Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation

Learning Cohort for Small and Grassroots Nonprofits: Building the Nonprofit
2024-10-09 11:30 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | IA
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

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 | IA
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 | IA

GivingTuesday
2024-12-03 00:00 - 23:59 | IA
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 | IA
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/

Dancing With the Saints – Season 10 to benefit Xavier Catholic Schools
2025-01-18 17:15 - 2025-01-19 00:30 | Double Tree by Hilton, 350 1st Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52401, United States
Important Event Information:

Date: Saturday, January 18, 2025.
Location: Doubletree Hotel, 350-1st Street NE, Cedar Rapids – Grand Ballroom .
Parking: Parking is available in the ramp attached to the Doubletree Hotel and across the street in the parkade for a fee; some on-street parking is also available.
Attire: We recommend guests dress as they would if they were attending a wedding.

The Convention Center will be set for dinner for 1,100+ attendees. Tickets are on-sale now and will sell out quickly.

General Admission Tables $1,300 (Table of 12)
General Admission Individual
$125
(Committee will assign seats)
Dessert Tables
$650 (Table of 12)
Dessert Individual Ticket Sales
$65

Itinerary:

5:15 pm – All attendee Cocktail Hour Main Lobby
6:15 pm – Seating for Dinner, Prayer, Performance by Past Year’s Dancers
6:30 pm – Program Begins Main Ballroom
10:50 pm – Program Ends and DJ/Dance Begins
12:30 am – Dance Ends

Nonprofit Know-How: Grants in 2025
2025-01-31 09:30 - 11:30 | Cedar Rapids Public Library, Beems Auditorium, 450 Fifth Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52401, United States
Join the Community Foundation grants staff to learn about upcoming grant opportunities, application process updates, and helpful tools for grant seekers.

Register Here

Iowa Giving Crew Gala-ish
2025-02-01 18:00 - 22:00 | Eastbank, 97 3rd Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52401, United States
Join Iowa Giving Crew for a night of FUN and FUNdraising! Hang out with SWARM athletes during our VIP happy hour, enjoy dueling pianos entertainment, silent auction and more!

2025 Blue Door Bash
2025-02-22 17:30 - 20:30 | Double Tree by Hilton, 350 1st Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52401, United States
The Blue Door Bash is the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Corridor’s annual gala event. This event raises critical funding to support our Club’s mission to inspire and enable all young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. The evening includes both live and silent auctions, cocktail hour, food tastings and a program showcasing the important work we do and the impact we have in the community.

Immigration & Business Luncheon
2025-03-06 11:30 - 13:00 | Double Tree by Hilton, 350 1st Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52401, United States
Join the Catherine McAuley Center for our third annual fundraiser honoring the contributions refugees and immigrants make to a thriving community! Guests will have the opportunity to connect, reflect, and contribute to our mission that provides opportunities for newcomers to thrive in Eastern Iowa. The event features a keynote speaker and the presentation of the Immigration & Business Awards. Prior to the luncheon, a morning refugee simulation will be held. This immersive experience is designed to help participants better understand some of the difficult choices refugees may face on their resettlement journey.
Our keynote speaker this year is Rekha Basu. For 30 years, Rekha’s syndicated columns on national and local issues related to race, gender, immigration, and social justice were staples in The Des Moines Register, where her work still appears on occasion. She has been an on-air guest of TV hosts Tom Brokaw, Rachel Maddow, Gwen Ifill, and CNN International’s Richard Quest.

Bourbon & Bowties
2025-03-06 17:00 - 20:30 | Ideal Theater and Bar, 213 16th Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA, IA, 52403, United States
Join Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) for a fun night of bourbon, wine and cocktail sipping with Cedar Rapids’ young emerging professionals and community leaders while enjoying exclusive access to The Ideal Theater and Bar as we raise awareness and funds to benefit Breakthrough T1D and Type 1 Diabetes treatments and research to find a cure.

This bowtie/bow optional (prizes for the best ones!), business casual event, includes a souvenir glass, unlimited bourbon, cocktail, and craft beer tastings courtesy of local distillers and brewers, appetizers, LIVE music by Jonah Seymour, a cash bar, small silent auction and an amazing opportunity to meet and network with other professionals in the Cedar Rapids and Iowa City areas!

*Must be 21+ to attend

14 Under 14 Awards
2025-03-11 16:00 - 17:00 | Cedar Rapids Public Library, Whipple Auditorium, 450 5th Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 52401, United States
Join Kids First Law Center on Tuesday, March 11 from 4:00 – 5:00 PM for the 14 Under 14 Awards honoring 14 young leaders under age 14. Cedar Rapids teachers nominated outstanding students who will be celebrated as their inspiring stories are shared with the community. Click here to take a behind-the-scenes footage from this year’s photoshoot. This feel-good event of the year is free and open to the public.

Nonprofit Know-How: UnCharitable Movie for Nonprofits and Boards
2025-03-12 09:30 - 11:30 | Cedar Rapids Public Library, Beems Auditorium, 450 Fifth Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52401, United States
Join us for the next Nonprofit Know-How: UnCharitable Movie for Nonprofits and Board Members on Wednesday, March 12, from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. This timely and crucial documentary 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. Donors, nonprofit professionals, and nonprofit board members will walk away with a new understanding of how we can truly strengthen our communities.

Register Here

Who: Nonprofit professionals, nonprofit board members, and community members

What: Nonprofit Know-How: UnCharitable Movie for Nonprofits and Board Members. A free screening of the documentary.

When: Wednesday, March 12, 2025, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Where: Cedar Rapids Public Library, Beems Auditorium, 405 5th Ave SE, Cedar Rapids 52401

Why: To inspire more effective philanthropy in Linn County!

Hot Soup – Cold Noses DRIVE THRU Supper
2025-03-14 16:30 - 18:30 | Iowa Humane Alliance, 6540 6th Street SE, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52404, United States
Warm up your winter – and dish up some love for Iowa’s companion animals by joining us for Iowa Humane Alliance’s Hot Soup – Cold Noses DRIVE THRU Supper on Friday, March 14th.Designed to thaw you out during the frostiest weather, the take home meal includes two bowls of your choice of five delicious soups, bread and dessert. Help pets and the people who care for them by supporting the Iowa Humane Alliance spay neuter solution!All proceeds benefit Iowa Humane Alliance’s mission to provide low cost, high quality spay/neuter services for individual pet owners, shelter and rescue partners and community cat caretakers.For more information visit iowahumanealliance.org or call 319-363-1225

Open House
2025-03-28 17:30 - 19:30 | Eastern Iowa Arts Academy, 2630 B Avenue, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52402, United States
Come check out our new space! We have been hard at work transforming the old Arthur School Elementary School building into the NEW Eastern Iowa Arts Academy, and we can’t wait to show you the awesomeness! If you are curious about our space, us, or just love the arts, come on by!

2025 Arc March
2025-03-29 08:00 - 10:00 | Lindale Mall, 4444 1st Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 52402
Join us at the 28th Annual Arc March!

We are walking once again in support of our Arc participants and their families. Our 1st goal is to raise $42,000 to help bridge funding gaps in our programs and services. Our 2nd goal is to fill the Lindale Mall Food Court with enthusiastic friends and supporters as we continue to raise awareness about intellectual and developmental disabilities. Invite your friends, family and co-workers to walk with you.

The Arc March will be held at the Lindale Mall Food Court from 8:00 – 10:00 AM on Saturday, March 29th.

Click on the link to get started fundraising or just donate. https://secure.qgiv.com/event/2025arcmarch/

Once on the official Arc March website, you will see two buttons:
– Register For This Event – use this button to register yourself or a team. Once your team is created you can invite friends and family to join you and compete for fundraising prizes.
– Donate Now – use this button because you want to donate to a great cause. We are grateful for your generosity!

T-shirts

The deadline for t-shirts is March 9th. In order to guarantee a t-shirt your registration must be received by this date. The registration, including a t-shirt, is $15.00 for youth and $20.00 for adults.

Earn Prizes

Prizes will be awarded for the top three fundraisers and anyone raising $1,000 or more!

Start your fundraising page or team today! Click on the link above to get started. Your fundraising efforts truly make a difference!

Saturday, March 29th
Lindale Mall Food Court
8:00 AM – Activities Start | 9:30 AM – Walk Begins

Cooking for a Cause
2025-04-03 17:30 - 19:30 | Groundswell Cafe, 201 3rd Ave SW, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52404, United States
Want to learn and try a new recipe while also cooking extra food for the nonprofit Cultivate Hope Corner Store?

Join us for Cooking for a Cause, a hands-on cooking class with Chef Craig, where you’ll learn to prepare a delicious Italian dinner while also giving back!
$25 cost includes:

Instructional Class and take-home recipe card
One meal per attendee
Your cost also covers some of the food costs for the meals that will go to the Cultivate Hope Corner Store!

Space is limited. Purchase your ticket at:
https://www.matthew-25.org/event/cooking-for-a-cause-april-3/

His Hands Free Clinic Movie Night
2025-04-03 18:00 - 21:30 | Marcus Theaters, 5340 Council St NE,, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52402, United States
His Hands Free Clinic invites you to Movie Night at Marcus Theaters on Thursday, April 3, at 6:00 PM! This special event features multiple current releases, including The Chosen: Season 5, Part II, which begins at 7:00 PM.

All proceeds will help provide compassionate medical care for the uninsured and underinsured in our community. Every ticket purchased makes a difference!

Ticket Options:

Movie Ticket: $15
Movie + Concessions (Drink & Popcorn): $30
Movie + Concessions + Meal (Pizza, fruit, salad, & sliders): $45

Important:

Tickets for The Chosen are valid only on April 3.
Tickets for other current releases can be used anytime (Excludes The Chosen).

Concessions and meal ticket purchases must be made by March 26, 2025.

Get your tickets today: https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/his-hands-movie-night-april-3–2025

Join us for an evening of entertainment with a purpose—your support brings hope and healing to those in need. We can’t wait to see you there!

Thank you for making a difference!

YPN Trivia Night
2025-04-04 06:00 - 20:00 | IA
Join us on Friday, April 4 for our 3rd Annual YPN Trivia Night! Grab your team of 8 and join us for Trivia Night to support YPN, MC’d by Z102.9’s Morning Scramble host, Eric Hanson! Funds raised will support YPN programs and services.
Tables are $500 for a team of eight and mulligans packages will be available to purchase both ahead of time and when you check in. Mark your calendar and plan to join us for a fun night of trivia to support a great cause!
Tickets will go on sale February 2025. Trivia Night is a 21+ event.
