Who We Are
A community foundation is a nonprofit organization that supports a defined geographic area by stewarding charitable assets and awarding grants to address community needs and opportunities.
The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation serves Linn County, Iowa, as a convenor and partner to donors, funders, and nonprofit organizations working together to build vibrant and inclusive communities where all people can thrive.
Founded in 1949 as the Community Welfare Foundation, we became a public community foundation in 1992. Today, we steward more than $229 million in charitable assets across more than 1,000 funds, generating grants for the greater good of Linn County.
Our Vision, Mission, and Values
We are guided by our vision, mission and values and we work every day to bring them to life.
Our Strategies
To strengthen our community through philanthropy, we:
- Inspire Giving
- Provide Funding
- Advocate for Equity
- Invest in Community Initiatives
- Convene People
- Promote Learning
- Manage Investments
A History of Serving the Greater Good
Originally established in 1949 by seven community-minded leaders, the Community Welfare Foundation was a private foundation that received gifts and bequests to support charitable enterprises in Cedar Rapids.
In 1987, a local radio and television entrepreneur named William B. Quarton challenged the Community Welfare Foundation to become a public organization to meet the broader interests of the growing communities in Linn County, Iowa.
With the support of donors throughout Linn County, we became the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation in 1992.
Partner With Us
We bring people together to strengthen our community through philanthropy. We inspire giving, fund important programs, advocate for equity, promote learning, and invest in community initiatives to improve the quality of life in Linn County.
Our Impact
$229 Million
in Total Assets
1,083
Total Funds
$12 Million
Total Grants
Awarded in 2024
725
Nonprofits Funded in 2024
Get to Know Us
