Nonprofit Know-How Event Focuses on Strategic Planning

Published: March 26, 2024 | By: Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation | Category:

On March 20, more than 50 nonprofit professionals gathered at the Cedar Rapids Public Library to learn about and discuss strategic planning. President & CEO Karla Twedt-Ball provided tools and resources and shared personal experiences with strategic planning at all levels within nonprofit organizations. Participant-led workshops also gave attendees the opportunity to learn from and connect with peers from across…Continue Reading


Endowment Challenge Grants Awarded

Published: March 26, 2024 | By: Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation | Category:

In the final grant cycle of 2023, Endowment Challenge Grants were awarded to the Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival, Indian Creek Nature Center, and Orchestra Iowa. The award provides a 1:3 matching grant of up to $25,000 to establish and build endowed funds at the Community Foundation. The organizations have five years to meet the match. Nonprofit endowment funds invest in…Continue Reading


First Grants Awarded in 1954

Published: March 26, 2024 | By: Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation | Category:

Two Organizations Received First Grant Awards and Both are Still Making an Impact Today   By the time the Community Welfare Foundation was ready to award its first grants, the Children’s Home of Cedar Rapids and the Home for Aged Women had been serving the community for decades. Both organizations grew out of the Industrial School, established in 1879, and…Continue Reading


Watching It Grow: Michael and Marla Valliere Plant Seeds of Impact

Published: March 26, 2024 | By: Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation | Category:

Once a year, Michael and Marla Valliere thumb through a list of organizations that have applied for Community Foundation grants, looking for programs, projects and organizations that speak to them. Their task is to recommend grants from their donor-advised fund—an annual process they enjoy and find rewarding. But while philanthropy may seem second-nature to them now, the grants they make…Continue Reading


From the Start: Celebrating 75 Years of Impact

Published: March 26, 2024 | By: Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation | Category:

In the late 1940’s, as communities across the country began looking toward a post-war future, a group of forward-thinking citizens came together to establish the Community Welfare Foundation of Cedar Rapids. The organization, which would go on to become the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, was created to help philanthropists support the varied and ever-changing needs of the community.  Research…Continue Reading


Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation Distributes Over $11 Million in Grants in 2023

The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation announces more than $11 million in grants were distributed to 634 nonprofit organizations in 2023. The funding was made possible by donors who care about Linn County, Iowa. “The Community Foundation offers expertise in charitable giving, a wide range of giving options, and extensive knowledge of our community,” says Jon Landon, Board Chair. “The…Continue Reading


Over 130 Funds Will Celebrate Anniversaries in 2024

Published: February 15, 2024 | By: Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation | Category:

For the last 75 years, the Community Foundation has partnered with individuals, families, businesses and organizations to strengthen Linn County. More than 1,000 unique charitable funds provide support for local nonprofits, and many of those funds are celebrating milestone anniversaries in 2024. Thank you to all those who have made gifts for the greater good of Linn County. 35 YEARSBrian…Continue Reading


Welcome, New Board Members and 2024 Officers

Published: January 24, 2024 | By: Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation | Category:

With the start of the new year, the Community Foundation’s Board of Directors welcomed four new members, and 2024 officers began their tenure. The new Directors bring a range of experiences and skills to the Community Foundation. Their diversity of perspectives will be a valuable contribution as the organization builds a new strategic plan in 2024. The new Directors include:…Continue Reading


Over $4.4 Million in Grants Awarded

Published: January 22, 2024 | By: Corinne Ramler | Category:

The Board of Directors of the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation recently approved over $4.46 million in grants to 339 nonprofit organizations. The awards include competitive Organization Support Grants, Program Support Grants, Linn County Grants, and Endowment Challenge Grants from the grant cycle in the fall of 2023; as well as distributions from donor-advised, designated, scholarship and nonprofit funds. The Community…Continue Reading