Rooted in Service: Elizabeth Cwik Retires
After more than 15 years with the Community Foundation, Elizabeth Cwik began her retirement on May 25, 2023. Elizabeth joined the Community Foundation as a Program Assistant in March of 2008, just a few months before the 2008 Flood. She jumped right in to help support nonprofits through grantmaking in response to the disaster. Prior to this, she served for…Continue Reading
We’re Hiring! Vice President of Community Impact
Applications are being accepted by the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation for the position of Vice President of Community Impact. This position is responsible for the community impact work of the Community Foundation including identifying and executing strategies that enhance the Community Foundation’s effectiveness in supporting nonprofit organizations, and addressing important community issues where philanthropy plays a critical role. The…Continue Reading
Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation Approves Over $3.7 Million in Grants
The Board of Directors of the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation recently approved $3.79 million in grants to 239 nonprofit organizations. The awards include competitive Organizational Support Grants and Program Support Grants, as well as distributions from donor-advised, designated, scholarship and agency funds. The Community Foundation works with donors and provides grants and support to nonprofits in pursuit of a vibrant…Continue Reading
Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation Announces Summer 2023 Grant Cycle
The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation announces its summer grant cycle for 2023 for local charitable nonprofits. Applications will be accepted through Friday, June 30, 2023 at 4:30 p.m. CST. 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…Continue Reading
Karla Twedt-Ball Named President & CEO
The Board of the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation has named Karla Twedt-Ball as President & CEO effective June 1, 2023. Karla brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role, having served in a variety of leadership roles at the Community Foundation over the last 16 years. Karla will be succeeding Dr. Les Garner who announced his retirement…Continue Reading
Welcome New Board Members and Officers
On January 1, the Community Foundation welcomed five new community members to its Board of Directors and appointed its 2023 Board Officers. The Board of Directors is a diverse and talented group that helps position the Community Foundation to identify and meet new challenges in Linn County. Click here to view a complete list of members of the Board of Directors. New…Continue Reading
Staff News
Christi Smeed Promoted to Development Services Manager Congratulations to Christi Smeed, who was promoted to Development Services Manager on January 1. This promotion recognizes Christi’s ongoing commitment to donors and our community, as well as the increased responsibility she has assumed in administering the Endow Iowa tax credit program. Welcome Claire English, Donor Relations Associate On January 9, Claire English…Continue Reading
Organization Support Grants Help Nonprofits Pursue their Missions
When we think of nonprofits, most of us picture the great work they do in our community—providing food and shelter, promoting the arts, protecting the environment, and ensuring everyone has access to healthcare and education. What we sometimes forget is the effort that goes into helping organizations build their capacity to do this important work and sustain their operations. Nonprofits…Continue Reading
New Nonprofit Network Learning Opportunities Deepen Connections and Knowledge
Learning Cohort Offers Support and Learning About DEI for Nonprofit Executives From December 2022 through February 2023, the Nonprofit Network offered a new Learning Cohort for nearly 30 nonprofit executive directors and CEOs in partnership with Top RANK, a Cedar Rapids-based diversity facilitation, consulting, and talent acquisition firm. The three-part series, facilitated by Gina Weekley of Weekley Connection Consulting, offered…Continue Reading
Second Thrive Cohort Facilitates Connection for Nonprofit Leaders
Earlier this month, the second Thrive Cohort kicked off with 20 new participants. The program offers support for emerging Black, Brown, and Biracial nonprofit leaders through relationship-building, networking, and learning to foster career development within the sector. The 2023 cohort participants serve in a variety of roles as nonprofit employees in Linn County. The group will meet regularly throughout the…Continue Reading
