Matthew Henkes

As Vice President of Grants and Initiatives at the Iowa West Foundation, I lead the foundation's grants management and programmatic work, focusing on promoting well-being, belonging, opportunity, and financial stability in our community. My role involves overseeing how we evaluate our impact, prioritizing equity in our grantmaking, and helping our grantees build their capacity to achieve sustainable success.

Since relocating to the Omaha/Council Bluffs area in 2014, I've been deeply involved in the foundation’s housing initiatives, striving to enhance access to safe and affordable housing for all. My journey in philanthropy began with a robust career at Chemonics, where I managed high-stakes international development projects, including a $60 million regional economic development program and an environmental grant initiative across Southern Africa.

I am a national online lecturer for The Grantmaking School at the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy, where I share my expertise with future leaders in the field. Additionally, I served as a reviewer for the Nebraska Arts Council Basic Support Grants in 2023, further contributing to the arts and culture sector.

I hold an MPA from the Maxwell School at Syracuse University and an MA in International Economics and Conflict Management from the School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) at Johns Hopkins University. I am trained in Organization Relationship and System Coaching by CRR Global.

Recognized as one of the Midlands Business Journal's 2018 40 under 40, I am passionate about using my diverse experience in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to drive impactful change. Let's connect and explore how we can work together to create a more equitable and thriving community.