Google awarded more than $1 million to Iowa nonprofit organizations last year to support education and community initiatives, the company announced.
The funds were distributed through Google’s community giving program, which supports organizations near the company’s data centers and other initiatives statewide. Recipients work on STEM education, digital access, sustainability, and small business development.
Among the recipients, Kirkwood Community College received funding to launch an Innovation Fund that will create new degree and certificate programs aligned with the data center industry’s technical needs in the region.
And Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa received funding to support three programs—JA BizTown Mobile, JA Finance Park Mobile, and JA Career Inspire—that will reach 10,355 students from more than 25 schools. The programs introduce students to digital economy concepts, financial literacy and STEM career pathways.
Other recipients include Iowa Western Community College, which will use its funding for a multi-year initiative to address skilled trades labor shortages through registered apprenticeships and hands-on training across southwest Iowa.
The Glenwood Community School District received funding to expand STEM education and competitive robotics programs. iJAG will use its grant to equip 11th and 12th grade students with career-readiness skills and industry-recognized micro credentials in rural Iowa.
Advance Southwest Iowa received funding for a new entrepreneurial hub in Council Bluffs to support small businesses and startups. Together Omaha will establish digital access points for under-resourced families in Council Bluffs and Omaha.
Wings of Hope Cancer Support Center received funding to provide free emotional and mental health resources to southwest Iowa families. MICAH House will use its grant for technology infrastructure upgrades to support case management and digital tools for families experiencing homelessness.
Additional recipients include the Community Foundation of Western Iowa, KidWind for renewable energy education, Avenue Scholars SW Iowa for IT boot camps, United Way of the Midlands for student hygiene kits, and the Council Bluffs Chamber of Commerce.
“Google has been proud to call Iowa home for nearly 20 years, and we are committed to giving back to the community through both grant opportunities like these as well as volunteer roles from our Googlers across the state,” said Allyson Eastman, Google community and workforce senior manager, in a release. “These nonprofit organizations are on the front line helping to solve issues like the digital divide, skilled training needs and address other barriers to economic mobility across the state.”
Google established its Council Bluffs data center in 2007. Last spring, the company announced $7 billion in new investment in Iowa, including a new data center in Cedar Rapids. In 2024, Google provided $2.1 billion in economic activity for Iowa businesses, nonprofits, publishers, creators and developers.
