Doing What They Can
Hilery Livengood and Ben Fashimpaur Hilery Livengood and Ben Fashimpaur have made giving back a way of life. What started as small steps has grown into a meaningful journey of generosity—proof that persistence and purpose can create lasting change. They first met while attending Washington High School. Years later, they reconnected when they were both cast in a Theatre Cedar Rapids production…Continue Reading
Greater Connection Event Series Launches with Focus on Food Insecurity
On September 24, 2025, community members gathered at HACAP’s food reservoir for Greater Connection: Reducing Food Insecurity. We heard firsthand from nonprofits tackling hunger in Linn County and engaged in a meaningful discussion about how philanthropy can help meet growing community needs. With demand for food services continuing to rise, philanthropic support for these organizations is more important than ever. …Continue Reading
Creating Classrooms for Everyone
Gifts to Local Classrooms Build Inclusive Learning Environments If there is one thing Jonilynn Thompson knows, it’s that every kid learns in their own way. For the last 12 years, Ms. Thompson has taught preschool in the Springville Community School District. As many teachers do, she spent time this summer ensuring her classroom was set up to give all students…Continue Reading
Trusting Nonprofits to Lead the Way
Guest Column by Joe Heitz, Vice President of Community Impact A recent survey from Independent Sector revealed that 57% of Americans have “high trust” in nonprofits. That number might seem unimpressive at first, but compared to the federal government (18%) or corporations (21%), trust in nonprofits is remarkably high. As our communities face challenges, we trust nonprofits to see us…Continue Reading
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…Continue Reading
Group Violence Intervention
Building Relationships to Reduce Violence In June 2025, the Cedar Rapids Police Department recorded only one shots fired incident. This was the lowest in any month since 2015 and a 67% decrease from June 2024. The CRPD partially credits the Group Violence Intervention (GVI) strategies for this good news, but also suggests other ways of measuring success. GVI is an…Continue Reading
The Power of Learning
Stronger Nonprofits, Stronger Linn County The Community Foundation is here to strengthen Linn County, and we’re known for doing that by partnering with donors and awarding grants to nonprofits. But engaged donors and strong organizations are only part of the equation; our community truly thrives when those organizations learn together and work collaboratively. Through a variety of events, we provide…Continue Reading
A Heart for Community: Remembering Dr. Malcolm “Mack” Peel
On September 9, 2025, Dr. Malcolm Peel passed away in Oberlin, Ohio at age 89. Malcolm served as the Community Foundation’s first Executive Director, leading the organization from 1989 to 1994. Before joining the Community Foundation, Malcolm—known to many as Mack – taught in Coe College’s philosophy and religion department and served as the National Endowment Director for the Herbert…Continue Reading
Reasons to Give Before Year-End
Now is the ideal time to give—community needs are rising, and year-end gifts can also provide you with meaningful tax benefits. Endow Iowa Changes Ahead As of early November, less than $2 million remains of the $6 million available for the 2025 Endow Iowa tax credit program. Beginning on January 1, 2026, the total annual tax credit allocation will decrease to $3.5 million and the maximum tax credit…Continue Reading
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.,…Continue Reading
