PATCH Program Concludes After Restoring 292 Households
August 10, 2020, is a day that many residents in Cedar Rapids and surrounding communities will never forget. On that day, a powerful derecho devastated the area, bringing record-breaking winds that damaged homes, displaced families, and tested the resilience of our community. In the wake of the disaster, a collaborative response emerged – the Providing Assistance to Community Homeowners (PATCH)…Continue Reading
Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation Approves Over $4.9 Million in Grants
The Board of Directors of the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation recently approved over $4.9 million in grants to 350 nonprofit organizations. The awards include competitive Organization Support Grants and Program Support Grants from the spring grant cycle, as well as Rapid Response Grants and distributions from donor-advised, designated, scholarship and nonprofit funds. Additionally, the GreatAmerica Financial Services Competitive Donor-Advised Fund…Continue Reading
Staff News
Paula Lange, CPA, has been named Chief Financial Officer of the Community Foundation. Paula joined the organization in 2019 and brings more than 20 years of community foundation experience to our Leadership Team. Congratulations, Paula! Shirley Amthauer has been promoted to Controller of the Community Foundation. Shirley has served as the Community Foundation’s Accountant since 2022, and she also helps…Continue Reading
Navigating Change: How Linn County Nonprofits Are Adapting
When federal funding abruptly froze on January 24, some local nonprofits faced new uncertainties and difficult decisions. A recent Community Foundation survey of nonprofits found that the impact of that freeze could be dire for those served by these organizations. Federal grants and contracts enable local nonprofits to provide a range of services in our community, such as affordable housing…Continue Reading
Building Their Legacy: Britton and Erin Langdon Give Back
You might say that Britton and Erin Langdon are builders by nature. In 2013, the couple relocated to Cedar Rapids—Erin’s hometown—for Britton’s work in construction management. By then, Erin had extensive experience in growing and leading lean nonprofit organizations. At Modern Companies, Inc., Britton was tasked with creating a software system to coordinate design and prefabrication operations. As it turned…Continue Reading
Thrive Cohort Enters Fourth Year
On March 6, the Thrive Cohort launched its fourth year with an inaugural gathering for new participants. Throughout the year, members will engage in networking, relationship building, and professional development. Created for Black, Brown and Bi-racial leaders in the nonprofit sector, this learning opportunity fosters growth and collaboration. “The Community Foundation is committed to strengthening our local nonprofit sector,”…Continue Reading
Advancing Culturally Informed Healthcare
In response to racial disparities in health outcomes, in 2022 Linn County Public Health (LCPH) convened a Health Equity Work Group. “The original goal of the work group was to understand how racism impacts mental health in our community,” said Anne Carter, Health Equity Program Manager at LCPH. “We also wanted to explore ways our healthcare system can provide…Continue Reading
A Career of Service: Jean Brenneman Prepares for Retirement
After nearly two decades at the Community Foundation, Jean Brenneman is preparing for the next chapter of life. Her tenure has been marked by tremendous growth, community resilience, and a steadfast commitment to financial stewardship. Before her retirement begins on May 5, 2025, we asked Jean to reflect on her time as Chief Financial Officer. Q: You joined the Community…Continue Reading
Endow Iowa Tax Credit Facing Elimination
As a trusted partner and supporter, we want to inform you of a recent proposal in the Iowa Legislature that would eliminate the Endow Iowa tax credit program on June 30, 2025. Since its inception in 2004, Endow Iowa has provided millions in annual tax credits, encouraging charitable giving to causes that directly benefit communities across Iowa. We know many of…Continue Reading
Cedar Rapids Casino Moves Forward, Creating New Partner in Nonprofit Funding
In February, the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission approved a gaming license for Linn County, paving the way for a new casino near downtown Cedar Rapids. While the project still faces hurdles, a groundbreaking ceremony has already taken place, and Cedar Crossing is expected to open at the end of 2026. Per Iowa law, commercial gaming operators partner with a…Continue Reading
