PARTNERS IN PROGRESS
A Grant Program of the IADG Community Foundation
For thirty eight years at Iowa Area Development Group, and for two decades, IADG 
Community Foundation, we have worked to create, discover, share and implement best practices and innovative ideas to advance business and community development efforts throughout the state. While we’re confident we have made significant contributions to the field of economic development and community philanthropy, we’re sure our partners have as well.
That is why we have chosen to strengthen and continue our grant program called “Partners in Progress.” At the heart of this grant program is our desire to help our IADG and IADG CF partners implement and share programs and initiatives that are new, innovative, and have demonstrated their contribution and value. As such, our grant program is all about sharing and replicating success. It is our intention to promote and encourage the notoriety and improvement of one organization’s innovative idea with a commitment and process for replication, improvement, and implementation at yet another.
A pre-application discussion with IADG/IADG CF staff is encouraged. Items of consideration include:
- Innovation and novelty of the concept or program to be developed, implemented and shared.
- Impact at the original community or organization and communities or organizations which would benefit from sharing and replication.
- Implementation (plan for implementing, improving, and sharing the concept with other communities or organizations, including a timetable and budget.)
- Replication (How will sharing this initiative facilitate, streamline and make others more easily able to adopt or implement the initiative.)
- Partners in Progress! (How will you collaborate with IADG and IADGCF to promote, publicize, and share your initiative so that it might enhance other communities or organizations.)
Express an Interest
Grant discussions can be commenced with IADG Community Foundation. A simple narrative overviewing the program or initiative you wish to share will be sufficient to start the conversation.
“Partners in Progress” program questions should be directed to Bruce Nuzum, IADG Community Foundation CEO, (bnuzum@iadg.com) or 800-888-4743.
OUR PARTNERS IN PROGRESS
Housing
East Central Development Corporation (ECDC) was selected for their “Pocket Neighborhood Housing Project in Maquoketa. Housing is a challenge across the state of Iowa. The pocket neighborhood concept addressed the need for workforce housing in Jackson County for households at or below 100% of the County Median Income level.
The pocket neighborhoods, (Small-scale communities in a larger-scale world,) foster a sense of belonging and meaning. The pocket neighborhood concept features clusters of homes gathered around a landscaped common area with recreational amenities, creating a neighborhood setting and facilitating interaction on a daily basis with shared outdoor common space. The homes in this project are single-family, story-and-a-half bungalows that incorporate sustainable practices. Grant funds supported final blueprints and site layout, review and finalization of association covenants and support for replication.
Population Growth
Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation implemented the Five by Five (5x5) Campaign, in an effort to reverse chronic population loss and drive a 5% increase in population over a five-year period. This extensive program included the identification of skills and attributes needed to fill open positions. Community champions were recruited to spread the word through videos and other digital marketing channels. High-quality videos and digital marketing materials were developed to support the campaign. The IADG CF funds were used to support the development of the technology “portal” that allowed organizations to accumulate a database of prospects and to assist with the refining of the marketing message and materials. The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation generated impressive interest. They have shared information about their program with other Iowa communities and are interested in sharing their program throughout the state.
Workforce Development
Rocket Manufacturing is a fully operational manufacturing business operating within Rock Valley High School. This was the first of its kind in Iowa. The community, School District, local companies, volunteers and students all came together to make this project a success. Donated manufacturing equipment, welding stations, and other metal fabrication tools outfitted the new 10,000 sq. ft. expansion of the existing “shop class.” Local companies send smaller jobs to the students to test and work with the equipment. The community and businesses continue to show support. This is real-world work for the students. Each semester the students take their position in the company. There is a manager, bookkeeper, salespeople, marketing and other students working in the “plant” taking orders and making products.
Any "Partners in Progress" program questions may be directed to Bruce Nuzum, IADG Community Foundation CEO, (bnuzum@iadg.com).