Love in Action: A Message from President & CEO Karla Twedt-Ball
For the past two years, I’ve started my workday by walking beneath “love for humanity,” the mural commissioned for our Community Foundation’s 75th anniversary in 2024. Created by the talented team at Underground Art Studios, the mural celebrates people’s lives playing out in our community. More than a beautiful piece of public art, it serves as a daily reminder of…Continue Reading
A Legacy of Giving
Members of the William Quarton Heritage Society are ensuring their generosity will strengthen Linn County for generations while honoring the philanthropic spirit that has shaped our community. More than 130 philanthropists gathered on June 9 for the 2026 William Quarton Heritage Society Luncheon at the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library (NCSML). The annual event celebrates generous donors who…Continue Reading
Your Will is a Reflection of What Matters
Life is full of moments that shape who we are and what we value. While we often think about the legacy we’re building through our daily actions, it’s equally important to consider how those values will continue to make a difference in the future. A will is more than a legal document—it’s a reflection of what matters most and the…Continue Reading
A New Chapter for TrueNorth’s Legacy of Giving
TrueNorth Legacy Foundation transitions its charitable giving to a donor-advised fund at the Community Foundation Strong communities are built by organizations that make giving part of who they are. For the past four years, the TrueNorth Legacy Foundation has invested in the communities where its colleagues live and work. Now, that commitment is entering a new chapter through a new…Continue Reading
Preparing Today for Tomorrow’s Disasters
Since 2008, governments, nonprofits, businesses, and funders have worked together through Linn Area Partners Active in Disaster (LAP-AID) to strengthen Linn County’s ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. As a founding partner, the Community Foundation has invested significant staff time and leadership in these efforts. Since 2022, Vice President of Learning, Carrie Walker, has served as…Continue Reading
Supporting Older Adults with Care and Connection
As we age, our needs shift in ways that aren’t always obvious. Things that may seem simple to us in our younger years like a warm meal, enjoying live music, or spending time with friends, can become more difficult to access. But by thinking beyond basic health and wellbeing, our community can help residents stay engaged and fulfilled as they…Continue Reading
Watching Them GROW
Growing Real Opportunities for Work at Kazimour Farm & Orchard Just a few years ago, life on the Kazimour family’s century-old farm was quiet. Vegetable and flower gardens surrounded the farmhouse and life had settled into an easy flow. By the fall of 2025, things were looking and sounding much different. More than 70 visitors walked among the rows of…Continue Reading
Planting the Seeds
For more than a century, one Cedar Rapids family has cultivated kindness alongside apples. On a hot July day, Bob Kazimour stands on his family’s century-old farm overlooking Cedar Rapids. As chickens wander the yard and miniature horses laze in the shade, he reflects on history, family, and community. When asked what his parents might think if they could see…Continue Reading
New Free for All: Linn County Arts & Culture Week Brings Free Arts & Cultural Experiences to Linn County
Event Date: Monday, October 19 – Sunday, October 25, 2026 The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation is expanding its celebration of local arts and culture this fall with Free for All: Linn County Arts & Culture Week, taking place October 19–25, 2026. Building on the success of two years of its Free Admission Days, the weeklong event will give residents…Continue Reading
Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation Announces Fall 2026 Grant Cycle
Grant Deadline: Friday, September 11, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation announces its fall 2026 grant cycle for local charitable nonprofits. Applications will be accepted through Friday, September 11, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. The Community Foundation accepts applications from nonprofit organizations with a 501(c)(3) status, governmental organizations, and non-501(c)(3) organizations that have a current…Continue Reading
