We awarded more than $4.9 million through 78 grants to community nonprofits.
These latest grants bring the Foundation’s 2017 annual grantmaking total to over $18.5 million. The 162 grants we made last year supported organizations anchored in the culture of the people they serve and dedicated to expanding economic opportunity in under-resourced communities.
Of this quarter’s grantmaking, nearly $400,000 supported two grantees poised to take their model for community impact to the next level.
Nimiipuu Community Development Fund builds a pipeline of economic opportunity for Nez Perce tribal members
As a newly certified CDFI, Nimiipuu Community Development Fund (NCDF) has joined a proven and promising sector of Native CDFIs driving entrepreneurial growth and financial and cultural well-being in Indian Country. NCDF is part of our Access to Capital portfolio, which seeks to connect people to resources in their community for a stronger local economy.
The young Native CDFI is leveraging two-year, $180,000 grant (awarded to the Nez Perce tribe, which is providing it to NCDF), to develop and grow its financial education, business development, and asset-building services. NCDF connects more families, small-business owners, and budding entrepreneurs in the Nez Perce tribal community to homeownership, financial security, and resources needed to bring their business dream to life.
AMOS Institute of Public Life: advancing innovation through its workforce development strategy
The AMOS Institute of Public Life brings a tenacious and innovative community-organizing approach toward improving the quality of life for hard-working families across central Iowa.
Like others in our Work Opportunity portfolio, this community-based nonprofit builds pathways to quality jobs, stable scheduling, safety, and opportunities to advance in the workplace. AMOS Institute of Public Life will use its two-year, $200,000 grant to advance Project IOWA (Iowa Opportunities for Workforce Advancement), a workforce development strategy that promotes individual growth, skills development, and job placement of clients.
The Institute will grow its network of nonprofits and private employers that help its clients win quality jobs; it’ll diversify its training and job creation opportunities; and it’ll reach and target over 300 women, low-income people, people of color, and underemployed Iowa residents.
