Fund Renamed to Greater Good Fund to Support Linn County and Its Future

Published: December 13, 2022 | By: Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation | Category:

Photo of a sun setting over a corn field.For decades, unrestricted gifts to the Community Foundation have allowed us to respond to the ever-changing needs of Linn County. Donors who give unrestricted gifts recognize that the future holds unknown challenges and opportunities and have entrusted us with resources to provide the community with the support it needs.

Beginning in December 2022, the unrestricted fund – currently known as the Community Endowment Fund — will be renamed the Greater Good Fund.

“This name change better reflects the intent of the fund and the donors who support it,” said Michelle Beisker, Senior Vice President of Development. “Rethinking how we talk about these assets will allow us to better highlight the impact the fund has had and more effectively partner with donors who are eager to make an investment in Linn County’s future.”

The Greater Good Fund will continue to accept gifts from donors who want to provide flexible, responsive, long-term support for local nonprofits. The fund will also continue to make grants to support local organizations working to strengthen Linn County.

The Community Foundation has four grant programs that are supported by the Greater Good Fund—Program Support Grants, Organization Support Grants, Endowment Challenge Grants, and Rapid Response Grants. Each is overseen by a diverse committee of local volunteers. Together, these programs provide grants for a wide range of services, projects, and initiatives that benefit Linn County and its people. In 2021, these grants totaled more than $1.4 million.

“The grant programs supported by the Greater Good Fund represent the backbone of the Community Foundation’s role in the community,” said Karla Twedt-Ball, Senior Vice President, Programs and Community Investment. “We’re here to invest in the long-term strength and stability of Linn County, and to respond when new challenges present. We couldn’t do this without the ability to award grants when and where they are needed.”

Currently, 62 funds established by donors are designated to unrestricted giving. These gifts have been critical to helping our community recover from hardships over the last few years, including the pandemic and derecho.

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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