February 2021
An Update from the Community Foundation Regarding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Over the last five years as the Community Foundation deepened its community leadership work, it became apparent that being a good community partner and difference maker meant we needed to be intentional about how we approached our work and who was involved.

So, we engaged in conversations with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) leaders in our community. We sent staff to conferences, hosted a training for our board and grant committees, and in 2018, launched a DEI staff committee. This work has impacted our policies, grantmaking, and operations and has been reflected in our program work, particularly in our disaster grants and our involvement with the Creating Safe, Equitable and Thriving (SET) Communities Fund.

Last summer, the murder of George Floyd propelled equity conversations into every corner of our community, and the Community Foundation recognized that we must deepen our work. Part of the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation’s vision statement is “to improve the quality of life in our community…forever.” Linn County thrives when our people thrive, and so racial equity is critical for our future. In August, our Board of Directors identified it as a strategic initiative.
 
Information sharing and learning opportunities about racial equity are critical to our community’s progress, and we will share opportunities with you in this e-newsletter. We encourage your nonprofit to participate and continue our learning journey so we can work together to make sure everyone in Linn County gets to be part of the “vibrant community” we envision. We have a long way to go… as an organization, as a community, and as a country, but we will make progress together.

February is Black History Month. This month, the Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission and the United Way of East Central Iowa are partnering to host a series of equity conversations each Tuesday evening in February from 6:30 to 8 pm. We encourage participation in efforts such as these. Please find information here. Also, check out this feature from The Gazette Celebrating Black History for 95 Years.

Stay connected,
Carrie Walker, Nonprofit Network Manager
319-774-2375 (work voice mail)
319-360-3950 (mobile)
News for Nonprofits
Trees Forever Invites Nonprofits To Participate in Survey Regarding Tree Loss
Trees Forever, a Marion-based statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to planting and caring for trees and the environment, recognizes that many nonprofit organizations sustained property damage in the derecho, including the loss of mature trees. Trees Forever would like to better understand the nature of nonprofits' tree loss in our area and what kind of help is needed to help regrow the canopy on property owned by nonprofits. Find a link to the short survey here. All nonprofits who sustained property damage are encouraged to complete the survey.
Iowa Legal Aid Presents Free Nonprofit Board of Directors Legal Compliance Training February 13
Iowa Legal Aid is offering a free, virtual legal compliance training for board members of nonprofit organizations. Attendees will learn practical knowledge about how to manage their responsibilities as members of nonprofit board of directors and thereby build more sustainable and resilient organizations. Visit here for more information and registration link.

Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation First Grant Cycle of 2021 Applications Due February 12
Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation announces its first grant cycle for 2021 for local charitable nonprofits. Applications will be accepted through Friday, February 12, 2021 at 4:30 p.m. CST. Grants will be awarded to organizations that enhance the quality of life in Linn County. Find more information about eligibility and grants available, visit here. Thanks to everyone who attended the Nonprofit Know-How: 2021 Grants at the Community Foundation session on January 25. If you missed the event, you can find a link to a recording of the Zoom meeting here.

Iowa Women's Foundation Announces New Micro Grants and CORE Grant Applications Available February 1
The Iowa Women's Foundation has announced grant programs and deadlines. A new micro grant program will award small grants for immediate emergency needs in the IWF focus areas for Iowa's women and girls. Core grants may be submitted as of February 1 and are due on the last working day of April. For grant opportunity information, visit the website here.

Wellmark Foundation MATCH Grant Application Available
The Wellmark Foundation MATCH (Matching Assets to Community Health) grants are now accepting applications to support communities across Iowa and South Dakota. Large MATCH grants (requests up to $100,000) are due on February 17, 2021. Small MATCH grants (requests up to $25,000) are due on May 26, 2021. For complete details on eligibility requirements and application process, visit here for a PDF file or here for the website.

Derecho Storm & COVID-19 Nonprofit News & Resources
Training Opportunities
If you are not on the email list and would like to be added, or are not receiving emails, please contact Carrie Walker at carrie.walker@gcrcf.org. All meetings held virtual on Zoom until further notice.

Executive Director
Tuesday, February 2, 2021, 12 p.m.

Managers Peer Group
Wednesday, February 10, 2021, 12 p.m.

Development
Tuesday, February 16, 2021, 12 p.m.

CFO/Finance
Thursday, February 18, 2021, 12 p.m.

Marketing
Tuesday, February 22, 2021, 12 p.m.
Presented by the Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission and United Way of East Central Iowa
Tuesdays in February, 6:30-8 p.m.
Zoom
Cost: Free

Tuesday, February 9, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Webinar via Zoom
Cost: $25 non-member, free members

Saturday, February 13, 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Via Zoom
Cost: Free

Tuesday, March 9, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Webinar via Zoom
Cost: $25 non-member, free members
WEBSITE LINKS
INTERESTING ARTICLES
LINKEDIN
When we receive job openings from local nonprofits, we post them on the Nonprofit Network LinkedIn page.
324 3rd St SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
319.366.2682 www.gcrcf.org