Free Screenings of UnCharitable Coming to Cedar Rapids Public Library Ahead of #GivingTuesday

On the eve of #GivingTuesday – a global movement that inspires generosity and giving – the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation and United Way of East Central Iowa will host three free screenings of the film UnCharitable at the downtown Cedar Rapids Public Library’s Whipple Auditorium. 

Screenings will take place on Monday, December 1, 2025, at 11 a.m., 3 p.m., and 5:30 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public, and no registration is required.  

UnCharitable is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that examines the realities of philanthropy and challenges conventional thinking about giving. The film explores how freeing nonprofits from outdated constraints can empower them to create lasting change. Donors and community members will leave with fresh insight into how effective philanthropy can strengthen  communities.

“The nonprofit sector is currently experiencing a lot of uncertainties,” said Kristin Roberts, President & CEO of United Way of East Central Iowa. “While nonprofits are facing an increased demand for services, they are also experiencing funding cuts and challenges with employee retention. Donors who care deeply about our communities are asking themselves how they can best help the nonprofits they love dearly. UnCharitable gives them a new perspective as to how they can be the most effective right now.”

As nonprofits work to meet the growing needs of people in our communities, funders and donors are also seeking the best ways to help.  

“This documentary addresses many myths about the nonprofit sector and introduces the concept of trust-based philanthropy,” added Karla Twedt-Ball, President & CEO at the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation. “By recognizing and trusting the experience and expertise of local nonprofits, we can truly partner with them and empower their ability to fulfill their missions.”

About the Film

After several groundbreaking U.S. charitable campaigns were criticized by charity watchdogs, leaders in philanthropy recognized the need to rethink how the nonprofit sector operates.

Led by Dan Pallotta, whose record-breaking TED Talk on the subject has inspired philanthropists and changemakers around the world, UnCharitable takes viewers on an emotional and inspiring journey that challenges outdated assumptions about giving to charities. The film makes a compelling case for a new approach to giving – one that invests boldly in the people and organizations working in the nonprofit sector to make a true impact.

“We’re hopeful that sharing this film with the broader community will inspire #GivingTuesday or year-end giving without constraints to help nonprofits navigate this time,” said Twedt-Ball. “We want donors to understand the challenges nonprofits are facing and how they can partner with them through philanthropy.”

This event is free and open to the public.  No registration is required.

For more details, click here. 

To learn more about ways to give or volunteer at local nonprofits, visit the Nonprofit Giving Center or Nonprofit Calendar.