Home Nonprofits Grants Grant Opportunities & Deadlines

Investing in Nonprofits Serving Linn County

At the very core of our work lies our grantmaking. Community Foundation grant programs are intended to meet nonprofits where they are. We offer a variety of opportunities that support innovation, sustainability and capacity building.

Competitive Grant Programs

The competitive grant programs are supported by the Greater Good Fund and other Field of Interest funds, and are designed to support a wide range of programs, projects, and organizations. 

Grant ProgramPurposeAward Limits
Deadlines*
March 7,
2025
June 27,
2025
September 12,
2025
Program Support GrantsSupports new, innovative programs and sustains ongoing programs.Maximum of $25,000 per year
Organization Support GrantsSupports general operating costs and capacity-building projects to create sustainable organizations.Maximum of $25,000 per year
Endowment Challenge GrantsSupports nonprofit organizations with a matching grant to help start and build endowment funds for sustainability.$25,000 with five years to meet the match
Linn County GrantsSupports programs or projects that enhance the quality of life and community development outside the Cedar Rapids metropolitan area. Maximum of $10,000
Rapid Response GrantsSupports time-sensitive emergency expenses and emerging opportunities for nonprofit organizations.Maximum of $2,500 Accepted as needed, once per 12-month period

*All grant applications are due at 4:30 p.m. The Grant Portal opens approximately 30 days prior to deadline. Grant decisions will be communicated within 8-10 weeks after the deadline.  

Competitive Donor-Advised Funds

We accept grant applications for a number of corporations and family funds. The funding priorities, criteria and amounts awarded are determined by the donor-advisor. 

Fund NamePriorities, Eligible and Ineligible RequestsAverage Awards
Deadlines*
March 7,
2025
June 27,
2025
September 12,
2025
Altorfer, Inc.Priorities: Historic preservation, community development

Eligible: Program or Capital

Ineligible: Individual public schools, projects outside Linn County, fundraisers/sponsorships
$2,400
Bloomhall FamilyPriorities: Health-related activities

Eligible: Program or Capital

Ineligible: Fundraisers/sponsorships (instead, consider applying for the program for which you are raising funds), conferences, travel expenses, religious organizations for religious purposes
CRST InternationalPriorities: Arts and culture

Eligible: Program, Capital or Sponsorship

Ineligible: Individual public schools, religious organizations for religious purposes, United Way agencies may not apply for program support but may apply for capital requests
$500 to $30,000
Diamond VPriorities: Health-related activities

Eligible: Program or Capital

Ineligible: Fundraisers/sponsorships (instead, consider applying for the program for which you are raising funds), conferences, travel expenses, religious organizations for religious purposes
$7,500
Girls With GoalsPriorities: This fund supports nonprofit organizations working to empower girls ages K-8 in Iowa.

Eligible: Program, Capital or Sponsorship
Up to $1,000
GreatAmerica Financial Services CorporationEligible: Program, Capital or Sponsorship

Ineligible: Individual public schools, travel expenses, religious organizations for religious purposes
$9,000

Lil’ Drug Store ProductsPriorities: Projects within Cedar Rapids

Eligible: Program, Capital or Sponsorship
Up to $5,000
McGrath Automotive GroupPriorities: Children’s needs

Eligible: Program, Capital or Sponsorship

Ineligible: Travel expenses, projects/organizations outside Linn County
$3,000
World Class IndustriesPriorities: Basic health and human services, classroom education for Iowa Core Standards, capital improvements to support program areas (please submit a program application for these improvements to provide context)

Eligible: Program

Ineligible: Fundraisers/sponsorships (instead, consider applying for the program for which you are raising funds), religious organizations for religious purposes
$500 to $10,000

*All grant applications are due at 4:30 p.m. Timelines for funding decisions are determined by the donor-advisors.  

Other Grant Funds

The following are grant funds for which the Community Foundation provides administrative support. Click the fund name for more information.

GrantPurposeAward Limits
Deadlines*
Friends Helping Friends FoundationSupports animal service organizations in Cedar Rapids and Marion. $2,500
March 29,
2024
June 28,
2024
September 27,
2024
December 27,
2024

*All grant applications are due at 4:30 p.m. Timelines for funding decisions are determined by the donors. 

Questions? Your Grants Team is Here to Help. Contact Us!

Photo of Casey Baustian

Casey Baustian, MSW
Program Officer


  319.774.2378
  casey.baustian@gcrcf.org

Contact for questions related to Organization Support Grants, Rapid Response Grants, or Disaster Recovery Fund.

Photo of Bernadette Gladish

Bernadette Gladish
Grants and Programs Manager

  319.774.2374
  bernadette.gladish@gcrcf.org

Contact for questions related to online grant portal access, grant awards, or grant reports.

Photo of Rochelle Naylor

Rochelle Naylor, MPP
Senior Program Officer


  319.774.2373
  rochelle.naylor@gcrcf.org

Contact for questions related to Endowment Challenge Grants or Competitive Donor-Advised Funds.

Photo of Sanjana Raghavan

Sanjana Raghavan, MHA
Program Officer


  319.200.2279
  sanjana.raghavan@gcrcf.org

Contact for questions related to Program Support Grants or Linn County Grants.

Visit the Nonprofit Giving Center and the Nonprofit Calendar to search for a nonprofit fund, organization, cause, or event to support.
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