You are invited to celebrate the launch of the Iowa Nonprofit Alliance (INA) in Cedar Rapids to learn how it is helping grow and strengthen east central Iowa's nonprofit sector. INA had its initial launch in December 2022 and is holding regional launch events across Iowa in 2023. The event will be held in the atrium of the Kirkwood Conference Center. Enjoy live music by Kevin Burt, hors d'oeuvres and drinks, and a short presentation about INA resources and supports. The event is free, but registration is required here. Find more information here.

The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation continues the tradition of recognizing nonprofit professionals with the 2023 Spirit of Minnie Rubek recognition. The Spirit of Minnie Rubek honors a nonprofit employee (leader or staff member) or founder of a Linn County nonprofit organization who has gone "above and beyond" in their commitment and dedication to their organization and its mission. Linn County nonprofits are encouraged to submit one employee or founder for the recognition. Please note, there is not a selection process. Upon review, each eligible submission will be included on the recognition list. Honorees will be recognized at the Nonprofit Party at the Market on September 14th. The due date for submissions has been extended to Thursday, August 10, 2023. Find all the details on the submission form here. Find 2022 honorees here and a complete list of previous year award honorees here. For additional questions, contact Carrie Walker at [email protected].

On Thursday, September 14, the Community Foundation will host the Nonprofit Party at the Market. The Nonprofit Party is an annual celebration of local nonprofit professionals and the incredible work they do to strengthen our community. This year’s party is being held at NewBo City Market in Cedar Rapids from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. All nonprofit staff are invited to attend. RSVP for the party here.

Beginning July 1, 2023, Iowa Departments of Aging, Human Rights, Human Services, and Public Health, as well as Early Childhood Iowa, the Iowa Child Advocacy Board, and Volunteer Iowa, joined together to become the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). As part of this transition, Iowa HHS is working to ensure that services are delivered efficiently and effectively for individuals, families and communities across the state of Iowa. To do so, Iowa HHS has partnered with a consulting organization, Health Management Associates (HMA) to conduct a statewide assessment to identify successes and gaps in service delivery as well as opportunities. The survey is available here through August 11.

The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation recently launched a new website which includes a new Nonprofit Giving Center and Nonprofit Calendar to help donors learn about and easily connect with causes they wish to support. Nonprofits serving Linn County, Iowa are invited to create a page in the Nonprofit Giving Center and add events to the Nonprofit Calendar. Once created, nonprofits will manage and update their own information. Find instructions to create an account here and more information here.