Stronger Community projects start with people who see a need and take action. In this exciting, new episode of GrantTalk, host Libby Hikind, Founder and CEO of GrantWatch and author of The Queen of Grants series, (The Queen of Grants series: The Queen of Grants: From Teacher to Grant Writer to CEO and The Queen of Grants 2: GrantTalk Secrets for the New Era of Writing) sits down with Jessica Garcia, City Manager of Denison, Iowa, and Fire Chief Cory Snowgren. Together, they talk about how their city has used grants found on GrantWatch to fund important projects that benefit residents and improve public safety.
Finding Grant Opportunities in One Place
For the City of Denison, grant seeking has become an important part of serving the community. Jessica Garcia explains that she has been in her role for more than three years, while Snowgren has worked with the city for 15 years. During that time, they have relied on GrantWatch to help identify funding opportunities.
Cory Snowgren recalls first learning about GrantWatch through the state fire marshal’s office. What began as a useful resource eventually became a regular part of the city’s grant research process. Instead of searching multiple sources, the team could find a wide range of opportunities in one location.
Their commitment to grant seeking has helped the city secure funding for projects that might otherwise have been difficult to complete.
Supporting Public Safety Through Grant Funding
One of the grants discussed during the episode came from the Farm Credit Services of America grant program. The funding helped purchase specialized grain bin rescue equipment for the fire department.
The need for the equipment became clear after a tragic grain bin accident in Crawford County. Following the incident, several local fire departments worked together to improve emergency response capabilities for similar situations. Through the grant program, the Denison Fire Department received $5,000 toward the purchase of grain bin rescue equipment. According to Snowgren, the award provided the final amount needed to complete the purchase.
The equipment is designed to help save lives during dangerous grain bin emergencies. While the department hopes it never has to use the equipment, having it available provides an important layer of protection for residents and agricultural workers.
Supporting Community Wellness Through Grant Funding
In addition to securing funding for emergency response equipment, the City of Denison also received support through the Working Here Fund grant program. The funding helped advance improvements connected to the Crawford County Wellness Center, a project designed to strengthen health, recreation, and quality of life for local residents.
Garcia explained that projects such as the wellness center create benefits that extend across the entire community. They provide spaces where residents can stay active, connect with neighbors, and access resources that support overall well-being. These types of initiatives often align well with grantmakers because they produce lasting community impact.
The project also reflects the city’s approach to grant seeking. Rather than applying for funding without a clear purpose, Denison focuses on identifying specific needs and matching them with grant opportunities that can help move projects forward.
Stronger Community Results Start with Purpose
Garcia explains that the City of Denison takes a thoughtful approach when applying for grants. Rather than pursuing every opportunity available, the city focuses on projects that clearly align with grant objectives and community needs. The team works to identify specific projects before applying for funding. If a grant can fully support a project or help complete it, they move forward with the application process.
This approach allows the city to maximize the impact of each award while remaining mindful that other communities are also seeking funding for important initiatives. Garcia noted that many funders want to support projects that create meaningful community impact. Grants that improve public safety, address local needs, or provide lasting benefits often stand out because they deliver measurable results.
A Practical Approach to Grant Success
Throughout the conversation, Libby highlights an important point for grant seekers. Funders are often looking for projects that create positive change. While some grants support operational expenses, many are designed to fund initiatives that leave a lasting impact.
Denison’s success demonstrates the value of matching projects with the right funding opportunities. By identifying a need, researching available grants, and applying strategically, the city has been able to secure resources that directly benefit residents. Their experience also shows that successful grant seeking does not always mean pursuing large awards. Sometimes a grant that fills a specific funding gap can be the key to completing a critical project.
Final Thoughts
The City of Denison’s story is a reminder that grants can help local governments tackle important challenges and improve public services. Through careful planning and a focus on community impact, Jessica Garcia and Cory Snowgren have used grant funding to support projects that make a real difference.
As their work demonstrates, building a stronger community often starts with identifying a need, finding the right funding source, and taking action. With the right strategy, grants can become a powerful tool for creating safer, stronger, and more resilient communities.
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About GrantWatch
A trusted resource since 2010. For more than 16 years, GrantWatch has helped nonprofits, small businesses, schools, government agencies, and individuals discover funding opportunities and navigate the grant process with confidence. Thousands of organizations rely on GrantWatch’s extensive database of verified grants and funding resources to identify opportunities and secure support for meaningful projects.
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GrantWatch, founded by Libby Hikind, is the author of The Queen of Grants series, including The Queen of Grants series: The Queen of Grants: From Teacher to Grant Writer to CEO and The Queen of Grants 2: GrantTalk Secrets for the New Era of Writing. Drawing on decades of experience in the grants industry, GrantWatch was created to simplify how organizations discover, evaluate, and pursue funding opportunities.