Nearly four-dozen non-profit projects and programs in southwest Iowa are splitting millions of dollars in new grants. The Iowa West Foundation is distributing nine-point-two million dollars to 46 non-profits in the region, money that comes from the three Council Bluffs-area gambling halls. Jerry Mathiasen is the Foundation’s associate executive director. He says more than half the money, four-point-eight million, is going to the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs at the I-80-29 interchange. The second largest gift of one-point-seven million dollars goes to educational programs, early childhood development and scholarships.Other recipients include: Cass County 9-1-1, Camp Fire Boys and Girls, community skate park in Carson, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Iowa and Mills County Prevent Child Abuse Council. The Iowa West Foundation receives its funding from the Iowa West Racing Association, the license holder for Ameristar Casino and Hotel, Bluffs Run Casino and Harrah’s Casino and Hotel.
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