BLN Community Grant Program 2021

The College of Public Health and its Business Leadership Network (BLN) recently announced that five Iowa community organizations will be recipients of grant funding through the BLN’s Community Grant Program. See below for details about the projects funded in 2021 that will run from March 1 – December 31, 2021.

The organizations received grant awards of up to $3,000 to support public health-related initiatives and projects in their communities. Funding for the BLN Community Grant Program is provided by the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation. The grant program also requires recipients to secure an equal cash match from other community organizations or businesses.

Building Bridges – Burlington
The Getting Ahead Workshop project will provide an 18-week workshop to help families and individuals living in poverty develop resources and a support system to help them succeed in their work and personal lives. The program focuses on strengthening skills in 11 areas: financial, emotional, language, mental/cognitive, social capital/connections, physical, spiritual, motivation, integrity, relationships, and knowledge of hidden social rules.

Cedar/Jones Early Childhood Iowa – Anamosa
The Jones County Story Walk project aims to promote early literacy while children and families engage in educational and physical activities. A children’s book will be installed and displayed page-by-page on posts along a park path in Jones County. Walking the path, children and their families can read the story and participate in related activities listed on each page. A variety of books will be interchanged on a regular basis.

 NAMI Southeast Iowa – West Burlington
The Mental Health Educational Classes project aims to increase understanding of what mental illness is, reduce stigma and barriers to seeking treatment, provide coping skills, and let people know they are not alone. Classes will be held in eight southeast Iowa rural counties where accessing mental health care can be difficult.

South Central Iowa Community Action Program-Parents as Teachers – Chariton
The CPR and First Aid project will provide education and training to parents and caregivers to increase knowledge on how to take action in an emergency situation. A staff member will obtain CPR and basic First Aid instructor certification to provide free or low-cost trainings to low-income families enrolled in the Parents as Teachers program, area childcare providers, and other community partners.

Vinton/Shellsburg Community School District – Vinton
The Student Leadership Project seeks to combat negative consequences such as substance use, mental illness, and risk of suicide for students who have faced Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). The project will provide students with resources and opportunities to develop leadership skills to reduce the effects of ACEs so that they can make a positive impact in their own school, community, and lives.

Learn more about the BLN Community Grant Program.

Learn more about the Business Leadership Network.