Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation Announces Fall 2025 Grant Cycle
The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation announces its fall 2025 grant cycle for local charitable nonprofits. Applications will be accepted through Friday, September 12, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. The Community Foundation accepts applications from nonprofit organizations with a 501(c)(3) status, governmental organizations, and non-501(c)(3) organizations that have completed arrangements to obtain a fiscal sponsor. Grant applications can be submitted online…Continue Reading
Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation Matches Gifts to Linn County Public Classrooms
The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation announces it has once again partnered with DonorsChoose to match gifts to help fund classroom projects in Linn County, Iowa. DonorsChoose is a nonprofit organization that makes it easy for anyone to help a classroom in need. Funding is available to support classroom education projects in Linn County public schools for grades K-12 that…Continue Reading
A NEW APPROACH: Improving the Housing and Homelessness System in Linn County
Before the pandemic and derecho, Linn County faced growing housing problems—aging homes, rising prices, and racial disparities in homeownership. After the storm damaged thousands of homes, things got worse. When the federal government distributed emergency rental assistance funding, local groups teamed up to oversee the process and gather data. This effort became known as the Partnership Advancing Community Stability (PACS)….Continue Reading
FIVE YEARS AFTER THE STORM: Rebuilding Homes, Hope, and the Tree Canopy
By the time the sun set on August 10, 2020, it was clear that thousands of people in Linn County would need urgent assistance. Nonprofits mobilized quickly to provide food, shelter, and basic amenities for those in need, and donations poured in from around the country. Despite logistical challenges, the Community Foundation was able to establish the Disaster Recovery Fund…Continue Reading
A COLLECTIVE LEGACY: William Quarton Heritage Society Luncheon
On June 3, more than 100 members of the William Quarton Heritage Society came together to celebrate a legacy of generosity. Hosted at Indian Creek Nature Center, this event marked the first Society luncheon since 2019 – making the occasion especially meaningful. The William Quarton Heritage Society recognizes and honors individuals who have made permanent gifts to the Community Foundation….Continue Reading
NewBoCo Awarded Endowment Challenge Grant to Fuel Long-Term Innovation
Last fall, the New Bohemian Innovation Collaborative – or NewBoCo – was awarded an Endowment Challenge Grant to help ensure the organization’s future. The grant provides a $1 match for every $3 contributed to NewBoCo’s Endowment Challenge Fund, up to a match of $25,000, leading to a $100,000 endowed fund that will provide NewBoCo with income and financial stability for…Continue Reading
Staff News: Susie Thurm Joins, Paula Lange and Shirley Amthauer Promoted
Paula Lange Named CFO Paula Lange, CPA, has been named Chief Financial Officer of the Community Foundation. She joined the organization as Controller in 2019, and she began her new role in May. Congratulations, Paula! Shirley Amthauer Promoted to Controller In May, the Community Foundation’s Shirley Amthauer was promoted to Controller. She joined the Foundation in 2022 as an Accountant…Continue Reading
Community Foundation Expands Free Admission Days to Arts & Cultural Organizations in Linn County
The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation is pleased to announce the return of Free Admission Days, offering no-cost entry to many of Linn County’s arts and cultural institutions. Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, launched in celebration of the Community Foundation’s 75th anniversary, the 2025 event will expand from one day to include two days of free admission…Continue Reading
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
Endow Iowa is Preserved with Key Changes Starting in 2026
We’re pleased to share that Governor Reynolds recently signed legislation preserving the Endow Iowa tax credit program! After months of negotiations, the program will continue in 2026—but with some significant changes and updates. What’s Changing in 2026? Effective January 1, 2026: The tax credit allocation will decrease from $6 million to $3.5 million. The maximum tax credit per taxpayer will…Continue Reading