Endowment Challenge Grants Provide Stability for Nonprofits 

Published: March 31, 2026 | By: Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation | Category:

Last fall, the Community Foundation awarded Endowment Challenge Grants to three local nonprofits. Each grant provides $1 for every $3 the nonprofit raises, up to $25,000 – resulting in a $100,000 endowed fund. Endowed funds grow over time and make annual distributions, providing nonprofits with a permanent source of income. Gifts to Endowment Challenge Funds can be made directly to the organizations or through the Community Foundation’s Nonprofit Giving Center. 

2025 Endowment Challenge Grant Recipients:   
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cedar Rapids & East Central Iowa 
Hawkeye Area Council, Scouting America 
YPN 

Other Active Endowment Challenge Funds: 
Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival 
Indian Creek Nature Center 
NewBo City Market 
Orchestra Iowa 

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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