Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation Distributes Over $11 Million in Grants in 2023
The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation announces more than $11 million in grants were distributed to 634 nonprofit organizations in 2023. The funding was made possible by donors who care about Linn County, Iowa.
“The Community Foundation offers expertise in charitable giving, a wide range of giving options, and extensive knowledge of our community,” says Jon Landon, Board Chair. “The organization is known for convening and connecting the generosity of donors with the nonprofit organizations that are addressing issues and creating opportunities.”
This year, the Community Foundation – established as the Community Welfare Foundation of Cedar Rapids – marks 75 years of bringing together private philanthropy and impactful nonprofits to support a healthy and vibrant Linn County. Since 1949, Foundation assets have grown to over $212 million and grantmaking has totaled over $194 million.
“As an endowed foundation, we act as stewards of charitable gifts, ensuring the funds will be here to support the community forever,” said Karla Twedt-Ball, President & CEO. “Donors trust the Community Foundation to honor their intentions, even after they have passed.”
The Community Foundation currently administers more than 1,000 charitable funds including donor-advised, designated, scholarship, field of interest, unrestricted, and nonprofit funds. One fund – the Greater Good Fund – is an unrestricted, endowed fund that permanently supports the competitive grant programs at the Community Foundation.
“The Greater Good Fund is important as it allows us to respond to community needs and opportunities as they arise,” says Karla. “Donors who give to this fund recognize that the needs of our community will change over time, and they want the Community Foundation to distribute their gifts to meet current needs.”
The Community Welfare Foundation was established in 1949 by a group of foresighted citizens who wanted to help people support charitable causes through gifts and bequests. In 1954, the volunteer-led organization had about $10,000 in assets and made its first grants, totaling $700.
The Foundation finalized a transition from private to public organization in 1992 and has continued to grow ever since. In 2023, donors contributed more than $13 million to the Community Foundation.
Throughout 2024, the Community Foundation will be celebrating 75 years of working with donors, nonprofits, businesses, and governments to strengthen Linn County. Details of events and ways to get involved are forthcoming as we celebrate our community’s long history of generosity.