For the last six years, the Community Foundation has hosted an annual Celebration of Community event, which has evolved to serve two purposes. First, it is an opportunity to recognize nonprofit professionals and the outstanding work they do; second, it is a chance to educate and inform attendees about the many programs, efforts and challenges in our community.
Going forward, the Community Foundation will approach these goals with separate events.
The Nonprofit Network will host the Nonprofit Party at the Museum, a new annual event for nonprofit professionals, on Thursday, November 7, 2019, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. This year’s Party is at the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, and the location will change each year.
“This event is all about nonprofit staff,” said Carrie Walker, Nonprofit Network Manager. “It will be a chance for them to relax and socialize—it’s a way for us to say thank you for the incredible work they do.” At the Party, the Nonprofit Leadership Excellence Award and the Minnie Rubek Staff Excellence Award will honor two nonprofit professionals who have made an exceptional impact on our community. These awards were presented at the Celebration of Community over the last several years. Nominations for both awards are due on Tuesday, October 1, 2019.
In an effort to continue to provide educational and informative opportunities, the Community Foundation has also launched a new Community Learning Series. These events, which will take place 2-3 times per year, will be an opportunity for donors, nonprofit staff and community leaders to learn, discuss and collaborate. The topic, format and location of the Series will vary to allow for diverse perspectives and approaches.
“The Community Learning Series gives us flexibility,” said Karla Twedt-Ball, Senior Vice President, Programs and Community Investment at the Community Foundation. “We can respond as challenges arise in our community, and we can take advantage of opportunities that emerge.”
The Series kicked off in May with one such emerging opportunity. Susan Longworth of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago presented her research on economic inclusion in smaller Midwestern cities, which included Cedar Rapids. The next Community Learning Series event will be held this fall.
To learn more about events at the Community Foundation, click here.
