In order to meet the needs of emerging grass-roots organizations, the strategic and emergency issues of established organizations, unexpected opportunities and current community or sector learning, a small fund has been developed.

To apply to the President's Fund, please submit a one-page letter explaining the organization's need.  Include a budget listing the items required. New organizations should also provide a brief description of the organization – how it started, its purpose, list of officers and projects.  Proposals may be submitted at any time and will be acted upon in a timely manner, usually within a few weeks.

Applications may be sent to:
President/CEO
Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation
200 First St SW
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404

Organizations may receive assistance for the following, not to exceed $5,000 in a 12-month period:

Start-up Expenses ($250 to $2,000):
Nominal expenses for stationery, brochures and office supplies;
IRS filing fee to request 501(c)3 designation

Note: While the Foundation recognizes that all organizations would like to upgrade equipment, because of limited funds, requests for computers, phones, copiers, etc. are generally not funded.

Emergency Expenditures ($250 to $5,000):

These grants are awarded for unexpected circumstances that could not have reasonably been anticipated. Examples include:

An established program unexpectedly loses a major grant and needs interim funding while additional sources are found;

An established program unexpectedly receives an influx of participants needing service and additional expenses are required;

 An unexpected event adversely impacts the organization in a way that it could not have reasonably planned for.

Emerging Opportunities ($250 to $5,000):
An unexpected opportunity occurs, or the need for a new program or service arises. A small amount of funding is needed to take advantage of the opportunity, provide the service or start the program while continuing funding sources are researched. These grants are intended for time-sensitive situations that are of broad community importance. Opportunities that can reasonably wait for the next grant cycle should not seek President’s Fund support for the project.

Community or Sector Development Activities ($250 to $5,000):
Educational activities that promote discussion and learning around a particular topic that impacts the community as a whole, or other nonprofit workshops or seminars that build capacity in the sector as a whole. These activities must be open to the community.  Applications for organization-specific activities should be submitted to the Organizational Development Grant Program.

Strategic and Management Expenditures ($250 to $1,000):
Business and consulting services including strategic planning, developing market and business plans, technical support (not including website and other normal technology expenses);

Workshops, training and professional development that improves organizational effectiveness and mission delivery, including books, videos and other instructional materials.  Travel related expenses and sector conferences and tradeshows are not covered. Requests over $1,000 should be submitted to the Organizational Development Grant Program for consideration. Please contact the Vice President of Programs with questions or for additional information.