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

Published: February 15, 2024 | By: Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation | Category:

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

Published: January 24, 2024 | By: Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation | Category:

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

Published: January 22, 2024 | By: Corinne Ramler | Category:

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

Published: December 21, 2023 | By: Corinne Ramler | Category:

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

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Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation Announces 2024 Thrive Cohort for BIPOC Nonprofit Professionals

Published: December 20, 2023 | By: Drew Morton | Category:

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

Thrive Cohort 2023

Staff News: Arthur Kim Named Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy

Published: December 8, 2023 | By: Drew Morton | Category:

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

Published: December 8, 2023 | By: Drew Morton | Category:

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

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Why Donors Partner With Us

Published: December 8, 2023 | By: Drew Morton | Category:

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

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Food Insecurity on the Rise

Published: December 8, 2023 | By: Drew Morton | Category:

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