Greater Cedar Rapids Community
The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation is a public, nonprofit community foundation serving Linn County, Iowa. Founded in 1949 as the Community Welfare Foundation, it became a public community foundation in 1992. The organization operates as a convenor and partner to donors, funders, and nonprofit organizations, stewarding charitable assets and awarding grants to address community needs and opportunities.
Key facts about Greater Cedar Rapids Community
- EIN
- 42-6053860
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024
- Annual giving (2024)
- $9,438,781
- Grants made (2024)
- 209
- Average grant
- $45,162
- Median grant
- $17,656
- New grantees (estimate)
- 22% first-time grantees (47 of 209, 2024)
- Total assets
- $229,293,739
- Primary geography
- Iowa (91% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
Who Greater Cedar Rapids Community funds
By grant dollars, the top recipient states for Greater Cedar Rapids Community's 209 itemized 2024 grants were Iowa (91%). The most frequent recipient cities were Cedar Rapids, IA (102 grants), Marion, IA (8 grants), Des Moines, IA (8 grants) and Iowa City, IA (7 grants). 62% of grants with a stated purpose were for general or operating support.
Is Greater Cedar Rapids Community open to new grantees?
22%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 47 of 209 grantees (22%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $17K; repeat grants $53K. How we count
Medians: $10K first-time, $25K repeat.
- 69% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (−13%). Method
Estimate from itemized IRS Form 990-PF grant lists (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Next steps with Greater Cedar Rapids Community
- How to evaluate Greater Cedar Rapids Community as a funder
Our grant prospecting guide: read the 990-PF, check fit, and decide whether to apply.
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Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$229.3M
+8.0% YoY
Annual Giving
$9.4M
+8.6% YoY
Grant Count
209
+8.9% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$45K
-0.2% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
Mission: To help donors give in meaningful ways, to strengthen nonprofits, and to provide leadership that supports a vibrant community.
Vision: A vibrant and inclusive Linn County where all people thrive.
The Foundation's core strategies include:
- Inspiring giving
- Providing funding
- Advocating for equity
- Investing in community initiatives
- Convening people
- Promoting learning
- Managing investments
Primary funding areas encompass education, philanthropy, voluntarism, grantmaking, and human services.
Grantmaking
The Foundation offers several grant cycles throughout the year with multiple funding opportunities for nonprofit organizations.
Review Cycle
throughout the year with multiple funding opportunities for nonprofit organizations.
Ready to take the next step with Greater Cedar Rapids Community?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Foundation serves Linn County, Iowa, with primary grantmaking focus in Iowa, Illinois, and Minnesota.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of all 209 itemized 2024 grant dollars.
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of 2024:
- Total Assets: $229,293,739
- Total Revenue: $20,178,901
- Total Expenses: $13,759,796
- Total Liabilities: $43,500,000
- Total Funds: 1,083
- Staff: 23 employees
Historical Context:
- The Foundation previously reported over $212 million in assets and over 1,000 charitable funds
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $229,293,739 | $212,302,246 | $190,014,997 |
| Revenue | $20,178,901 | $15,302,878 | $13,077,105 |
| Expenses | $13,759,796 | $13,079,026 | $12,841,062 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $11,125,862 | $2,335,696 | $2,269,015 |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
917 grants across all recorded years
Open Grants
19 open opportunities from Greater Cedar Rapids Community
Competitive Donor-Advised Funds - Bloomhall Family Grant
Greater Cedar Rapids Community
Amount
Approximately US $3,000
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Competitive Donor-Advised Funds - Diamond V Grant
Greater Cedar Rapids Community
Amount
Approximately US $7,500
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Competitive Donor-Advised Funds - Girls with Goals Fund Grant
Greater Cedar Rapids Community
Amount
Up to US $1,000
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest recipients include Foundation 2 Aka Foundation 2 Crisis Services ($371,323), United Way of East Central Iowa ($330,730), Coe College ($314,017).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| FOUNDATION 2 AKA FOUNDATION 2 CRISIS SERVICES Cedar Rapids, IA | PUTTS FOR PREVENTION, STT, MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS, SHELTER, EMERGENCY YOUTH SHELTER SUPPORT, CAPITAL CAMPAIGN, GROUP VIOLENCE INTERVENTION FY25 JULY - JUNE, LEADERSHIP DRIVEN RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION | $371,323 |
| UNITED WAY OF EAST CENTRAL IOWA Cedar Rapids, IA | GENERAL SUPPORT, WOMEN UNITED, DAY OF CARING, 2024 COMPANY COORDINATOR BREAKFAST SUPPORT, PROGRAM SUPPORT | $330,730 |
| COE COLLEGE Cedar Rapids, IA | GLIDDEN COMMUNITY SERVICE SCHOLARSHIP, SHOT AT COLLEGE RSM SCHOLARSHIP, KALOUS OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP, GENERAL SUPPORT | $314,017 |
| COMMUNITY THEATRE OF CEDAR RAPIDS DBA THEATRE CEDAR RAPIDS Cedar Rapids, IA | GENERAL SUPPORT, CAPITAL CAMPAIGN: CAPITAL CAMP, EDUCATION SUPPORT, 2025 SPRING MUSICAL SUPPORT, TCR'S 2023-2024 BROADWAY SERIES SUPPORT | $281,620 |
| INDIAN CREEK NATURE CENTER Cedar Rapids, IA | CREEKSIDE FOREST SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION PREPARATION, GENERAL SUPPORT, 50 DONORS CELEBRATING 50 YEARS CAMPAIGN, MANAGE, RESTORE AND UPGRADE LANDS AND FACILITIES, OPERATING AND MAINTAINING ETZEL SUGAR GROVE FARM AND ASSOCIATED LAND, SUPPORT PROGRAMMING AND TRANSPORTATION FOR AT-RISK YOUTH, SUPPORT EFFORTS AND PROGRAMS RELATED TO RESTORATION AND RECONSTRUCTION OF NATIVE ECOSYSTEMS IN IOWA, PROVIDING IMMERSIVE NATURE PROGRAMMING FOR ALL, ETZEL SUGAR GROVE WORKSHOP AND FARM OPERATIONS '24, BILLBOARD, ALL-TERRAIN WHEELCHAIRS, PROTECTING PRODUCTION AT THE PERMACULTURE FARM, PROGRAM SUPPORT: ACCESSIBLE TRAILS PROGRAM, CREATING CHAMPIONS OF NATURE FOR THE NEXT 50 YEARS, IMMERSIVE OUTDOOR FIELD TRIPS FOR ALL | $279,676 |
| CEDAR RAPIDS MUSEUM OF ART Cedar Rapids, IA | GENERAL SUPPORT, SPRING AND FALL 2024 EXHIBITIONS AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING, CRMA GALA | $272,691 |
| CORNELL COLLEGE Mount Vernon, IA | SCHOLARSHIPS FOR FEMALE STUDENTS INTERESTED IN PUBLIC SERVICE, RUSSELL D. COLE LIBRARY, BERRY CENTER, CAPITAL CAMPAIGN, FOOTBALL PROGRAM | $227,545 |
| ORCHESTRA IOWA Cedar Rapids, IA | GENERAL SUPPORT, THEE SYMPHONY CENTER, SYMPHONY SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIPS OR INSTRUMENT RENTAL FOR YOUNG PEOPLE WHO HAVE A DEMONSTRATED PASSION AND WOULD OTHERWISE BE UNABLE TO PARTICIPATE, FIRST TRUMPET, THE MAESTRO'S BATON ENDOWMENT, SUPPORT THE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH EMPLOYING A TUBA CHAIR, FOR MUSIC INSTRUMENT MAINTENANCE AND/OR PRINTED MUSIC PURCHASE OR RENTAL, ORCHESTRA IOWA'S 2023-24 SEASON, ORCHESTRA IOWA'S 2025-2030 STRATEGIC PLAN, OPUS CIRCLE DONATION, CELESTA | $211,629 |
| BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF CEDAR RAPIDS & EAST CENTRAL IOWA Cedar Rapids, IA | EVENT SUPPORT: BOWL FOR KIDS SAKE, GENERAL SUPPORT, MAXIMIZING YOUTH MENTORING IMPACT, SUPPORTING YOUTH EXPERIENCING MENTAL HEALTH CRISES, BIG MAGIC, ELIMINATING BARRIERS & EXPANDING SUPPORT FOR MENTORS & MENTEES, CAPITAL CAMPAIGN, BUILDING AND SUSTAINING EFFECTIVE YOUTH MENTORING, MENTORING GIRLS: EMPOWERING LITTLES TO BE LEADERS | $207,161 |
| MATTHEW 25 Cedar Rapids, IA | SO: ORGANIC FOOD ACCESS THROUGH PAY-IT-FORWARD CAFE, GENERAL SUPPORT, CULTIVATE HOPE PROGRAM, TRANSFORM WEEK: IMPROVING LIVES WITH HOME REPAIRS, SOLAR PARTNERSHIP W/ VM AND ELECTRICAL CONCEPTS, PHILIP HAMILTON PAY-IT-FORWARD ENDOWED FUND, THRIVE COHORT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT | $203,601 |
Leadership & Key People
Officers and directors from IRS filings
Greater Cedar Rapids Community is led by Karla Twedt-Ball, President & CEO since 2023 (on filings since 2020); 4 of 25 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Karla Twedt-Ball
President & CEO
Senior Vice President of Programs → President & CEO, 2023
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$137K (2020) → $194K (2024)
Jon Landon
Chair
Director → Secretary, 2022
Secretary → Chair, 2024
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Chris Casey
Director
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Joe Lock
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Okpara Rice
Director
Chair → Past Chair, 2023
Past Chair → Director, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Patrice Carroll
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Janice Kerkove
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mary Junge
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Brandi Mueller
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Dave Parmley
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Haywood Stowe
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Tracey Myers
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Craig Smith
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jill Ackerman
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Matthew Van Maanen
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Nancy Hill
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ray Brown
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jean Brenneman
CFO
On filings since 2020
32 hrs/week
$136K (2020) → $117K (2024)
Corinne Rahe
Vice President of Communications
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$114K (2024)
Joe Heitz
Vice President of Community Impact
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$117K (2024)
Anthony Arrington
Secretary
Director → Secretary, 2024
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
David Little
Treasurer
Director → Treasurer, 2024
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Diana Ledford
Past Chair
Vice Chair & Chair-Elect → Chair, 2023
Chair → Past Chair, 2024
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jim Haddad
Chair-Elect
Director → Chair-Elect, 2023
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Michelle Niermann
Chair Elect
Director → Chair Elect, 2024
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (19)
- Former: Corinne Ramler (2020–2023) — Vice President of Communications
- Former: Jasmine Almoayyed (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Leslie H. Garner Jr. (2020–2023) — President & CEO
- Former: Michelle Beisker (2020–2023) — Vice President of Development
- Former: Mike Sheeley (2020–2023) — Treasurer
- Former: Molly Altorfer (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Nancy Hill-Davis (2023) — Director
- Former: Charlie Schimberg (2020–2022) — Past-Chair
- Former: Chris Lindell (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Rod Dooley (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Salma Igram (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Kari Cooling (2021–2022) — Director
- Former: Stacey Halyard (2021–2022) — Director
- Former: Kate Minette (2020–2021) — Past-Chair
- Former: Sue Olson (2020–2021) — Secretary
- Former: Amy Lynch (2020) — Past-Chair
- Former: Jim Choate (2020) — Director · Filing note: Until 8/2020
- Former: Julie Nosek (2020) — Director
- Former: Peggy Hardesty (2020) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The Foundation celebrated 75 years of service in 2024, marking its founding in 1949. Recent grant announcements include:
Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation grants $4.9M to 350 nonprofitsOver $3 million in grants approved in early 2025
Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation Approves Over $3 Million in Grants$4.9 million distributed to 350 nonprofits for local impact
2025 grant deadlines announced with multiple funding cycles throughout the year
2025 Grant Deadlines Announced - Greater Cedar Rapids ...The Foundation operates a donor-advised fund through which donors can direct the distribution or investment of funds.
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Greater Cedar Rapids Community fund?
**Mission:** To help donors give in meaningful ways, to strengthen nonprofits, and to provide leadership that supports a vibrant community. **Vision:** A vibrant and inclusive Linn County where all people thrive. The Foundation's core strategies include: • Inspiring giving • Providing funding • Advocating for equity • Investing in community initiatives • Convening people • Promoting learning • Managing investments Primary funding areas encompass education, philanthropy, voluntarism, grantmaking…
How do I apply for a grant from Greater Cedar Rapids Community?
The Foundation offers several grant cycles throughout the year with multiple funding opportunities for nonprofit organizations. **Recent Grant Activity:** • **2024:** $12 million in total grants awarded to 725 nonprofits • Recent grant approvals exceeded $3 million in a single announcement cycle • Grants totaling $4.9 million were distributed to 350 nonprofits in another recent cycle **Grant Characteristics:** • Typical award range: $5,018–$371,323 • 13 live grant opportunities available • Dono…
Where does Greater Cedar Rapids Community make grants?
The Foundation serves Linn County, Iowa, with primary grantmaking focus in Iowa, Illinois, and Minnesota.
What size grants does Greater Cedar Rapids Community award?
In 2024, Greater Cedar Rapids Community awarded 209 grants totaling $9.4M — an average of about $45K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
What is Greater Cedar Rapids Community's EIN?
Greater Cedar Rapids Community's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 42-6053860. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Greater Cedar Rapids Community's focus areas in our free grants database
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Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.