2025 Grant Deadlines Announced
The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation announces information for its 2025 grantmaking programs. The grant deadlines in 2025 will be on March 7, June 27, and September 12. Grants from the Community Foundation are awarded to nonprofit organizations that enhance the quality of life in Linn County. In 2025, the Community Foundation’s competitive grant programs will continue to provide support…Continue Reading
2025 Thrive Cohort Forming Now
In 2025, the Community Foundation will continue to support Black, Brown, and Bi-racial leaders in the nonprofit sector through the Thrive Cohort. The Thrive Cohort offers relationship building, networking, and learning for nonprofit professionals to foster career development within the sector. This initiative is part of the Community Foundation’s efforts to advance racial equity by helping nonprofit organizations close the…Continue Reading
Endow Iowa Tax Credit Update
The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) is still accepting applications for 2024 Endow Iowa Tax Credits. As of December 9, just $288,000 remains of the $6 million allocated to the program. Please reach out for more information on how to access these tax credits.
Staff News
Ryan Keller Joins the Community Foundation On November 14, Ryan Keller joined the Community Foundation as Graphic and Multimedia Designer. Ryan is an experienced designer and will help bring the Community Foundation’s work to life through visual storytelling. Welcome, Ryan! Carrie Walker Promoted to Vice President of Learning Carrie Walker was recently promoted to Vice President of Learning. Carrie will…Continue Reading
Learning Cohorts Connect Nonprofits to Resources
Over the last few years, the Community Foundation has organized several Learning Cohorts to connect nonprofit organizations and leaders to resources and each other. “These are a Nonprofit Network initiative to help Linn County nonprofits explore best practices and build connections,” said Carrie Walker, Director of Learning. “Learning cohorts provide opportunities for local nonprofit professionals to learn from experts and…Continue Reading
Garners Receive Benjamin Franklin Award
When Les and Katrina Garner established the Mount Vernon Community Betterment Funds in 2023, it was simply another chapter in a long history of supporting the communities they love. From mentoring students and providing a welcoming space at Cornell College, to helping build a vibrant arts scene in Mount Vernon, the Garners have always gone above and beyond to help…Continue Reading
Invest 5% for the Future
Iowans Encouraged to Include Endowed CharitableGiving in Estate Plans Over the next few decades, Baby Boomers and older generations will pass trillions of dollars in assets on to younger generations in what has become known as The Great Wealth Transfer. In a recent report, the Iowa Council of Foundations (ICOF) found that $1.8 billion will be passed down in Linn…Continue Reading
Mount Vernon Community Betterment Fund Awards First Grant
Grant Will Support Local School District’s Kids In Need Program Last year, retiring Community Foundation President & CEO Les Garner and his wife Katrina established two funds to benefit Mount Vernon. Anyone can now contribute to the Mount Vernon Community Betterment Today and Tomorrow Funds, which made their first grant earlier this year. To ensure community voice was central to…Continue Reading
Community Foundation Receives National Standards Reaccreditation
The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation recently received reaccreditation with Community Foundations National Standards®. This accreditation indicates that the Community Foundation meets the highest standards for philanthropic excellence. The accreditation process provides quality assurance by verifying that foundations maintain legal, ethical and effective practices. The process of earning Community Foundations National Standards accreditation is arduous. The program requires community foundations…Continue Reading
Iowa Transfer of Wealth Study Reveals Community Giving Potential
Iowa communities could lose billions of dollars in assets over the next decade, according to “Transfer of Wealth Opportunity State of Iowa,” a recent study commissioned by the Iowa Council of Foundations (ICoF). The study estimates that more than $30.4 billion in Iowa assets will change hands in the next 10 years with the passing of older residents. Over 40…Continue Reading
