Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation

Learning Cohort for Small and Grassroots Nonprofits
2025-11-12 11:30 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | IA
The Learning Cohort for Small and Grassroots Nonprofits is held annually during the fall. The content is intended for a small nonprofit that employs five or fewer people or is volunteer-driven without paid staff. There is no cost to participate and lunch is included. Registration is required here.

This Learning Cohort is a small group setting facilitated by Community Foundation staff to encourage learning and connection. Up to two representatives per organization are invited to participate. Small and grassroots nonprofit organizations have unique learning experiences and challenges, and this Cohort is designed to offer both essential information and nonprofit connections critical to building a sustainable nonprofit organization.

Cohort Schedule:

Wednesday, September 10, 2025, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Session One: Nonprofit Essentials

Wednesday, October 8, 2025, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Session Two: Building the Nonprofit

Wednesday, November 12, 2025, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Session Three: Nonprofit Tools & Resources

Register Here

UnCharitable Screenings
2025-12-01 11:00 - 19:00 | IA
On Monday, December 1, the Nonprofit Network and the United Way of East Central Iowa will host three free screenings of UnCharitable as an early Giving Tuesday event. The documentary dives into the realities of philanthropy and introduces a new way of giving. This is the third local UnCharitable screening and coincides with #GivingTuesday, a global day of encouraging generosity.

All are invited to this free event in the Whipple Auditorium at the Cedar Rapids Public Library. Showings will be at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. on Monday, December 1. No registration required.

WHO: Donors, community members, and nonprofit board members

WHAT: UnCharitable film screenings

WHEN: Monday, December 1, 11 a.m., 3 p.m., and 5:30 p.m.

WHERE: Whipple Auditorium, Cedar Rapids Public Library, 450 Fifth Ave SE

WHY: To inspire effective philanthropy in Linn County

Greater Connection: Reimagining Arts Education
2025-12-09 16:00 - 17:30 | Eastern Iowa Arts Academy, 2630 B Avenue, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52402, United States
Join us for the second event in our new Greater Connection series—designed to bring Community Foundation friends and supporters closer to the pressing needs and opportunities in our community. These special access events offer meaningful, first-hand insight by showcasing local nonprofits and hearing from local leaders that are making a difference.
This engaging afternoon will include:

4 p.m. – Welcome and program including an overview of Eastern Iowa Arts Academy from Heather Wagner, Executive Director
4:20 p.m. – Guided tours highlighting arts education in action
5 p.m. – Reception

RSVP: Space for this unique, behind-the-scenes access is limited. Please RSVP by Wednesday, December 3 to donorservices@gcrcf.org or call America Manjarrez at 319.366.2862.

Together on Purpose: Exploring the Spectrum of Nonprofit Collaboration
2025-12-10 09:00 - 11:00 | Zoom
Online: Zoom

Intended Audience:
Nonprofit executive directors, board members, staff and community leaders interested in exploring opportunities for working together more effectively.

Please Note: This event replaces the Nonprofit Know-How event scheduled in December.
About the Event: In today’s rapidly changing environment, nonprofits are being called to work smarter, deeper and more collaboratively. From informal cooperation and shared staffing to administrative consolidation and full organizational merger, there exists a broad continuum of collaboration. This interactive virtual session will explore how purpose-driven organizations can assess, initiate and sustain collaborative efforts that strengthen their missions and amplify community impact.We’ll begin with insights from Anne Wallestad, professional coach and former president & CEO of BoardSource. Anne will set the stage for why now is a pivotal moment for nonprofits to view collaboration as a strategic pathway—helping us reflect on how shared purpose and values can spark meaningful, durable relationships among organizations. Then, Jodi Rhone and Chris Koppelin of Canary Consulting will provide tactical tools and frameworks you can use right away to identify potential partners, clarify goals and evaluate readiness for collaboration.Finally, we’ll hear from YouthPort, a collaborative initiative uniting three like-mission organizations, as they share their real-world journey toward alignment and collective impact. The session will conclude with time for Q&A and reflection. Key Takeaways:– Understand the continuum of nonprofit collaboration—from networking to coordination to merger– Identify organizational conditions that enable effective joint work– Gain practical tools to assess readiness and opportunity for collaboration– Learn from real examples of successful collaborative models in Iowa – Reframe collaboration as a proactive, purpose-driven strategy for mission fulfillment

Co-Hosts:
This online event is co-hosted with the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, Iowa Nonprofit Alliance, and the Larned A. Waterman University of Iowa Nonprofit Resource Center.

Questions?

Contact Barb Hobson at hobson@desmoinesfoundation.org or (515) 883-2626 with any questions.

Register Here

Nonprofit Know-How: How the Community Foundation Can Support Your Nonprofit
2026-01-29 09:30 - 11:30 | Cedar Rapids Public Library, Beems Auditorium, 450 Fifth Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52401, United States
Meet the staff and learn how the Community Foundation can support your nonprofit in 2026. Community Foundation staff will share 2026 funding opportunities, new and existing marketing resources, nonprofit funds and endowment building, and new learning opportunities. Following the formal presentations, staff will be available for individual conversations and questions. Attendance is free, but registration is required. Information shared will be available at gcrcf.org following the event.

Register Here

Nonprofit Know-How: Budgeting and Finance Essentials
2026-03-11 09:30 - 11:30 | Cedar Rapids Public Library, Beems Auditorium, 450 Fifth Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52401, United States
Presenters:Joe Heitz, VP of Community Impact, Greater Cedar Rapids Community FoundationDavid Little, CPA, Principal at CLA

LEARNING TOPICS:Practical budgeting toolsClear understanding of nonprofit financial statementsTips to avoid common pitfallsConfidence to communicate financial needs to boards, funders, and staff

Register Here
