Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation Distributes Over $11 Million in Grants in 2023
The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation announces more than $11 million in grants were distributed to 634 nonprofit organizations in 2023. The funding was made possible by donors who care about Linn County, Iowa. “The Community Foundation offers expertise in charitable giving, a wide range of giving options, and extensive knowledge of our community,” says Jon Landon, Board Chair. “The…Continue Reading
Over 130 Funds Will Celebrate Anniversaries in 2024
For the last 75 years, the Community Foundation has partnered with individuals, families, businesses and organizations to strengthen Linn County. More than 1,000 unique charitable funds provide support for local nonprofits, and many of those funds are celebrating milestone anniversaries in 2024. Thank you to all those who have made gifts for the greater good of Linn County. 35 YEARSBrian…Continue Reading
Welcome, New Board Members and 2024 Officers
With the start of the new year, the Community Foundation’s Board of Directors welcomed four new members, and 2024 officers began their tenure. The new Directors bring a range of experiences and skills to the Community Foundation. Their diversity of perspectives will be a valuable contribution as the organization builds a new strategic plan in 2024. The new Directors include:…Continue Reading
Over $4.4 Million in Grants Awarded
The Board of Directors of the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation recently approved over $4.46 million in grants to 339 nonprofit organizations. The awards include competitive Organization Support Grants, Program Support Grants, Linn County Grants, and Endowment Challenge Grants from the grant cycle in the fall of 2023; as well as distributions from donor-advised, designated, scholarship and nonprofit funds. The Community…Continue Reading
2024 Grant Opportunities Announced
The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation announces information for its 2024 grantmaking programs. The grant deadlines in 2024 will be on March 1, June 28, and September 13. Grants from the Community Foundation are awarded to nonprofit organizations that enhance the quality of life in Linn County. Each year, the Community Foundation considers where it can make the most impact…Continue Reading
Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation Announces 2024 Thrive Cohort for BIPOC Nonprofit Professionals
The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation has announced plans for a third iteration of the Thrive Cohort in 2024. Introduced in 2021, Thrive offers relationship building, networking, and learning for Black, Brown, and Bi-racial nonprofit professionals. Thrive is part of the Community Foundation’s efforts to advance racial equity by helping nonprofit organizations close the racial leadership gap and diversify nonprofit…Continue Reading
Staff News: Arthur Kim Named Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy
After nearly a year of coursework through The American College of Financial Services, Development Officer Arthur Kim achieved the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy designation earlier this year. Coursework focused on family philanthropy, charitable giving strategies, and how philanthropists can work with nonprofits to enhance impact, and the experience has equipped Arthur with a range of new skills and tools to…Continue Reading
Learning for the Greater Good
In 2019, the Community Foundation created a strategic plan to carry it through 2024. One of the key goals was to foster a culture of learning to better understand how we can serve Linn County. While the years that followed brought unpredictable challenges, the organization remained committed to reflecting and helping others learn. As the Community Foundation prepares to launch…Continue Reading
Why Donors Partner With Us
While establishing a charitable fund is an easy process, many who give through the Community Foundation do so with care and planning. Our Development Team works with donors and their advisors to outline philanthropic goals, establish a legacy of giving, and create a personalized plan that works for them. Michelle Beisker, Senior Vice President of Development, answered a few questions…Continue Reading
Food Insecurity on the Rise
Over the last year or two, Program Officers at the Community Foundation have noted a significant increase in the number of grant applications aimed at reducing food insecurity in Linn County. As families struggle to afford basic necessities, the nonprofit organizations that serve them face new challenges—but are responding with innovation and collaboration. The reasons behind the increase in food…Continue Reading