Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation Approves Over $2.5 Million in Grants
The Board of Directors of the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation recently approved $2,682,670 in grants to 184 nonprofit organizations. The awards include competitive grants from the Community Foundation’s Funds for the Community; distributions from donor-advised, designated, scholarship and agency funds; as well as community projects such as the Greene Square Revival Project, Cedar Rapids City Hall Mural project and…Continue Reading
Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation Announces Fall Grant Cycle
Organizations that are located in the evacuation zone may extend the grant deadline through Monday, October 24. If this applies to your organization, the program staff would appreciate an email letting us know your intention to apply. Organizations that provided flood-related core services may also use the extension, but must confirm eligibility first. In both cases, email grants@gcrcf.org. Grant Deadline:…Continue Reading
Microloan Program Sees Success and Growth in Cedar Rapids
In September 2015, the City of Cedar Rapids launched MICRO, a program designed to provide microloans to new and existing small businesses in the community. MICRO is designed to help kick start new business opportunities in the community and give existing businesses a boost. Participants can borrow between $1,000 and $10,000 for up to three years at four percent interest….Continue Reading
Match Offered for Donations to Linn County Classroom Projects
The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation has partnered with DonorsChoose.org to match donations to classroom projects in grades K-12 in Linn County public schools. DonorsChoose.org is a national nonprofit organization that makes it easy for anyone to help a classroom in need. When public school teachers create classroom project requests on DonorsChoose.org, donors can give any amount to the projects…Continue Reading
Children’s Cancer Connection
Children’s Cancer Connection was such a huge help. Their programing allowed us to meet other families who were going through the same thing, which was incredibly comforting. That fellowship has been invaluable to us. —Stephanie Horn mother of Dakota A Program Fund grant supported the Children’s Cancer Connection’s Family Resource Binders in Eastern Iowa. The binders provide families of children…Continue Reading
Horizons’ Meals on Wheels
I feel good every time I volunteer. You know that what you’re doing is really helping people. Often, I’m the only other person a meal recipient might see in their whole day. —Dennis Goettel Meals on Wheels volunteer A Program Fund grant supplied funding to Horizons’ Meals on Wheels program. Meals on Wheels relies on volunteers to deliver vital food…Continue Reading
Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity
This home provides our family with a safe space. We are so grateful to the people who helped us, and we hope they can continue to help other families too. —Eugene Bwanakweri A Linn County Fund grant provided funding to support Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity’s 2015 Palo Build. The project built a home for Janvier Bwanakweri, Josephine Ngabire…Continue Reading
Linn County Nonprofit works to restore monarchs and their habitat
Clark McLeod believes the question at the core of the Monarch Research Project’s effort is simple. “Do you want a better environment for your kids and grandkids, or do you want the trend to continue in the opposite direction?” The group, started by Clark McLeod and Cam Watts, intends to make Linn County’s environment healthier and more vibrant by focusing…Continue Reading
Celebration of Community – Save the Date and Call for Nominations
The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation is hosting its fourth annual Celebration of Community event to celebrate the impact of philanthropy and the good work of nonprofits in Linn County. This free event will be held on Wednesday, November 16 from 4 – 6 p.m. at the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, 1400 Inspiration Pl. SW, Cedar Rapids….Continue Reading
Investing in the Community She Cares About
Sara Sorensen moved to Cedar Rapids when she was twenty years old, as a newly-minted teacher. She shared an apartment on 3rd Street with three other young educators while she taught third grade. She was driven by an infectious love for people, and quickly became involved in various volunteer efforts. She volunteered with St. Luke’s and Mercy hospitals, the Red…Continue Reading