A NEW APPROACH: Improving the Housing and Homelessness System in Linn County
Before the pandemic and derecho, Linn County faced growing housing problems—aging homes, rising prices, and racial disparities in homeownership. After the storm damaged thousands of homes, things got worse. When the federal government distributed emergency rental assistance funding, local groups teamed up to oversee the process and gather data. This effort became known as the Partnership Advancing Community Stability (PACS)….Continue Reading

FIVE YEARS AFTER THE STORM: Rebuilding Homes, Hope, and the Tree Canopy
By the time the sun set on August 10, 2020, it was clear that thousands of people in Linn County would need urgent assistance. Nonprofits mobilized quickly to provide food, shelter, and basic amenities for those in need, and donations poured in from around the country. Despite logistical challenges, the Community Foundation was able to establish the Disaster Recovery Fund…Continue Reading

A COLLECTIVE LEGACY: William Quarton Heritage Society Luncheon
On June 3, more than 100 members of the William Quarton Heritage Society came together to celebrate a legacy of generosity. Hosted at Indian Creek Nature Center, this event marked the first Society luncheon since 2019 – making the occasion especially meaningful. The William Quarton Heritage Society recognizes and honors individuals who have made permanent gifts to the Community Foundation….Continue Reading

NewBoCo Awarded Endowment Challenge Grant to Fuel Long-Term Innovation
Last fall, the New Bohemian Innovation Collaborative – or NewBoCo – was awarded an Endowment Challenge Grant to help ensure the organization’s future. The grant provides $1 for every $3 the nonprofit raises, up to $25,000 – resulting in a $100,000 endowed fund that will provide NewBoCo with income and financial stability for years to come. Founded in 2014, NewBoCo…Continue Reading

Staff News
Susie Thurm Joins Finance Team We’re pleased to welcome Susie Thurm to the Community Foundation as Accountant. As part of the Finance Team, Susie will help ensure we remain good stewards of your gifts to the community. Susie has more than 25 years of accounting experience, and we’re excited about the skills she brings to the team. Welcome, Susie!

Community Foundation Expands Free Admission Days to Arts & Cultural Organizations in Linn County
The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation is pleased to announce the return of Free Admission Days, offering no-cost entry to many of Linn County’s arts and cultural institutions. Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, launched in celebration of the Community Foundation’s 75th anniversary, the 2025 event will expand from one day to include two days of free admission…Continue Reading

PATCH Program Concludes After Restoring 292 Households
August 10, 2020, is a day that many residents in Cedar Rapids and surrounding communities will never forget. On that day, a powerful derecho devastated the area, bringing record-breaking winds that damaged homes, displaced families, and tested the resilience of our community. In the wake of the disaster, a collaborative response emerged – the Providing Assistance to Community Homeowners (PATCH)…Continue Reading

Endow Iowa is Preserved with Key Changes Starting in 2026
We’re pleased to share that Governor Reynolds recently signed legislation preserving the Endow Iowa tax credit program! After months of negotiations, the program will continue in 2026—but with some significant changes and updates. What’s Changing in 2026? Effective January 1, 2026: The tax credit allocation will decrease from $6 million to $3.5 million. The maximum tax credit per taxpayer will…Continue Reading

Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation Approves Over $4.9 Million in Grants
The Board of Directors of the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation recently approved over $4.9 million in grants to 350 nonprofit organizations. The awards include competitive Organization Support Grants and Program Support Grants from the spring grant cycle, as well as Rapid Response Grants and distributions from donor-advised, designated, scholarship and nonprofit funds. Additionally, the GreatAmerica Financial Services Competitive Donor-Advised Fund…Continue Reading

Community Foundation Seeks Part-Time Accountant
Applications are being accepted by the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation for the position of Accountant. This part-time position is responsible for the maintenance and control of the general ledger and financial transactions of the Community Foundation. This includes analysis and thorough review of financial records. Below is the full job description. The hourly range for this position is $27…Continue Reading
