Cultivating A Place of Welcome
2026-04-04 11:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Catherine McAuley Center, 1220 5th Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52403, United States
Cultivating A Place of Welcome is an open-house fundraiser for the Catherine McAuley Center.

On Saturday, April 4th, step inside CMC and experience our work firsthand and at eye level. You will learn about our education services, women’s services, employment support, and resource navigation programs through guided tours, story-telling, activities, conversations, and more.

Taste our community’s rich diversity with international foods, walk a few steps in our client’s shoes as you hear their stories, learn how you can make an impact, and have fun for a good cause!

Please RSVP on Facebook or email rsvp@cmc-cr.org to let us know you can attend. We can’t wait to show you all the good we’re doing here at CMC.

11th annual Hops for Housing
2026-04-11 14:30 - 17:30 | Ushers Ferry Historic Village, 5925 Seminole Valley Trail NE, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52411, United States
Join us in celebrating Hops for Housing’s 11th anniversary on April 11th at Ushers Ferry Historic Village (Main Lodge) from 2:30-5:30pm! The address is 5925 Seminole Valley Trail NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52411.

Ticketholders will receive a pretzel necklace, tasting glass, and admittance to the event with local breweries and cideries to sample from. There will be live music, a silent auction, and awareness-raising games to play throughout the event! Tickets can be pre-ordered for $45 through our site, or can be purchased for $50 at the door.

Good Beer. Great Cause.

Hops for Housing is an annual fund and awareness-raising event to benefit Willis Dady Homeless Services. Our mission is to empower all experiencing homelessness to build futures of self-sufficiency through advocacy, housing, and employment. This annual event brings over $40,000 to support homeless services in Linn County, IA.

Starting at 2:30 we will have live music, a silent auction, and plenty of samples for you to enjoy! Parking is available in the parking lot and in the grass beside the lodge. Please drive responsibly and consider carpooling. If you have any questions about the event, reach out to Maylee at 319-362-7555 or via email at maylee@willisdady.org.

April 2026 Public Night
2026-04-11 20:00 - 21:30 | Eastern Iowa Observatory and Learning Center, 1365 Ivanhoe Rd, Ely, IA, 52227, United States
The NASA Tracers Mission: The Latest Example of Hawkeyes in Space presented by Dr. George Hospodarsky

KCCK's Taste of Jazz
2026-04-24 18:00 - 21:30 | Hotel at Kirkwood Center
oin KCCK in collaboration with Kirkwood’s Culinary Arts and Hospitality Arts Departments for an evening of food, wine, beer and music to benefit KCCK’s Jazz Education Programs.
Music by BYOBrass and Six Man Trio.
The event features wine and beer tastings, heavy hors d’oeuvres, dessert and a silent auction. And of course great live music!Featuring Wine from Fireside Winery, Tabor House Winery, and Lubben Vineyards and Wine. Beer from House Divided Brewery, Big Grove Brewery, and Reunion Brewery.
Individual Tickets are $100 or $1000 for a reserved table of 10.More information at tickets at: www.kcck.org/taste

Matthew 25's Spring Celebration
2026-04-28 16:00 - 18:00 | Cultivate Hope Urban Farm, 437 G Ave. NW, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52404, United States
Spring is a time to celebrate!
Join us for Matthew 25’s Spring Celebration, where we extend our gratitude to YOU—our incredible volunteers, donors, supporters, and community!

Matthew 25’s Spring Celebration will take place on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at the Cultivate Hope Urban Farm, located at 437 G AVE NW. Mingle, engage with our programs, and enjoy small bites and beverages. There will be a short program at 5:00 celebrating the volunteers, organizations, and businesses that support Matthew 25 all year.

Everyone is welcome! RSVP to let us know you are coming at matthew-25.org/spring2026.

Happy Hour for Kids First
2026-04-30 16:30 - 18:30 | The Olympic South Side Theater, 1202 3rd St SE #200, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52401, United States
Join Kids First Thursday, April 30 from 4:30 – 6:30 PM at The Olympic in the NewBo District. Entry is free, fabulous auction items await, and the bar is open! We can’t wait to celebrate with you.

All of the proceeds directly support Kids First’s mission to give children a voice in divorce, custody, and other conflicts by providing focused legal representation and services for kids right here in the Corridor.

A Night with Bridgehaven Fundraising Gala
2026-05-01 18:30 - 21:30 | Double Tree by Hilton, 350 1st Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52401, United States
A Night with Bridgehaven 2026
Join us for A Night with Bridgehaven as we gather to celebrate the life-changing work God is doing through the ministry of Bridgehaven. This year’s gala centers on stories of redemption, restoration, and hope—stories we see lived out every day as women, men, and families walk through our doors seeking compassion, truth, and support in the midst of unplanned pregnancies.
This evening is an opportunity to reflect on the profound impact Bridgehaven has on our community and to celebrate how God brings healing and purpose from brokenness. Together, we will rejoice in lives restored, families strengthened, and hope renewed.
Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. for our new pre-program social hour, featuring check-in, a photo booth for pictures with Al & Lisa Robertson, dessert selection, raffle drawings, and fellowship. The program will begin promptly at 7:30 p.m. This event is a Dessert Gala, so guests are encouraged to enjoy dinner prior to attending.
Thanks to the generosity of one of our donors, this event is free to attend, allowing guests to give freely throughout the evening as we work toward our $200,000 fundraising goal in support of Bridgehaven’s mission.

Keynote Speakers: Al & Lisa Robertson (Duck Dynasty)
Bridgehaven is honored to welcome Al and Lisa Robertson of Duck Dynasty as our keynote speakers for the 2026 Night with Bridgehaven Gala.
Al is the oldest son of Phil and Miss Kay Robertson, the patriarch and matriarch of the Duck Dynasty family. Lisa is his wife of 38 years, and together they have spent more than 22 years sharing their story through ministry and speaking at marriage retreats, pregnancy centers, pro-life events, and seminars across the country.
Lisa carries a powerful and deeply moving testimony that leaves a lasting impact on everyone she meets. Together, Al and Lisa speak openly about brokenness, restoration, and the hope found through faith in Jesus Christ. Their story mirrors what we see daily at Bridgehaven—lives transformed through compassion, truth, and unwavering hope.
Get ready for a memorable night filled with fun, laughter, tears, and inspiration as we come together to celebrate what God is doing through Bridgehaven—and through each of you who make this ministry possible.
So sport your camo, grow out your beard, or dress it up with fancy beads—it’s a night for everyone as we celebrate life, faith, and the incredible impact of Bridgehaven.

Matthew 25's Spring Plant Sale
2026-05-02 08:00 - 13:00 | Cultivate Hope Urban Farm, 437 G Ave. NW, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52404, United States
Cultivate Hope’s annual Spring Plant Sale, held on Saturday, May 2, 2026 from 8 am – 1 pm at the Urban Farm, will feature fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers grown in our greenhouse as well as affordably priced annual and perennial plants grown by our local partners.
Stock up on Iowa-grown plants for the 2026 growing season! We will have greenhouse-grown vegetable starts, well-established herbs, perennial fruit and asparagus plants, and annual and perennial flowers. This year we are also highlighting native plants, including wildflowers and grasses, to support a healthier ecosystem and provide habitat for pollinators.
All proceeds go to supporting the Urban Farm’s work to grow healthy, sustainable fruits and vegetables.
Don’t miss this chance to stock up on everything you need for a delicious and colorful growing season!

Buds & Blossoms Plant Sale at GROW at Kazimour Farm & Orchard
2026-05-02 09:00 - 13:00 | Kazimour Farm & Orchard, 2630 Otis Rd SE, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52403, United States
Join us for the Buds & Blossoms Plant Sale at GROW at Kazimour Farm & Orchard. Shop annuals, herbs, and Iowa native perennials. Get planting tips from Cedar Rapids Garden Club members and Linn County Master Gardeners. Enjoy family-friendly activities and kids’ herb planting.

Presented by the Cedar Rapids Garden Club

Storytellers of Cedar Rapids
2026-05-06 19:30 - 21:30 | Groundswell Cafe, 201 3rd Ave SW, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52404, United States
Rooted in the belief that stories connect us, this final show in a four-part series invites local voices to the stage to share true, personal stories inspired by themes drawn from Matthew 25’s core pillars. Each evening is a celebration of vulnerability, truth, and the power of storytelling to create belonging. For this show, storytellers are exploring the theme: “There are No Strangers Here”.
Updates on this May 6, 2026 performance of storytellers, musicians and supporters will be available soon! I
Show begins at 7:30 PM (doors open at 7:00 PM)Location: Groundswell, 201 3rd AVE SW
Come for the stories. Stay for the connection. matthew-25.org/storytellers

Cultivate Community Market
2026-05-28 16:00 - 19:00 | Cultivate Hope Urban Farm, 437 G Ave. NW, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52404, United States
Formerly known as our Mega Markets, Cultivate Community Markets bring together fresh food, community connection, music, learning, and fun at the Cultivate Hope Urban Farm. Join nonprofit Matthew 25 from 4–7 PM on the last Thursday of each month from May through September for a summer full of celebration and community.
Our Season Kick-Off Market takes place on Thursday, May 28th, and we hope you’ll come help us launch another exciting season at the farm!
At these events, you can expect:

Fresh Urban Farm produce
Pizza and refreshments
Local vendors and artists
Community connections
Family-friendly activities with learning opportunities
A welcoming space to gather and celebrate together

Four Oaks Golf Classic
2026-06-01 07:30 - 18:30 | Cedar Rapids Country Club, 550 27th Street Drive SE, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52403, United States
The Four Oaks Golf Classic returns for its 33rd year on June 1, 2026 at the Cedar Rapids Country Club. We look forward to another amazing event this summer. For more information, visit www.fouroaks.org/golf

Zach Johnson Foundation Classic
2026-06-08 07:30 - 15:00 | Elmcrest Country Club, 1 Zach Johnson Drive, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52402
The Zach Johnson Foundation Classic is a premier golf event that brings together community and business leaders in support of the Zach Johnson Foundation’s Kids on Course program. Hosted at Elmcrest Country Club, the tournament blends competition, connection and purpose in a setting that reflects the heart of our community.
More than just a day on the course, the Classic helps fund year round academic support, mentoring and enrichment opportunities for more than 1,000 local students, helping create brighter futures for the next generation.

William Quarton Heritage Society Luncheon
2026-06-09 11:30 - 13:00 | National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, 1400 Inspiration Pl SW, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52404, United States
William Quarton Heritage Society Members are invited to this special luncheon in recognition of your generous support through a permanent gift to benefit our community. Join us as we celebrate part of the rich cultural heritage of our community that continues to shape and inspire us.Parking: The museum offers complimentary parking, including an accessible garage with elevator access, as well as a surface lot located in front of the building.Please RSVP by Thursday, May 28, 2026 to donorservices@gcrcf.org or call Rachel Schneider at 319.200.4229. Please provide any dietary requests when you RSVP.Following the luncheon, we invite you to explore the museum exhibits at your leisure.

Learn More About William Quarton

Salon Series Final Concert & Fundraiser
2026-06-14 14:00 - 16:30 | Fine Arts Facilities Theatre, 401 76th Avenue SW, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52404, United States
Join us for an afternoon of opera’s greatest hits! This exciting fundraiser concert will feature selections from operas ranging from Bizet’s Carmen to Beethoven’s Fidelio, and plenty of Mozart, Puccini, and Verdi in between! This concert will feature six singers: Anna Laurenzo (mezzo), Abigail Rethwisch (soprano), Janara Kellerman (mezzo), Meghan Kasanders (soprano), Peter Morgan (baritone), and Moisés Salazar (tenor)

Hidden Gems Tour of Homes
2026-06-14 16:00 - 19:00 | Greene-Franchere mansion, 1757 D Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA, 1757 D Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52402, United States
In this fundraiser for Save CR Heritage, tour-goers receive rare access inside homes showcasing the MoundView Neighborhood’s history and charm. Start at the Greene-Franchere mansion, 1757 D Ave. NE, for tickets and a map of tour stops. The gorgeous Victorian mansion, designed by Brucemore architects Josselyn & Taylor, is one of at least a half-dozen stops on the tour. Tour-goers will learn the history of the homes, including previous residents and their stories, along with a bonus discussion of an artist’s work outside of her home in the B Avenue NE Historic District. Transportation is up to each participant in this self-guided tour. Please note that some homes are “hidden” on hills and have stairs to navigate. Cash or check preferred. Proceeds support revitalizing the Save CR Heritage Zastera Pharmacy building as an architectural salvage shop and community hub.

Recruitment Reimagined: Right-Sizing Roles & Targeting Volunteers
2026-06-17 11:30 - 13:00 | Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, 324 3rd Street SE, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52401, United States
Lunch and Networking at 11:30 a.m.

Program from 12-1 p.m.

Note: This workshop is open to all is held in place of Volunteer Engagement Peer Group in June. Thanks to presenter Kayla Paulson for offering this learning opportunity to our nonprofit community!

In an era of shrinking formal volunteerism, traditional recruitment models don’t cut it. Research shows that volunteering among U.S. adults dropped to 23.2% in 2021; the lowest level in two decades!

Though rates are improving, the hours served per volunteer continue to decline. This session will explore how to repackage your roles and recruitment methods for today’s landscape: shorter-term, skills-based, hybrid (virtual and in-person) roles where we expect episodic participation and aligning outreach with the motivations of today’s people. We’ll dive into how to assess and redesign roles to lower barriers (time, location, skill); and pathways to converting one-time participants into engaged contributors. Attendees will leave with tactical tools, assessment questions, and a sketched-out recruitment strategy for a role. Together, we will explore how to right-size roles and begin to focus more targeted recruitment for the volunteers that will best help us deliver our mission!

By the end of the session, participants will:

Get a snapshot of the current volunteer landscape

Be able to right-size a volunteer role

Identify likely or “right” volunteers

Start to convert one-time participants into engaged contributors

Have a rough, but practical recruitment plan for a role

Registration is required and lunch is included. Seats are limited.

Register Here

UnCharitable Screening
2026-06-22 18:00 - 20:00 | Bijou Theater, 123 2nd St SW, Mount Vernon, Iowa, 52314, United States
The Southeast Linn Community Center is partnering with the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation and United Way of East Central Iowa to host a free screening of the film UnCharitable at the Bijou Movie Theater, 123 2nd Ave. SW in Mount Vernon.The screening will take place on Monday, June 22, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. Doors open at 5:30, and a panel discussion and Q & A session will follow the film from 7:30 to 8 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. Please reserve your tickets at selinn.org/uncharitable.UnCharitable is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that examines the realities of philanthropy and challenges conventional thinking about giving. The film explores how freeing nonprofits from outdated constraints can empower them to create lasting change. Donors and community members will leave with fresh insight into how effective philanthropy canstrengthen communities.About the FilmAfter several groundbreaking U.S. charitable campaigns were criticized by charity watchdogs, leaders in philanthropy recognized the need to rethink how the nonprofit sector operates.Led by Dan Pallotta, whose record-breaking TED Talk on the subject has inspired philanthropists and changemakers around the world, UnCharitable takes viewers on an emotional and inspiring journey that challenges outdated assumptions about giving to charities. The film makes a compelling case for a new approach to giving – one that invests boldly in the people and organizations working in the nonprofit sector to make a true impact.This event is free and open to the public. Reserve your tickets at selinn.org/uncharitable.

SILT’s Victory Garden Art Show: Food Security and Independence
2026-06-27 11:30 - 15:00 | Veterans Memorial Building, 50 2nd Avenue Bridge, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52401, United States
A family friendly open house style event geared towards increasing awareness of SILT’s
mission to permanently protect Iowa’s farmland for sustainable food farming and
highlight our other partners working to conserve Iowa!
This event will feature:
-The Veterans Memorial Building Victory Garden’s display
-A seed swap organized by Seed Savers Exchange
-Artists bring in their work to be viewed by the public
-Pre-packaged snacks for sale
-Free kids craft kits and coloring sheets
-SILT merch for sale

If you are interested in displaying your art FREE of charge during this event or know someone who is, you can register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfel7H3uxZX4UYiy3yQNCP68YdXZRRbtqONLnte-vzqDjhlww/viewform?usp=publish-editor

2026 Investment Update
2026-07-28 15:30 - 16:30 | Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, 324 3rd Street SE, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52401, United States
Donors and professional advisors are invited to learn more from our investment consultant about the Community Foundation’s investment philosophy and performance.RSVPs are appreciated. Guests are welcome!To RSVP, contact Rachel Schneider at rachel.schneider@gcrcf.org or 319.200.4229.

Investment Management at the Community Foundation

Touch -A- Truck
2026-08-01 10:00 - 13:00 | Kirkwood Community College, 6301 Kirkwood Blvd SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 52404
Please join us for this FREE Community Event – ALL ARE WELCOME!
Get up close and personal with over 40 large vehicles including agricultural, construction, military, first responder, service and more all in one place! Event will be held at Kirkwood Community College – North Parking Lot of Linn Hall.
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM*10:00 – 11:00 – Will be sensory hour. No lights or sirens will be used during this time.
Free will donations will be collected to support The Arc of East Central Iowa.
There will also be food, music, activities and more!
Presented By: The Arc of East Central IowaEvent Sponsors: Hudson Insurance Group, Transamerica, UFG Insurance, & Van MeterLocation Sponsor: Kirkwood Community College

Nonprofit Know-How: Perfect Your Pitch
2026-08-12 09:30 - 10:30
Virtual event via Zoom

Every nonprofit has a story worth sharing—but can you communicate it clearly and confidently in just a few minutes?

Join fellow nonprofit professionals for Nonprofit Know-How: Perfect Your Pitch, an interactive virtual learning session designed to help you refine your organization’s elevator pitch while building connections across the nonprofit community.

During this engaging one-hour session, participants will receive an introduction to effective elevator pitching before breaking into small-group discussions. Through 15-minute breakout room rotations, you’ll have the opportunity to practice your pitch, receive constructive feedback from peers, and learn how other organizations communicate their missions and impact.

Whether you’re introducing your organization to potential donors, partners, volunteers, or community members, this session will help you sharpen your message and gain confidence in sharing your story.

Participants will:

Practice delivering their nonprofit elevator pitch in a supportive environment

Give and receive valuable peer feedback

Learn how other organizations describe their missions and impact

Build relationships with nonprofit professionals from across the community

Strengthen their ability to communicate their organization’s value and purpose

Come ready to share your mission, learn from others, and make meaningful community connections.

Register

Data for Grant Writing Workshop: Finding the Data You Need for a Successful Grant
2026-08-27 09:00 - 12:00 | Linn County Extension – Room 815, 1170 Boyson Road, Hiawatha, Iowa, United States
This workshop will help you through finding the data you need for writing a successful grant proposal.You’ll learn how to:• Connect to 6+ data sites with useful and important data.• Understand the data, information, and tables in the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey.• Navigate to the websites and the geographic level that you need.• Take a “deep dive” into 3−4 sites and practice finding items you need.• Download data.Who should attend?Grant writers, nonprofit staff, planners, local officials To accommodate more organizations, attendance is limited to two per organization.Co-sponsored locally by: Greater Cedar Rapids Community FoundationAlliant EnergyMt. Vernon / Lisbon Community DevelopmentLinn County Extension and OutreachFor more informationTo learn more about course content or sponsoring a local workshop, contact Sandra Burke at scburke@iastate.edu. or Ann Torbert, Regional Director at atorbert@iastate.edu 319-377-9839

Register Here

Nonprofit Appreciation Day
2026-09-17 08:00 - 10:00
Join us on Thursday, September 17 for a celebration of you! We’ll gather at the Community Foundation from 8 – 10 a.m. for specialty drinks from Bitter Sweet, doughnuts, and connection. Also a chance to win a $500 award for your favorite nonprofit organization.

Register

Laughter Rx, a fundraising dinner event benefiting His Hands Free Clinic
2026-09-17 17:00 - 20:30 | Hotel at Kirkwood Center, 7725 Kirkwood Blvd SW, Cedar Rapids, IA
Laughter Rx is a fundraising dinner comedy event on September 17 at The Hotel at Kirkwood Center to benefit His Hands Free Clinic. Guests will enjoy an evening of connection, good food, and live entertainment. Social hour begins at 5:00 pm, with dinner and program at 6:00 pm.

Advanced registration is required. Guests are asked to RSVP by September 1, 2026. Space is limited, and early registration is encouraged. The evening offers an opportunity to financially support the mission of His Hands Free Clinic.

Busse Branch Grand Opening Gala
2026-09-17 19:00 - 22:00
Our community’s Big Dreams are about to come true – the new Cedar Rapids Public Library Busse Branch will open its doors on Thursday, September 17, 2026. We hope you will join us to celebrate this milestone.

The Cedar Rapids Public Library Busse Branch is located on 20th Avenue off of Edgewood Road SW.

More details, including time and ticket information, will be coming soon.

Cedar Rapids Museum of Art Gala
2026-11-06 18:00 - 22:00 | 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 11th Annual Gala! The fundraiser, benefiting educational and outreach programming at the CRMA, will be held Friday, November 6, 2026, 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.
