FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 10/23/25

MRHD Awards $1.25 Million Dollars to

9 Siouxland Organizations

SIOUX CITY, Iowa — Missouri River Historical Development (MRHD) awarded $1.25 million to nine Siouxland organizations today during its annual Impact Match Grant Awards Ceremony held in Encore Hall at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Sioux City. The event brought together community leaders, volunteers, and representatives from local nonprofits, educational institutions, and governments to celebrate transformative projects that will enhance the region’s quality of life.

The Impact Match Grant is a competitive funding program providing $25,000 to $250,000 to support large-scale projects that create significant impact in addressing needs of the community and the organization’s work. Grantees must match 25% of their award and complete their projects within one year.

Projects must also align with one or more of MRHD’s grant focus areas:

1. Economic Development, Community Improvement, Tourism

2. Human Services, Health Services

3. Civic, Public, Charitable, Patriotic, Religious

4. Leisure, Cultural, Historical

5. Education

Nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and local governments located in Woodbury County, or those in surrounding counties were eligible to apply.

The recipients of the 2025 Impact Match Grant include:

  • Crittenton Center, Transitional Therapeutic Home Update – enhancing safe spaces for children and families in crisis, $250,000

  • Morningside University, Sound Enhancements for Auditorium and Gymnasium – improving accessibility and event experiences for students and community members, $250,000

  • Heartland Counseling Services, Technology, Furnishings & Accessibility for New Crisis Stabilization Unit and Detox Center – advancing regional mental health and addiction recovery services, $249,338

  • Boys & Girls Home of Sioux City, Construction of Opportunity School Facility – creating a modern, trauma-informed learning environment for youth, $234,375

  • Danbury Community Club, Recreation Center Improvements – expanding opportunities for rural residents to gather, stay active, and build community, $75,000

  • Pierson Volunteer Firefighter Association, Replacement Grass Firefighting Truck – ensuring faster emergency response and enhanced rural fire protection, $74,539

  • The Miracle League of Sioux City, Field Surface Replacement & Safety Netting – improving accessibility and safety for athletes of all abilities, $54,748

  • Siouxland Humane Society, New Programs & Services Truck – ensuring outreach, rescue, and adoption capabilities throughout the community, $37,000

  • Goodwill of the Great Plains, VR Workforce Development Technology – introducing virtual reality training to enhance job readiness and workforce development, $25,000

“These projects exemplify the collaborative spirit that makes Siouxland strong,” said Sarah Kleber, MRHD Board President. “Each organization is addressing real community needs in innovative and effective ways, from mental health and education, to public safety and recreation. MRHD is proud to support their work and invest in a future where all of Siouxland thrives.”

MRHD is the nonprofit Qualified Sponsoring Organization (QSO) that holds the license for casino gaming in Woodbury County and receives funding from an agreement with Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Sioux City. Under Iowa law, a percentage of the casino’s gaming revenues is allocated to MRHD for community development.

MRHD has invested more than $36 million into Woodbury County and the Siouxland community since its partnership with the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino - Sioux City formed in 2014, and the organization has invested more than $58 million since its grant program began in 1994.

For more information about MRHD or its Impact Match Grant program, contact David Gleiser, Executive Director, at (712) 899-6631 or execdir@mrhdiowa.org.

Images for this event may be found at: https://www.facebook.com/MRHDIowa.

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