Cedar Falls Community Foundation logo
Foundation Annual

Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

Foundation

Deadline history & next window

Cycle
Annual
Tracked since
April 2026

Source: the cycle recorded on this listing. Confirm dates with the funder.

Can we apply?

Check your organization against each line. Taken from the listing; confirm with the funder's guidelines.

Eligible organizations

  • Recipient Types: Individuals, families, groups, or organizations (living or deceased)

Geography

  • Geographic Focus: Cedar Falls residents

Other requirements

  • Criteria: Outstanding community contributions; enhancement, improvement, or positive effect on Cedar Falls quality of life through philanthropic means

Overview

Named After: Peter Melendy, who became a Cedar Falls resident in 1859 at age 36

Purpose: Honor individuals, families, groups, or organizations who have made outstanding contributions to Cedar Falls, positively affecting the overall quality of life through philanthropic or other means.

Eligibility:

  • Geographic Focus: Cedar Falls residents
  • Recipient Types: Individuals, families, groups, or organizations (living or deceased)
  • Criteria: Outstanding community contributions; enhancement, improvement, or positive effect on Cedar Falls quality of life through philanthropic means

Award Details:

  • Status: Annual recognition award (specific monetary value not specified in content)
  • Nomination Process: Open nominations period

Past Recipients: 2022 Melendy Spirit Award recipients announced (specific names not detailed in provided content)

Contact:

  • Phone: 319-243-9170
  • Email: director@cf-communityfoundation.org
  • Address: 515 Main St., Suite F, Cedar Falls, IA 50613

How to Apply

Nomination Process

Submission Window: Annual nominations accepted (typically spring; 2022 nominations accepted as of March 29)

Nomination Requirements: Not fully specified in available content

How to Nominate:
1. Contact Cedar Falls Community Foundation
2. Phone: 319-243-9170
3. Email: director@cf-communityfoundation.org
4. Visit: cf-communityfoundation.org

Selection & Announcement:

  • Nominations reviewed by foundation

  • Awards announced (2022 recipients announced July 22, 2022)
  • What Cedar Falls Community Foundation actually gave

    Source: IRS Form 990, 2025

    Grants in 2025
    5
    Total given
    $235K
    Median grant
    $25K
    Range
    $6,000–$145K
    • By dollars: Iowa 100%. Top recipient cities: Cedar Falls, IA.
    • 0% of grants with a stated purpose were for general or operating support.

    Example grants

    • City of Cedar Falls · Cedar Falls, IA

      Library support

      $145K

    • University of Northern Iowa Foundation · Cedar Falls, IA

      Scholarships

      $51K

    • Community Main Street Inc · Cedar Falls, IA

      Support services

      $8,358

    • Helen Hansen Elementary PTA · Cedar Falls, IA

      Hansen elementary pta

      $6,000

    IRS Form 990, 2025. Amounts as reported by the funder. Full 990 history →

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