GreatAmerica Financial Services Corporation Establishes Employee Advised Fund
Since 2001, the GreatAmerica Financial Services Corporation Donor-Advised Fund has made hundreds of grants to local nonprofits across all sectors. Founded in 1992 by Tony Golobic, GreatAmerica provides equipment financing and related business services across the U.S. and has emerged as one of the most philanthropic businesses in the region. In October, the company established the GreatAmerica Employee Advised Fund…Continue Reading
Advisor Chris Casey Turns to the Community Foundation for Personalized Giving
For Chris Casey, charitable giving is a deeply personal experience. For almost thirty years, Chris has been a financial advisor and an active supporter of several local nonprofits. When clients come to her looking for a way to give back, Chris turns to the Community Foundation—and her own experience as a philanthropist—to help them find their philanthropic passions. Chris grew…Continue Reading
Fund Renamed to Greater Good Fund to Support Linn County and Its Future
For decades, unrestricted gifts to the Community Foundation have allowed us to respond to the ever-changing needs of Linn County. Donors who give unrestricted gifts recognize that the future holds unknown challenges and opportunities and have entrusted us with resources to provide the community with the support it needs. Beginning in December 2022, the unrestricted fund – currently known as…Continue Reading
Community Foundation Events Promote Racial Equity
The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation is committed to pursuing an equitable and inclusive Linn County where everyone can thrive. We continue our efforts to make our processes and practices more equitable. We recently held two events and introduced a new Learning Cohort to help Linn County nonprofits engage in this meaningful work. Community Learning Series: Partnering with Emerging Black…Continue Reading
Community Foundation Now Taking Nominations for the 2023 Thrive Cohort Peer Group
At the Community Learning Series on November 10, the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation announced plans for the 2023 Thrive Cohort Peer Group. The 2023 version of the Thrive Cohort offers an adjusted model to support emerging Black and Brown leaders in the nonprofit sector. The 2023 Thrive Cohort Peer Group will provide support for emerging Black, Brown, and Biracial…Continue Reading
Shirley Amthauer Joins the Community Foundation
On September 6, Shirley Amthauer joined the Community Foundation’s finance team as Accountant, assisting with the maintenance and analysis of financial records. Shirley comes to us with more than 20 years of experience in the field, making her an invaluable addition to the team that ensures your gifts will benefit the community forever. “I am passionate about bettering our community,…Continue Reading
Community Foundation Receives Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid
In August, the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid. Formerly known as Guidestar, Candid is the world’s largest source of nonprofit information. Used by millions of people each year, it advances nonprofit financial transparency by sharing information that helps donors and foundations make informed giving decisions. The Platinum Seal of Transparency is the…Continue Reading
Community Learning Series: Partnering with Emerging Black and Brown Leaders
On November 10, the Community Foundation will host an in-person event to reflect on and discuss a recent initiative to partner with emerging Black and Brown leaders. The Thrive cohort, launched at the beginning of 2021, is an effort to advance racial equity in Linn County through support for emerging leaders of local nonprofits. Five people were selected to participate,…Continue Reading
Nonprofit Network Celebrates 10 Years of Support
A decade ago, on October 26, 2012, dozens of nonprofit professionals gathered for a special open house at the Community Foundation. The event was a celebration—the Linn County Nonprofit Resource Center was officially becoming part of the Community Foundation as the Nonprofit Network. The new initiative would provide a point of connection and resources for local nonprofit organizations and professionals….Continue Reading
Tommy Rhomberg Named Outstanding Youth Philanthropist
By now you’ve probably heard the story of Tommy Rhomberg and his ‘Great Derecho’ baseball bats. When the August 2020 derecho wreaked havoc on Eastern Iowa and cancelled Tommy’s friend’s birthday party, the enterprising 12-year-old found a way to make the best of a difficult situation. From a branch found in his front yard, Tommy carved a bat for his…Continue Reading