program and how to apply can be found at: www.givewesterniowa.org/impact/makeithappen.
Community Foundation for Western Iowa The Community Foundation for Western Iowa, formerly Pottawattamie County Community Foundation, is your connection to creating a lasting legacy and ensuring western Iowa is strong, vibrant, and attractive for years to come. The Community Foundation provides a highly personalized plan tailored to each individual or family’s charitable goals, financial interests, and desired impact.

The Community Foundation for Western Iowa is nationally accredited by the Council on Foundations (www.cfstandards.org), is overseen by a volunteer board of leading citizens, and run by professionals with expertise in identifying the needs of western Iowa. As a tax-exempt public charity, 501(c)(3), that serves thousands of people who share a common interest in improving the quality of life in western Iowa, the Community Foundation also offers a 10% match (up to $250,000 per fund) for the creation of a charitable endowment fund or donation to an existing eligible endowment fund.