The Community Foundation’s competitive grant programs are supported by the Greater Good Fund, an unrestricted, endowed fund established to help nonprofits meet the needs of Linn County. Additional support comes from Field of Interest Funds, established by donors who want to support a specific charitable cause in our community.

Program Support Grant Fund

Spring Grant Cycle Awards:

OrganizationPurposeAmountFund Name
Affordable Housing Network, Inc.Affordable Housing Network Tenant Support $790Homer E. and Irma B. Busby Fund for Human Services
$24,210
BrucemoreGrowing Program Capacity: A Vision for Engagement $25,000
Catherine McAuley CenterEssential Services for Women in Crisis$1,000Michael R. and Marla K. Valliere Donor-Advised Fund
$49,000
Cedar Rapids Museum of Art2023-2024 Exhibition and Education Support $25,000
City of Central CityFood Costs Affect Program Serving At Risk Seniors $10,000
Community Health Free ClinicBeing Seen and Heard$1,438Nina and Victor Merveaux Fund for Health and Health-Related Programs
$4,031Robert E. and Corinne L. Yaw Fund
$2,531Van Nostrand Fund for Health Related Activities
Discovery Living Inc.Independence and Safety Through Keyless Entry Lock$7,250
His Hands Free ClinicDental Equipment to address great community needs $5,000Anonymous
$7,000Van Nostrand Fund for Health Related Activities
Iowa Legal AidLinn County Housing Stability Project$25,000
Junior Achievement of Eastern IowaJA Finance Park® Mobile: The Game of Life $368Abbott, Joan and Ann Lipsky Endowed Fund for Child-Centered Programs
$24,632
Junior League of Cedar RapidsBridging the G.A.P. (Guide. Advocate. Provide.)$6,000Robert E. and Corinne L. Yaw Fund
Olivet Neighborhood MissionPurchasing Food for Olivet’s Food Pantry $1,212Claire and Vernon Hudek Fund
$1,000Michael R. and Marla K. Valliere Donor-Advised Fund
$9,432
$930Ralph E. and Barbara J. Hughes Endowed Fund for Church-Related Human Service Activities
$2,426Tokheim Family Field of Interest Fund for the Homeless and Hungry of Cedar Rapids
Southeast Linn Community CenterSupporting Rural Food Access $250Garner Family Donor-Advised Fund
$9,750
TanagerFreedom Schools $4,663Jay and Bonnie Petersen Fund for Children and the Underprivileged
$1,000Michael R. and Marla K. Valliere Donor-Advised Fund
$5,085Nina and Victor Merveaux Fund for Low-Income Families
$14,252

Fall Grant Cycle Awards:

OrganizationPurposeAmountFund Name
African American Museum of IowaTeaching Iowa’s Cultural Heritage with the AAMI $20,000
American Youth Soccer OrganizationWellington Heights Community Youth Soccer $20,000
Area Substance Abuse CouncilParent Café and Substance Use Prevention $8,000
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cedar Rapids & East Central IowaSupport to Strengthen New Mentorships at BBBS $25,000
Central Furniture RescueRefugee Basic Furniture needs support $10,000
CR Independent Film Festival2024 Cedar Rapids Independent Film Fest Program $3,100
Eastern Iowa Arts AcademyAccessArt; Empowering Equity Through Financial Aid $20,000
Families Helping Families of IowaNew Shoes for Youth in Foster Care in Linn County $20,000
Feed Iowa FirstBuilding Resiliency & Equity Through Food Access $20,000
Fresh Start MinistriesFresh Start Ministries Expanded Programming$20,000
Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois Inc.Leadership Program for Underserved Girls $25,000
Harmony School of MusicYouth Free Music Program $9,157Margaret I. Haupt Music Enrichment Fund
$443
Hawkeye Area Community Action ProgramHACAP’s Food Reservoir Inventory System Upgrade $16,500
Heritage Area Agency on AgingEncore Cafe Linn County $25,000
Horizons – A Family Service AllianceNTS: Fueling for 2024 $25,000
Iowa College Access NetworkEliminating Barriers to Education/Training Access (2 years)$40,000
Iowa JAG Inc.iJAG: Career Development for Underserved Youth (2 years)$50,000
Lavender Legal CenterLGBTQ Legal Advocacy $20,000
Matthew 25Cultivate Hope: A Healthy Food Access Program$25,000
NewBoCoKiva Iowa Supporting Underserved Entrepreneurs (2 years)$50,000
Our Future IowaFellowship Program for Young and Diverse Leaders$14,300
Riverview Center Inc.Homeless Sexual Assault Survivors Holistic Support $8,812White Cross Society Fund
$6,554Nina and Victor Merveaux Fund for Health and Health-Related Programs
$9,634
Sleep in Heavenly PeaceNo Kid Sleeps on the Floor in Our Town! IA Linn 23 $10,000
SPT Theatre Company2024 SPT Theatre Sponsor $15,000

Organization Support Grant Fund

Spring Grant Cycle Awards:

OrganizationPurposeAmountFund Name
The Arc of East Central IowaGeneral Operating Support$25,000General Operating Support
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cedar Rapids & East Central IowaGrowing Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion$741Fund for Management Resourcing
$24,259
Cedar Rapids Museum of ArtFY 2024 General Operating Support$25,000
Fellowship Club of Cedar RapidsAchieving Recovery, Restoring Community $15,000
The Freedom FoundationFreedom Foundation Expansion$20,000
Freedom Stitchers of IARelocate the Freedom Stitchers of Iowa Operations$3,200
Harmony School of MusicHarmony School General Operating Support $20,000
Iowa Ceramics Center and Glass StudioCommunity Relationship Management Upgrade $9,218
LBA FoundationLBA Foundation Organizational Support 2023 $200Garner Family Endowed Donor-Advised Fund
$19,800
National Czech & Slovak Museum & LibraryNCSML Mission Support $25,000
N-Compass IncDevelop Iowa Project AWARE fundraising strategy $1,855GP Fund for the Environment
$4,145
Orchestra IowaTechnology Upgrades for Fundraising & Stewardship $3,000Anonymous

Fall Grant Cycle Awards:

OrganizationPurposeAmountFund Name
Advocates for Social JusticeSustaining Justice and Advocacy $5,000
African American Museum of IowaAAMI General Operating Support $20,000
Area Substance Abuse CouncilASAC Strategic Planning $20,000
Brucemore Inc.Expanding Access: Investing in Creative Community $7,225Nina E. and Victor D. Merveaux Endowed Fund for Historic Preservation
$775
Catherine McAuley CenterReorganizing Program Data in Salesforce $25,000
Cedar Valley Habitat for HumanityUpdating ReStore Point of Sale Technology $13,965
Discovery LivingDay Habilitation Services for individuals with ID $15,000
Eastern Iowa Arts AcademyTalkBack Studios: Advancing Equity with Music $20,000
Feed Iowa FirstBuilding Equitable Food Security and Access $20,000
Iowa Legal AidHiring First Ever Communications Manager $25,000
Kids First Law CenterKids First Grows Funding for the Future $3,000Anonymous
$22,000
NewBo City MarketReaching New Audiences in Arts and Food Incubation $25,000
Red Cedar Chamber MusicBuilding Community Through Chamber Music $5,387Iva C. Robb Fund for Artistic Initiative, a Liars Theater Legacy Fund
$14,613
Southeast Linn Community Center CorporationEnvisioning Our Future $12,500
TanagerTanager’s Vocera Communications Project $25,000
Theatre Cedar RapidsTCR Building Renovation Fundraising Work$25,000
Waypoint Services for Women, Children and FamiliesEnsuring Adequate Staff for Vulnerable Population $25,000
Wheelchair Ramp Accessibility Program CoalitionContinue our Mission $15,000
Willis Dady Homeless ServicesBuilding Futures of Self Sufficiency: WDHS $1,075Vern W. Reeder Memorial Fund
$23,925
YPNParents as Teachers (PAT) Evidence Based Affiliate $14,850

Linn County Grants

OrganizationPurposeAmount
Alburnett Community School DistrictADA Upgrade for Inclusive Playground Access $10,000
Cedar Valley Habitat for HumanityNew Home Construction in Walker $10,000
Center Point-Urbana Community School District FoundationCenter Point Urbana Primary Playground $10,000
City of Central CityCentral City Senior Dining Meal Program FY24 $10,000
Families Helping Families of IowaProgram Support for Youth Living in Foster Care $10,000
Friends of the Lisbon Public LibraryDolly Parton’s Imagination Library $1,100
Horizons – A Family Service AllianceSoutheast Linn Meals on Wheels $10,000
Iowa College Access NetworkEnhancing Career & Academic Planning in Schools $10,000
Iowa Legal AidLegal Services for Linn County Families $10,000
Junior Achievement of Eastern IowaInspiring Choice Filled Lives: Economic Education $10,000
Kids First Law CenterAdvocacy for Children of High Conflict Divorce $10,000
Linn County Trails AssociationHistoric Grant Wood Trail Extension $10,000
Mount Vernon Community School District FoundationWashington Elementary Library Renovation $10,000
NewBo City MarketIncubating Diverse Rural Farmers $10,000
Red Cedar Chamber MusicChamber Music in Rural Linn County Libraries 2024 $4,000
Southeast Linn Community Center CorporationSupporting Meals on Wheels: Lisbon & Mt Vernon $2,500
Waypoint Services for Women, Children and FamiliesWaypoint Domestic Violence Victim Services Program $10,000

Rapid Response Grant Fund

OrganizationPurposeAmount
Bridge Under the BridgeEmergency Expense: Service Vehicles Recovery$2,500
Eastern Iowa Health CenterEmerging Opportunity: Equitable Compensation$2,500
Friends of the FamilyEmergency Expense: Safe Shelter$2,500
Harmony School of MusicEmergency Expenses: Unexpected Needs $2,500
Revival Theatre CompanyEmergency Expense: Building a Sustainable Future$2,500

Endowment Challenge Grants

OrganizationPurposeAmount
Cedar Rapids Freedom FestivalCelebrating Community: Freedom Festival $25,000
Indian Creek Nature CenterGrowing Indian Creek Nature Center’s Endowment $25,000
Orchestra IowaOrchestra Iowa’s Centennial Comprehensive Campaign $25,000

Community Investment Fund

OrganizationPurposeAmount
Research Foundation of the City University of New YorkNational Network for Safe Communities $13,000

Competitive Donor-Advised Funds

Altorfer, Inc.

OrganizationPurposeAmount
Catherine McAuley CenterHelping Women Regain Stability After Homelessness$2,500
Cedar Valley Habitat for HumanityAffordable Repairs Program$2,000
Foundation 2 aka Foundation 2 Crisis ServicesEmergency Youth Shelter Support$2,500
The Freedom FoundationVeteran Emergency Assistance Fund$3,500
Growing Real Opportunities for Work at Kazimour Farm & OrchardHigh Tunnel for Extended Growing Season$3,000
Kids First Law CenterAdvocacy for Children of High-Conflict Divorce$3,000
Orchestra IowaOrchestra Iowa’s 2023-24 Education Programs$2,000
YMCA of the Cedar Rapids Metro AreaElevating Camp Wapsie’s Staff Housing$2,000
YPNBuilding Bright Futures Program Support$3,000

CRST International

OrganizationPurposeAmount
Cedar Rapids Museum of ArtSpring 2023 Exhibition and Educational Programming$10,000
Cedar Rapids Opera TheatreSeason Sponsorship – 25th Anniversary$30,000
Cornell CollegeGeneral Support$25,000
Cornell CollegeGeneral Support for Berry Center$5,000
Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois Inc.Leadership Program for Girls in Linn County$5,000
His Hands Free ClinicHis Hands Free Clinic GreatNeed.GreatCare Campaign$15,000
Inland Empire United WayGeneral Support$14,914
Iowa College FoundationDEI Opportunity Scholarship Request 10-22 to CRST$5,000
Junior Achievement of Eastern IowaCreating a World of Possibilities$10,000
Matthew 25Cultivate Hope$15,000
Metro United Way Inc.General Support$1,921
Mount Mercy UniversityGeneral Support$10,000
National Czech & Slovak Museum & LibraryArts and Culture Programming$30,000
Northwest Neighbors Neighborhood AssociationShakespeare Garden$10,000
Orchestra IowaCelebrating Orchestra Iowa’s Centennial Season$30,000
Refugee and Immigrant AssociationSchool Transportation Program$2,000
TanagerOne Week of Summer Camp at Camp Tanager 2023$35,000
Theatre Cedar RapidsTCR 2022-2023 Season Broadway Series Sponsorship$30,000
United Way of Allen CountyGeneral Support$7,294
United Way of Buffalo and Erie CountyGeneral Support$2,871
United Way of Central Alabama, Inc.General Support$3,443
United Way of Cowlitz & Wahkiakum CountiesGeneral Support$580
United Way of East Central IowaGeneral Support$66,418
United Way of East Central IowaGeneral Support$93,418
United Way of Greater CincinnatiGeneral Support$1,577
United Way of Greater Los AngelesGeneral Support$175
United Way of Lane CountyGeneral Support$226
United Way of San Joaquin CountyGeneral Support$2,533
Valley of the Sun United WayGeneral Support$792

Diamond V

OrganizationPurposeAmount
African American Museum of IowaTeaching Iowa’s Cultural Heritage with the AAMI$3,500
The Arc of East Central IowaRespite Recreation Support$4,000
Central Furniture RescueEmpower and Nourish$2,000
Deafinitely Dogs Inc.PTSD Program – Increasing capacity and support$7,500
Eastern Iowa Chapter JDRFJDRF One Walk Sponsorship$2,500
Feed Iowa FirstGrowing for Linn County: Expanding Nutritious Food$5,000
First United Methodist Church, MarionOnline Application 2023$5,000
The Freedom FoundationVeteran Pantry$5,000
Growing Real Opportunities for Work at Kazimour Farm & OrchardHigh Tunnel for Extended Growing Season$10,000
Hawkeye Area Community Action ProgramFood Reservoir Healthful and Diverse Food Options$15,000
Hawkeye Area Council, Boy Scouts of AmericaScouting For Food Community Service Project$2,000
Horizons – A Family Service AllianceMore Than a Meal 2024$5,000
Indian Creek Nature CenterIncreasing Capacity at ICNC’s Permaculture Farm$5,000
Iowa Children’s MuseumStorytime STEM Program for Cedar Rapids Schools$5,000
Iowa College FoundationICF Annual Funding Request to Diamond V June 2023$2,000
Junior League of Cedar RapidsSupporting a Healthy Life for Youth in Foster Care$3,500
Linn County Trails AssociationAll-Weather Trail Connection $7,500
Matthew 25Cultivate Hope$15,000
NewBo City MarketEquitable Health Access at NewBo City Market$1,000
Olivet Neighborhood Mission2023 Holiday Food Sponsor$5,000
St. Luke’s Health Care FoundationSt. Luke’s Dental Health Center$5,000
Trees ForeverTechnology Package for Field Staff$5,000

Girls With Goals

Organization/ApplicantPurposeAmount
Eastern Iowa Arts AcademyAccessArts: Empowering Equity via Financial Aid $1,000
Families Helping Families of IowaProgram Support for Girls in Foster Care $1,000
Girl Scouts of Greater IowaGSGI Mission Outreach Camp Experience & Discovery $1,000
NewBoCoGirls Who Code Club Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 $600
North Iowa Area Community College FoundationGirls Rock Minds On! Hands On! $500

GreatAmerica Financial Services Corporation

OrganizationPurposeAmount
African American Museum of IowaVoices Inspiring Progress $10,000
Alzheimer’s Association – Iowa ChapterWalk to End Alzheimer’s Sponsorship $2,500
American Cancer Society – Cedar RapidsRelay for Life of Linn County$5,000
American Heart Association2023 Go Red for Women 20th Anniversary$2,500
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cedar Rapids & East Central IowaMentoring to Support Youth Mental Wellbeing $10,000
Boys and Girls Club of the CorridorFinding Academic Success with BGCC $2,500
Brucemore Inc.History Tours 2023: Expanding on Traditions $15,000
Catherine McAuley CenterEnglish Tutoring & Classes for Adult Learners $5,000
Cedar Rapids Museum of ArtFall 2023 Exhibitions and Educational Programming $10,000
Cedar Rapids Museum of ArtCRMA Gala 2023 Sponsorship $10,000
Cedar Rapids Opera TheatreCRO: Season Sponsorship FY24 Young Artist Program $15,000
Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity10th St SE $10,000
Coe CollegeGeneral Fund$10,000
Cornell CollegeGeneral Fund$10,000
Deafinitely Dogs Inc.Service Dog in Training Transportation$3,000
The District…Sponsorship to Carry On Iconic Fundraiser$8,000
Foundation 2 aka Foundation 2 Crisis ServicesFoundation 2 Headquarters Facility $10,000
Four Oaks Family and Children’s ServicesFour Oaks Achievement Academy Out of School Care$5,000
Friends of Noelridge Park Greenhouse & Botanical Center IncA Whimsical Garden $1,000
Harmony School of MusicMusic for positive youth, community development $2,000
His Hands Free ClinicSpreading the word about free healthcare $5,000
Horizons – A Family Service AllianceMeals on Wheels Kitchen Equipment $5,000
Indian Creek Nature CenterCelebrating 50 Years in our Community in 2023 $10,000
International Academy for Russian Music, Arts & CultureIARGUS 2023, September 7-10$2,500
Iowa College FoundationICF Funding Request to GreatAmerica February 2023 $20,000
Junior Achievement of Eastern IowaCreating Boundless Possibilities for Linn Co Youth $12,000
Kids First Law CenterAdvocacy for Children of High Conflict Divorce$1,000
Kirkwood Community College FoundationGreatAmerica Financial Services Scholarship $20,000
Lisbon-Mount Vernon Ambulance ServiceRadio Communications $2,500
Matthew 25Cultivate Hope $5,000
Mercy Medical Center2023 Especially for You Race Sponsorship $5,000
Mount Mercy UniversityScholarship Fund$10,000
Mount Mercy UniversityGeneral Fund$20,000
National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library2023 Arts and Culture Programming $25,000
Olivet Neighborhood MissionSchool Supplies Drive Sponsor $2,000
Orchestra IowaOrchestra Iowa’s 2022 2023 Centennial Season$50,000
Red Cedar Chamber MusicChamber Music in Linn County Public Schools $2,500
Refugee and Immigrant AssociationSchool Transportation Program $1,000
Theatre Cedar RapidsSponsorship for School of Rock at TCR $35,000
Willis Dady Homeless ServicesChandler Pump Supportive Housing Capital Campaign $15,000
Zach Johnson FoundationKids on Course Program$25,000

Lil’ Drug Store Products, Inc.

OrganizationPurposeAmount
Catherine McAuley CenterLIFE Afterschool Program for Refugee Youth$2,500
Cedar Rapids Community School District FoundationSuperstars Special Olympics$1,500
Cedar Valley Habitat for HumanityStudents Building Community Internship$2,500
Central Furniture RescueGood Night’s Sleep$1,000
Children’s Cancer ConnectionCCC’s Camping the Night Away$1,000
Community Health Free ClinicFY24 Direct Patient Care Services$2,000
Deafinitely Dogs Inc.PTSD Program – Increasing capacity and support$1,000
Feed Iowa FirstIncreasing Food Access for Immigrant Communities$2,500
Foundation 2 aka Foundation 2 Crisis ServicesEmergency Youth Shelter Support$4,000
The Freedom FoundationVeteran Pantry$1,000
Friends of the FamilySafety and Housing Stability$1,000
His Hands Free ClinicSponsorship making a big impact$1,000
Horizons – A Family Service AllianceMore Than a Meal 2024$2,000
Iowa College FoundationICF Funding Request to Lil’ Drug Store June 2023$500
Junior Achievement of Eastern IowaCreating Boundless Possibilities for Area Youth$3,000
Kids First Law CenterAdvocacy for Children of High-Conflict Divorce$2,500
Linn County Trails AssociationSafe Crossing & Trail Connections Project$1,000
Matthew 25Cultivate Hope$2,500
Mercy Medical Center2023 Especially for You Race Sponsorship$5,000
National Council on Youth LeadershipNCYL Cedar Rapids Scholarship Application$2,000
Orchestra IowaOrchestra Iowa’s 2023-24 Link Up Program$2,500
Willis Dady Homeless ServicesEmpowering Supportive Housing in Cedar Rapids, IA$5,000
YMCA of the Cedar Rapids Metro AreaElevating Camp Wapsie’ s Staff Housing$2,500

McGrath Automotive Group

Organization/ApplicantPurposeAmount
American Cancer Society – Cedar RapidsMcGrath Grant$2,500
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cedar Rapids & East Central IowaBowl for Kids’ Sake Sponsorship for Match Night $5,000
Catherine McAuley Center Inc.LIFE Program for Refugee Youth$4,000
Catherine McAuley CenterLIFE Afterschool Program for Refugee Youth $2,500
Children’s Cancer ConnectionCamp Heart Connection  Linn County$2,500
Community Health Free ClinicDirect Patient Care Services$2,500
Community Health Free ClinicDirect Patient Care Services $2,500
Eastern Iowa Arts AcademyArts VanGo!$2,000
Eastern Iowa Chapter JDRFCommunity Partners Campaign 2024 $5,000
Feed Iowa FirstIncreasing Food Access for Linn County Families$2,500
Feed Iowa FirstTubers of Transformation: Bridging Food Inequities $3,000
Foundation 2 aka Foundation 2 Crisis ServicesFoundation 2 Crisis Services Headquarters Facility$20,000
Foundation 2 Crisis ServicesEmergency Youth Shelter Support $10,000
The Freedom FoundationVeteran Pantry $2,500
Horizons – A Family Service AllianceNTS Rides to Childcare$5,000
Iowa JAG Inc.iJAG: Career Pathways for Underserved Youth$2,500
Kids First Law CenterAdvocacy for Children of High Conflict Divorce$2,500
Kids First Law CenterAdvocacy for Children of High Conflict Divorce $2,500
Lavender Legal CenterLGBTQ Legal Advocacy$2,500
Linn County Trails AssociationFundraising Campaign for 3 trail projects.$2,500
Matthew 25Cultivate Hope$2,500
Matthew 25Transform Week: Improving lives with home repairs $2,500
Miracles in Motion Therapeutic Equestrian CenterGrow with Miracles The Next InSTALLment $5,000
Patrons of the Performing Arts at Washington High SchoolImproved experience for youth in the arts $2,000
Refugee and Immigrant AssociationSchool Transportation Program$1,000
Waypoint Services for Women, Children and FamiliesCelebrate Waypoint Sponsorship$5,000
Waypoint Services for Women, Children and FamiliesCelebrate Waypoint Sponsorship $5,000
YMCA of the Cedar Rapids Metro AreaElevating Camp Wapsie’s Staff Housing$2,500

World Class Industries

OrganizationPurposeAmount
The Arc of East Central IowaAddressing Sensory Needs for Safety and Well-Being$3,000
Catherine McAuley CenterLIFE Afterschool Program for Refugee Youth$7,500
Cedar Rapids Public Library FoundationInspiring Big Dreams: Our New Westside Library$5,000
Central Furniture RescueTurning a Place to Live into a Home$10,000
Community Health Free ClinicFY24 Direct Patient Care Services$3,000
Foundation 2 Crisis ServicesEmergency Youth Shelter Support$5,000
Four Oaks Family and Children’s ServicesFour Oaks Supportive Housing Services$5,000
Fresh Start MinistriesReturning to Work$5,500
Hawkeye Area Council, Boy Scouts of AmericaScouting For Food Community Service Project$500
Horizons – A Family Service AllianceMore Than a Meal 2024$2,500
Iowa College FoundationICF Annual Request to World Class Industries$4,000
Kids First Law CenterAdvocacy for Children of High-Conflict Divorce$5,000
Matthew 25Cultivate Hope$10,000
Waypoint Services for Women, Children and FamiliesWaypoint Domestic Violence Safety Net Project$6,000
Willis Dady Homeless ServicesEmployment Stability through Transportation$10,000
YPNBuilding Bright Futures Program Support$5,000
Visit the Nonprofit Giving Center and the Nonprofit Calendar to search for a nonprofit fund, organization, cause, or event to support.
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