CRST: Three Decades of Charitable Giving

Published: December 14, 2021 | By: Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation | Category:

In 1991, CRST International established one of the first donor-advised funds at the newly public Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation. In the 30 years since, that fund has provided more than $6 million in grants to 128 different organizations. These grants have supported education, health, human services, and arts & culture, directly impacting countless lives in Linn County and beyond.

Here are just a few of the organizations the fund has supported:

Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre

Founded in 1998, Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre is one of just two professional opera companies in Iowa. Through the Children’s Opera Tour, the young Artist Program, and a variety of performances, the organization brings world-class opera to thousands of patrons each year.

“With yearly support of our nonprofit, CRST gives the community a gift of an opera company that brings art to life. CRST’s philanthropy will continue to grow young, aspiring musicians and help us grow into the next 25 years with stability and confidence.”

-Daniel Kleinknecht, Founder & Artistic Director

 

Orchestra Iowa

For nearly one hundred years, Orchestra Iowa has been performing and growing in Cedar Rapids. Through adaptability and collaboration, Orchestra Iowa has become an integral part of the area’s cultural offerings.

“CRST’s generosity not only supports the region’s only professional symphony orchestra, but also the Orchestra Iowa music school, three youth choruses, and five education outreach programs. Their giving helps us bring the delight of live symphonic performance to over 50,000 people yearly, including over 17,000 area students!”

-Jennifer Hartmann, Assistant Director of Development

 

United Way of East Central Iowa

Founded in 1914 as the United Charities Campaign, United Way of East Central Iowa has been evolving ever since to meet the needs of the community. Today, the organization offers programs that help low-income families achieve health, financial stability, and educational success.

“CRST understands the strong influence a locally-owned company can have on the community it calls home. United Way of East Central Iowa is grateful for CRST’s generous philanthropic leadership, its drive to dream big, and its love for the community we all call home.”

-Kristin Roberts, President & CEO

 

To learn about applying for a grant to the CRST International Donor-Advised Fund, click here.

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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