Senator Harkin Announces Over $1.4 Million In Economic Recovery Funding For Iowa

September 30, 2009 -- “Low income Iowans have been hit particularly hard by this recession, and these grants will help provide the support they need to get back on their feet” said Senator Tom Harkin. “As they recover, the American economy recovers. This funding will help Iowa families regain their financial security.”

The purpose of the Strengthening Communities Fund (SCF) is to improve the ability of non-profit organizations to promote the economic recovery of people with low-incomes. SCF is comprised of two programs, both of which will boost the ability of community and faith-based organizations to handle the broad economic recovery issues in their communities, including job training and retention and access to state and Federal benefits.

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All grants are one-time, two-year awards. The State, Local, and Tribal Government Capacity Building Program provides funds for government entities, which then in turn work with community-based organizations. The Nonprofit Capacity Building Program funds intermediary nonprofits, which also work with community organizations to enhance their economic recovery activities.

Information on the grants is below.

State, Local, and Tribal Government Capacity Building Program
The University of Iowa, Iowa City: $250,000
County of Linn, Iowa (Linn County Public Health): $167,933

Nonprofit Capacity Building Program
Iowa Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, West Des Moines: $1,000,000

Source: Senator Tom Harkin