Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation Celebrates 75 Years of Serving Linn County
Block Party, Mural Installation, and a Free Admission Day to Cultural Organizations is Planned
This year, the Greater Cedar Rapids 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.
Throughout 2024, the Community Foundation will be celebrating 75 years of working with donors, nonprofits, businesses, and governments to strengthen Linn County. 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. As community needs change over time, the Greater Good Fund awards grants to nonprofit organizations working to meet those needs.
The highlight of this celebration is the Block Party on August 7 in the Community Foundation’s parking lot. All are invited to attend from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for free lunch from local food trucks and the unveiling of a new mural on the Community Foundation’s building. A short program will occur on the stage at noon.
“The mural is just another way to bring some vibrancy to our community, which is what the Community Foundation is all about,” said Karla Twedt-Ball, President & CEO. “With funding from Downtown Cedar Rapids, we worked with Murals and More to connect with area artist Scott Takes. His concept reminds us all what is at the heart of philanthropy, and we’re so excited to show it to the community.”
The Community Foundation is also sponsoring a Free Admission Day to local arts and culture organizations on Saturday, August 10. The goal is to encourage people to connect with these nonprofit organizations that help create a vibrant Linn County. Participating organizations include:
- Abbe Creek School Museum
- African American Museum of Iowa
- Alburnett Community Historical Society
- Brucemore
- Cedar Rapids Museum of Art
- Coggon Community Historical Society/Clemons House & Historical Hall
- CSPS
- Granger House Museum
- Marion Heritage Center & Museum
- National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
- The History Center
- Ushers Ferry Historic Village
More information on locations and hours can be found here.
In addition to celebrating its 75th anniversary, the Community Foundation is also in the process of creating a new strategic plan; throughout the celebration events and beyond, Community members will have opportunities to provide input on the strengths and needs of the organization and Linn County. All Linn County residents—whether familiar with the Community Foundation’s work or not—are invited to complete a survey here.
To learn more, visit www.gcrcf.org/celebrating-75-years-of-impact/.