The Foundation offers multiple opportunities for funding based on the type of project, organization age and size, and community need. Grant funds are available for both emerging and established organizations for projects ranging from small, time-limited grants to larger multi-year commitments. The first step in preparing your grant application is choosing the right grant program or programs. The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation makes grants to nonprofits from the following programs:
Flood 2008 Fund (please make application through the Community Fund, Momentum Fund or Linn County Endowment Fund)
The Flood 2008 Fund supports the response, recovery and rebuilding efforts throughout the Cedar Rapids-metro and surrounding communities as a result of the flood of June 2008. Nonprofit 501 (c)(3) and public agencies (e.g. community action groups, relief agencies, churches and faith-based organizations, clinics, schools, county or city human services departments, food banks, clothes closets, etc.) that fit the criteria are eligble to apply for funding from $500 to $25,000 per proposal. Proposals must be implemented without discrimination or religious content. Applications for flood-related projects and programs are encouraged to apply to the Community Fund, Momentum Fund or Linn County Endowment Fund.
President's Fund (applications accepted anytime)
This fund provides small grants for emerging organizations and emergency needs. Applications are accepted at any time and decisions are usually made in 2-3 weeks.
County Grants Programs (application deadlines: Jones County - February 15, 2010 and Linn County - June 15, 2010)
The County Endowment program was established by the Iowa legislature to support charitable investments in Iowa counties. The Linn, Jones and Wapello County Endowment Funds are administered by the GCRCF, in conjunction with grant committees from the respective counties.
Education Grant Programs (application deadline: March 10, 2010)
The FFEE competitive grant program is designed to encourage creativity and experiential learning in the classroom, foster imaginative teaching and enhance instructional methods.
The Marshall Journalism Grants for High School Newspapers/Journalism Departments strengthen high school journalism departments through equipment and educational opportunities.
Youth POWER (application deadline: January 8, 2010)
A board of high school students solicits applications and awards $10,000 each year to community projects.
The Community Fund (application deadlines : February 15 and October 15, 2010)
The Community Fund provides grants to support the development of new programs and enables an organization to pilot a new effort and evaluate the effectiveness of the effort.
The Momentum Fund (application deadline: June 15, 2010)
These are our primary grantmaking programs. Through the Community Fund, we are able to respond to changing needs. Typically, these awards are made to newer projects or programs. The Momentum Fund makes grants to existing programs that have demonstrated successful outcomes. A committee of board members and community members review proposals.
Field of Interest Funds (application deadline: February 15, 2010)
These funds support particular areas of need. Click above for a detailed listing, application procedures, and priority areas. Note: several of these funds do not require a full application.
Corporate and Family Competitive Donor Advised Funds (application deadlines: February 15, June 15 and October 15, 2010)
GCRCF administers competitive giving programs for a number of local corporations. The funds that accept applications are listed. |
Organizational Development Fund (application accepted anytime)
The Organizational Development Fund responds to ongoing trends in the nonprofit sector. The goal of this program is to assist non-profit agency efforts to build an organization’s internal capacity and effectiveness and fund activities that increase the success and impact of the organization’s programs. |
