Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation

Nonprofit Know-How: Library Resources for Nonprofits
2024-08-14 09:30 - 11:30 (America/Chicago) | Cedar Rapids Public Library, Beems Auditorium, 450 Fifth Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52401, United States
Join Reference Librarians Nancy Geiger and Rebecca Vernon with the Cedar Rapids Public Library to hear about the free resources available for nonprofits at the Library, including exclusive access and a demonstration of the grant search engine Foundation Center Online, powerful information databases, and other resources that might be helpful for training and development. We will host small group tours of the building with a stop at the Maker Space, which offers unique access to new and emerging technology such as 3D printing, the Nonprofit Resources section, and information about a variety of meeting spaces available to nonprofits.

All nonprofit professionals are encouraged to attend and learn about the resources available at the library and how to access them.

Tours and Treats
2024-08-26 17:30 - 18:30
Get and up-close view of just what happens inside His Hands Free Clinic. We’ve doubled the amount of patients we’ve been able to help in the past year. Find out how it works and enjoys some beverages and treats. You’ll see why His Hands is such an important service in our community.

Cultivate Hope Mega Market
2024-08-29 16:00 - 19:00, 2024-09-26 16:00 - 19:00 | Cultivate Hope Urban Farm, 437 G Ave. NW, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52404, United States
The Cultivate Hope Mega Market is a celebration of food, music, activities, and community at Matthew 25‘s Cultivate Hope Urban Farm, located at 437 G Ave. NW. We feature our locally-grown produce, and the brick oven is blazing as we create pizzas for you, your family, and your friends to enjoy in our beautiful setting. Live music by local musicians will be played throughout the event, Cultivate Hope Corner Store will be providing free hot dogs, local vendors will be showcasing their items, and so much more!
We hope to see you all there!
This year’s Mega Markets each have a special theme and are held from 4-7 pm on the last Thursday of the month from May-September.
This year’s dates are:
May 30 – Season Kickoff!
June 27 – Red, White and Blueberries
July 25 – Summer Celebration
August 29 – Flower Power
September 26 – Harvest Festival

Learning Cohort for Small and Grassroots Nonprofits: Nonprofit Essentials
2024-09-11 11:30 - 13:00
Staff, board members, and volunteers of small and grassroots nonprofit organizations serving Linn County are invited to participate in a new three-session learning cohort in fall of 2024. Content is intended for a small nonprofit that employs five or fewer people or is volunteer-driven without paid staff. You’re welcome to attend if you think you can benefit from the learning and network connections. There is no cost to participate and lunch is included. Registration is required by Friday, September 6. Up to two people per organization, please.

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. Community Foundation staff will facilitate group learning and connection.

Cohort Schedule:

Wednesday, September 11, 2024, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Nonprofit Essentials

Wednesday, October 9, 2024, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Building the Nonprofit

Wednesday, November 13, 2024, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Nonprofit Tools and Resources

Spayghetti & No Balls Pasta Dinner & Wine Pull
2024-09-17 16:00 - 21:00 | Zio Johno’s Italian Restaurant, 755 7th Ave, Marion, Iowa, 52302
Iowa Humane Alliance announces the return of the Spayghetti & No Balls Pasta Dinner & Wine Pull fundraiser, Tuesday, September 17th at Zio Johno’s in Marion. “Come & Stay!” for a delicious sit-down meal or “Fetch To-Go!” for dinner on the go. Stop in anytime from 4 pm to 9 pm and be sure to participate in the everyone wins wine pull!Zio Johno’s in Marion will graciously donate 50% of your dinner proceeds when you order from the special event menu. All funds raised will go directly to further IHA’s on-going mission to end pet overpopulation through effective spay and neuter programs and services.
For more information visit iowahumanealliance.org/events or call 319-363-1225

Junior Achievement Corridor Business Hall of Fame
2024-09-19 17:00 - 20:30 | Double Tree by Hilton, 350 1st Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52401, United States
The 2024 Corridor Business Hall of Fame marks the 25th anniversary of celebrating distinguished business leaders who have established a legacy of leadership within their industries and our community. Three laureates and one emerging entrepreneur will be inducted into the Corridor Business Hall of Fame, joining the elite group of past honorees, on Thursday, September 19, 2024.

Through leadership, vision, and innovation, the laureates and emerging entrepreneur have influenced much of our community’s economic development and social welfare. These distinguished business leaders were nominated by community members, and then selected by an independent committee. These individuals have lived and worked in Eastern Iowa and epitomize five key standards of excellence:

Their IMPACT on their industry or organization;
Their INTEGRITY as an ethical business leader;
Their commitment to bettering the COMMUNITY as a whole;
Their LEADERSHIP qualities, which allow them to be exemplary role models for all of us – especially the children of Iowa;
Their ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT in starting or significantly advancing local businesses.

This elite group of Iowa leaders will be inducted at a black tie dinner held in their honor. Highlights of the evening include video biographies of each laureate and students from local schools will serve as hosts and escorts to reinforce the purpose of the event, to inspire children to visualize success.

Kikao | A Community Gathering
2024-09-21 17:30 - 19:30 | Groundswell Cafe, 201 3rd Ave SW, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52404, United States
The September 21 Kikao event, hosted by United We March Forward, promises to be a vibrant celebration of culture, food, and family. Centered around the theme ‘Food and Family,’ the event will gather individuals and families from across the Cedar Rapids area for a shared culinary experience, fostering connection, learning, and growth.

Attendees will hear from guest speakers who will share treasured family recipes and stories about the role of cooking in their family traditions. These narratives are meant to inspire attendees to document their own favorite recipes and explore new dishes to add to their kitchens.

The event will also recognize the graduates of United We March Forward’s Driver’s Education Program, awarding certificates to celebrate their completion of the program and their progress toward earning a learner’s permit.

Guests can look forward to engaging cultural activities, sampling delicious foods prepared by local family chefs, and enjoying a diverse array of dishes from the U.S. and Africa. The event is a great opportunity to embrace and celebrate the diverse cultures within the community.

We suggest a donation of $15 to support United We March Forward’s ongoing efforts. Payments can be made via cash or card. To secure your spot, you can register online at Kikao Registration, RSVP by calling 319-210-8573, or simply show up on the night of the event.

Hiking for Housing
2024-09-22 09:00 - 11:00 | Mount Trashmore: 2216 A St SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, Mount Trashmore: 2216 A St SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52404, United States
Hiking for Housing is a community event dedicated to raising funds and awareness for Waypoint’s Housing Services. Join us for a hike up Mount Trashmore in Cedar Rapids and support our mission. By participating in this event, you are helping to support and strengthen our community.

Waypoint is a non-profit organization with a proud 130-year history of supporting the community. Our mission is to empower individuals to move forward in their lives. Each year, Waypoint serves over 20,000 people, offering vital assistance and resources.

Trail options
You will choose between three different hiking trails*:

Trail 1: Waypoint Trail – 3.3 miles
Trail 2: Stumptown Trail – 2 miles
Trail 3: Overlook Trail – 1.3 miles (paved)

*All trails are dog-friendly!
Event schedule
Pre-Check-in (Optional):

Date: Sep 20th, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Location: Waypoint 5th Street front desk
Note: Skip the line, grab your shirt, and show up ready to hike on the 22nd!

Day of Event:

Check-in: Sep 22nd, 10:00 – 10:45 a.m. at Mount Trashmore front entrance
Hike: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Post Event: Enjoy an after-event lunch at Pickle Place in Cedar Rapids with fellow participants. (Meal prices are not included in your ticket purchase)

Chip in for the Arts Golf Classic
2024-09-23 11:00 - 17:00 | Elmcrest Country Club, 1 Zach Johnson Drive, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52402
Join us for this one-of-a-kind golf event with artists and musicians on the course where golfers say…
“It’s the most unique event in Cedar Rapids!”and…“I had more fun at this one than any of the other ones I have golfed in!”as well as…“The music on the course is amazing!”
Lunch and registration starts at 11am and shotgun is at noon! All money raised from this event goes toward AccessArts, our financial aid program that assists over 76% of our K-12 students! It helps them have access to art supplies, instruments, classes, workshops, rock band, private lessons and more!
Click here to register!https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/10799707032962215489

Curl Jam
2024-09-27 11:00 - 16:30 | ImOn Ice Arena, 1100 Rockford Rd SW, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52404, United States
Twelve teams will learn how to curl and will compete the same day in the first ever Curl Jam, organized and sponsored by the Cedar Rapids Curling Club!
Curling is a sport for everyone…– It’s unique!– It’s inclusive!– It’s social!– It’s fun!– And… Funds raised will support The Arc of East Central Iowa!
Registration Is Open!
12 Teams will Participate – Space is limited so register early!4 or 5 Members per Team (Teams of 5 will rotate players.)Registration Fee – $1,000 per Team
To learn more about the event or to register a team. Go to: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/curljam/event/curljam2024/
Let’s Curl for a Cause!

2nd Annual Car Show for Kids
2024-09-29 11:00 - 15:00 | Town and Country Center, 3617 1st Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA, United States
Car Show with unique trophies, music by Funk Daddies, and pizza by the slice. Join us at the Town and Country Shopping Center to check out some incredible cars, enjoy pizza, and support Kingdom Community Center’s efforts to provide youth in Cedar Rapids with safe, reliable, and empowering mentorships.

Cars may also be registered day of or in advance at Godfathers.

Willis Dady's 12th Annual Dady Dash!
2024-10-05 08:30 - 10:30 | Prairie Park Fish, 2125 Otis Rd SE, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52403, United States
Willis Dady’s 12th annual 5k/10k race, The Dady Dash, is taking place on October 5th, 2024 at the Prairie Park Fishery!
Thank you for joining us for this fund-and-awareness raising event to benefit our agency’s mission.
$30 Registration for the 5k walk, 5k run, or 10k run gets you a timed spot in the race!
Included with your registration are:

Race Bib
Shoe Chip for timing
Dady Dash T-shirt

For details regarding race route and award categories and to register, please see our registration page: https://givebutter.com/DadyDash24

GROWFEST
2024-10-05 10:00 - 16:00 | Kazimour Farm & Orchard, 2630 Otis Rd SE, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52403, United States
Fall Harvest at the Kazimour Apple Orchard!

For Sale: Apples, Pumpkins, Fall-Themed Beverages & Dessert

Fun Activities: Guided Tours, Picnic in the Orchard, Cider Station

For the Kids: Pumpkin Carving, Apple Painting, Gnome Hunt

Learning Cohort for Small and Grassroots Nonprofits: Building the Nonprofit
2024-10-09 11:30 - 13:00

Kingdom Community Center Inaugural Gala
2024-10-10 18:30 - 20:00 | New Covenant Bible Church, 3090 North Center Point Road, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52411, United States
Kingdom Community Center is hosting an event to celebrate the achievements over the last five years since officially opening our doors and to look ahead to what we hope to do in the future. Please join us to her Mark Moyer speak, listen to some of our youth share what they enjoy about Kingdom and learn about the many services we provide and the impact we are making in the lives of youth in Cedar Rapids.

To RSVP please email crkingdomcenter@gmail.com

9 PIN SCRATCH "LIKE A DOG" BOWLING TOURNAMENT FOR IOWA HUMANE ALLIANCE
2024-10-12 10:00 - 14:30 | Colonial Lanes, 2253 Old Hwy 218 South, Iowa City, IA, 52246, United States
Colonial Lanes in Iowa City is hosting a bowling tournament to benefit

Iowa Humane Alliance. You can be part of this effort to “strike out pet overpopulation”

by bowling as a team member or simply stopping by to participate in the raffles for prizes.

Join us for a Fun-Filled Hot Dog Day at Theisen's NE!
2024-10-12 11:00 - 14:00 | Theisen’s – NE, 1800 51st St NE, Cedar Rapids, 52402, United States
We’re excited to announce that His Hands Free Clinic will receive all proceeds (after supply costs) from Theisen’s NE (1800 51st St NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402) Hot Dog Day on Saturday, October 12th, from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM.

Stop by, enjoy a delicious meal, and support a great cause! We’ll be serving hot dogs, pop, homemade baked goods, and chips — all indoors, so rain or shine, we hope to see you there!

Your support helps us continue providing free medical care to those in need.

UnCharitable - The Movie Showing in Cedar Rapids
2024-10-21 18:00 - 20:30 | Cedar Rapids Public Library, Whipple Auditorium, 450 5th Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 52401, United States
Be inspired by UnCharitable-The Movie, a timely and crucial documentary that uncovers the realities of philanthropy and introduces a radical new way of giving. The film explores the idea of freeing charities from outdated constraints to truly change the world. Local panel discussion will follow the movie. Sponsored by the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation and United Way of East Central Iowa. In partnership with AFP Eastern Iowa, The Gazette, and Iowa Humane Alliance. A pre-conference event of the Iowa Nonprofit Summit in partnership with the Iowa Nonprofit Alliance. The event is free, but an admission ticket is required by registering here.

Corridor Career Inspire
2024-10-22 09:00 - 13:30, 2024-10-23 09:00 - 13:30 | Alliant Energy PowerHouse, 370 1st Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52401, United States
Most students do not have access to learn and explore first-hand Eastern Iowa industries. Career Inspire offers 9th grade students the opportunity to learn about careers from industry representatives in time to ensure their high school course work aligns with career goals and better prepare themselves for life after high school graduation. For businesses, higher education, and apprenticeship programs, this is an opportunity to participate in building Eastern Iowa’s future workforce.
Career Inspire is more than a career fair, it brings together the business community and local schools and is designed to help launch students into their futures: high school, college or technical schools, and careers beyond. The program consists of three segments: 1) in-class sessions presented by the classroom teacher; 2) the hands-on Career Inspire expo; and 3) an in-class debrief. During the Career Inspire expo, students participate in hands-on activities, often using equipment or tools used on a job.
Following participation in the program, students will be able to:
• Recognize career clusters and potential job positions.
• Understand the importance of researching the requirements needed to earn a position.
• Implement job-hunting tools, such as networking, resumes, and interviewing skills.
• Identify the next steps needed for success in their academic and career preparation and acknowledge the importance of decisions made in high school to be
better prepared for a successful career path.
• Communicate and interact with industry professionals.
• Have a better understanding of their career interests, skills, and work priorities.
Ways to participate:
• Serve on one of the six career cluster committees to help formulate and select hands-on activities for the students to participate in during the Career Inspire
expo that allow the students to perform tasks representative of the career cluster.
• Serve on one of the Expo event committees: marketing, logistics, day of event.
• Volunteer on at the Career Inspire expo by helping run activities for the career clusters, help students navigate through the expo, supervise the arrival and departure of busses.

Volunteer Management Conference
2024-10-23 08:30 - 14:30
The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation will serve as a host site for the 2024 Volunteer Management Conference sponsored by Volunteer Management Professionals of Canada, AL!VE (Association of Leaders in Volunteer Engagement), and Better Impact. Creating Influence in Your Organization: Thinking Beyond a Seat at the Table’ will focus on equipping leaders of volunteers with skills to advocate, educate and communicate the importance of volunteer engagement, key to any volunteer program. The virtual conference begins at 8:30 a.m. and lunch will be provided. The conference streaming cost is sponsored by the Nonprofit Network of the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation so there is no cost to attend.

Designed for those who engage volunteers, service delivery programs, and nonprofits, this one-day training event features four skilled practitioners who are internationally known presenters on volunteer engagement topics.

This year’s speakers will present on these topics:

Sarah Sukhram CVA: Vibe Check: What’s Their Why? Learn Your Audience to Influence through Insight!

Nicole Smith, CVA: Using the T.A.B.L.E. To Exponentially Increase Influence in Your Organization

Adam Janes, CVA – Who am I to Have Influence?

Tracey O’Neill, CVA: From Seat to Sway: Building Blocks to Manifest your Organisational Influence

Now in its tenth year, the Volunteer Managers Hybrid Conference is known for its unique format, live streamed to Cedar Rapids where the presenters can take questions, comments, and add input in real time from Cedar Rapids to where the speakers are presenting.

Virtual Watch Location: Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, 324 3rd Street SE, Cedar Rapids, 52401

Date & Time: Oct 23, 2024, 8:30am–2:30pm CT

Register Here

YPN Trivia Night to Support the Eastern Iowa Diaper Bank
2024-10-23 19:00 - 21:00 | Big Grove Brewery, 170 First Street SW, Cedar Rapids, IA, United States
Grab your team of 4 and join us for Trivia Night to support the Eastern Iowa Diaper Bank (EIDB), MC’d by Z102.9’s Morning Scramble host, Eric Hanson! Funds raised will support the EIDB. Tickets are $40 per person (team of 4 = $160), and you can add a Mulligans Package for $100 (per team) full of free answers and 2-for-1 answers to help you stay ahead even if you’re stumped! Delicious food and beverages will be available for purchase from Big Grove’s menu, so mark your calendar and plan to join us for a fun night of trivia to support a great cause!

Thank you, Big Grove Brewery in Cedar Rapids, for hosting Trivia Night!

The EIDB is a collaboration between YPN and the Eastern Iowa Health Center, and it began serving local families in 2016. The sole mission of the EIDB was to fight diaper needs as 1 in 3 American families struggle to afford diapers to keep their babies clean, dry, and healthy. These families are in our community: a mother trying to go to school to make a better life for her family, a father working two jobs, and a family who needs a little help. These are our friends, families, and neighbors. Dry diapers can make all the difference.

Additionally, every year in October, the EIDB hosts a community-wide diaper collection called Operation Diaper Drive. You may have seen collection boxes at area stores and sponsor locations. This year, we are again working on stocking the bank with donations of new diapers – we especially need sizes 4-6! You can also stretch your contribution with a monetary donation online. Learn more at www.eiDiaperBank.org

Cedar Rapids Museum of Art Gala 2024
2024-11-01 17:30 - 23:00 | Cedar Rapids Country Club, 550 27th Street Drive SE, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52403, United States
An evening of exceptional cuisine, libations, and amazing art is here…the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art’s 9th Annual Gala! The fundraiser, benefiting educational and outreach programming at the CRMA, will be held Friday, November 1, 2024, at the Cedar Rapids Country Club. This is our one and only fundraiser of the year and it’s going to be magnificent! You’ll be captivated by the professional Artist Gallery, sensational Silent Auction items, and a Live Auction filled with art and experiences you won’t want to miss. Our bidding platform will allow you to purchase your tickets on-line and bid on all your Silent Auction items right from your cell phone or mobile device. Black Tie Optional. For more information, purchase tickets, or donate, go to www.crma.org.

Nonprofit Party at the Museum
2024-11-07 16:00 - 18:00 | African American Museum of Iowa, 55 12th Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52401, United States
On Thursday, November 7, 2024, the Community Foundation will host the Nonprofit Party at the Museum. The Nonprofit Party is an annual celebration of local nonprofit professionals and the incredible work they do to strengthen our community. This year’s party is being held at African American Museum of Iowa in Cedar Rapids from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. All nonprofit staff are invited to attend.

The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation honors nonprofit employees (leaders or staff members) or founders of Linn County nonprofit organizations each year with a Spirit of Minnie Rubek recognition at its annual Nonprofit Party event each fall. The recognition goes to a nonprofit professional who has gone “above and beyond” in their commitment and dedication to their organization and its mission, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of the organization. They exhibit the spirit of Minnie Rubek in their nonprofit work.

Learning Cohort for Small and Grassroots Nonprofits: Nonprofit Tools and Resources
2024-11-13 11:30 - 13:00

GivingTuesday
2024-12-03 00:00 - 23:59
GivingTuesday is a global day of giving. There are many ways to support the nonprofits that make Linn County a vibrant and thriving home. Stop by the Nonprofit Giving Center to learn more about these organizations and how you can support them.

Cultivate Hope Holiday Craft Fair
2024-12-07 09:00 - 12:00
Join us from 9 am-12 pm on Saturday, Dec. 7 for our Cultivate Hope Holiday Craft Fair at Groundswell, 201 Third Ave. SW in Cedar Rapids and help support our organization.

This year’s Holiday Craft Fair will feature local craft vendors, a photo booth, crafts and activities, live music from the Cedar Rapids Community Orchestra, and more.

Our Youth Development Program students will selling homemade jams and baked goods to support their program.

Our pay-it-forward cafe, Groundswell, located directly next to the event space, will have delicious food and beverage specials as well. We will also be promoting the Merry Meals fundraiser in the cafe as part of the event.

Nonprofit Know-How: Artificial Intelligence
2024-12-11 09:30 - 11:30 | Cedar Rapids Public Library, Beems Auditorium, 450 Fifth Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52401, United States
Presenter: Dr. Laura Lacasa Yost, Instructional Designer | Academic Innovation, Strategy, & Design Department, Kirkwood Community College

It’s the hottest topic of the year and we’re ready to confront it: Artificial Intelligence! Dr. Laura Lacasa Yost will share about her work with Artificial Intelligence and its effects on our workplace. The Nonprofit Know-How session will explore the impacts of AI on nonprofits including opportunities, pitfalls, cautions, and practicality. We’ll also cover standards for AI workplace implementation and provide a demonstration of AI tools. Following the informational session by Dr. Yost, we’ll divide into small groups to learn from peers.

Register Here

CRPF Friends of Parks First Day Hike
2025-01-01 10:00 - 11:30 | Old MacDonalds Farm@ Bever Park, 2700 Bever Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52403, United States
Cedar Rapids Parks Foundation invites you to start your new year off right! Friends will meet at the trailhead just before the entrance to Old MacDonald’s Farm at Bever Park. Following the short, free, family-friendly hike, CRPF will host complimentary coffee, tea and cocoa for our trail guests! Sustainers will be eligible for a drawing for a family four pack of free Hawkeye Women’s Basketball tickets (compliments of IHeart Media!)and a CRPF Merchandise Gift Basket! Entrants must be Friends of CRPF Sustainers and present to win. Become a sustainer of CRPF at the hike and we’ll throw your name into the drawing as well! Learn more about becoming a Friends of CRPF sustainer here https://crparkfoundation.org/friends-of-parks/
