The Art of Connection
Cultural Nonprofits Bring Us Together
In a survey last year, community members identified Linn County’s greatest strengths. Unsurprisingly, at the top of the list were disaster resilience and a thriving arts and culture scene. Linn County has a long history of supporting and valuing the nonprofits that connect us through art, history, and culture.
“Strong, vibrant communities need strong, vibrant arts organizations,” said Jason Zbornik, Executive Director of CSPS in Cedar Rapids. “Honestly, nothing else brings people together from every corner of life the way nonprofit arts organizations do. At CSPS, we are proud to be a key player in our community’s heartbeat.”
Housed in a 135-year-old building in NewBo, CSPS is a living link to the area’s Czech heritage. Its black box theater, performance hall, and three galleries now host music, theater, and visual art from around the world.
With the help of a two-year, $36,000 Program Support Grant from the Community Foundation, CSPS recently launched a World Music Series. Partnering with local cultural organizations, CSPS will present 12 performances that celebrate global cultures and sounds.
“This is the latest way we’re committed to celebrating our incredibly varied humanity,” Jason said. “People don’t just simply attend arts programming –they walk away transformed. And that shared, powerful experience of seeing the world through new eyes is exactly what strengthens the very fabric of our community.”
Supporting the Arts that Sustain Us
Changes to federal funding this year has left many nonprofit leaders uncertain about the future. While donors continue to step up to fill gaps at health and human services, arts and cultural organizations faced the risk of losing vital support.
Fortunately, Linn County is a resilient community—and not only in the face of natural disasters.
“The Cedar Rapids community is lucky; we can enjoy activities that are right here where we live,” said Sara and Jim Sauter. The Sauters support a range of nonprofits through the Community Foundation, including human service and arts and cultural organizations. “Supporting these organizations by giving time or money makes our families better and our community better.”
The Community Foundation continues to find creative ways to lift up the organizations that make Linn County a vibrant place to live. As part of its 75th anniversary celebration last year, we launched Free Admission Day, inviting residents to explore local arts and cultural organizations at no cost. The event helped these organizations connect with even more of the community.
The response was overwhelmingly positive, so much so that in 2025 it was expanded to two days.
“Linn County benefits from having strong museums, theatres, and other arts and cultural nonprofits,” said Joe Heitz, Vice President of Community Impact at the Community Foundation. “These organizations have helped shape our identity as a community, and it’s clear there is appetite for engaging with their work. Investing in the arts now ensures that we will continue to have places where we can come together.”
To support arts and culture organizations in Linn County, visit the Nonprofit Giving Center and explore by category.