COMMUNIT Y Summer 2021 Newsletter
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Cedar Rapids mobile homeowner, Melody, continues to face a wide range of challenges as she recovers from the derecho.
Community Learning Series Features Equity in Disaster Recovery More than a year after a derecho tore through Eastern Iowa, community members and leaders came together to discuss challenges faced by many in our community during disaster recovery. At the Community Learning Series: Equity in Disaster Recovery event, guest panelists, Community Foundation staff, and community members explored the link between disaster recovery and equity issues.
has been slow and is still ongoing. Their homes and property are still in need of repair, and that can prevent them from moving past the trauma of the storm.”
Cari Cullen, MA, Director of the Midwest Early Recovery Fund at the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, shared regional and national data and information about equity in disasters. “Disaster recovery takes an average of three to ten years, but dollars pretty much Held virtually on August 31, this was the second Community Learning Series event of 2021. The series stop coming in after six months” Cari said. “We need is an effort by the Community Foundation to elevate to think about immediate needs, like food and shelter, awareness, generate conversation and encourage action as well as the long-term solutions.” Cari also pointed around important issues facing our community. The out that those with fewer resources before a disaster August event sought to increase understanding of the are the ones who will struggle during long-term challenges that many in our community continue to face recovery. during their recovery from the pandemic and derecho, and to discover how we can reduce these challenges in Two local leaders, Ashley Balius, MSURP, Community the future. Outreach & Assistant Director at Linn County Community Services, and J’nae Peterman, Director “Some people in our community may have the of Housing Services at Waypoint, shared local impression that we’ve recovered from the derecho,” information and challenges they have observed said Karla Twedt-Ball, Senior Vice President, Programs regarding long-term recovery for many in our and Community Investment. “But for many, the process community. Ashley and J’nae are co-leaders of the 2 Community
Long-Term Recovery Committee and have both provided leadership for Linn Area Partners Active in Disaster (LAP-AID), a collaboration of partners that have been working to get resources to the community’s most vulnerable people. The event was facilitated by three Community Foundation staff members with extensive experience in disaster preparedness and recovery, including Karla Twedt-Ball, MPP, Senior Vice President, Programs and Community Investment; Carrie Walker, Nonprofit Network Manager; and Elizabeth Cwik, Senior Program Officer.
Disaster recovery takes an average of three to ten years, but dollars pretty much stop coming in after six months.
Cari Cullen
Director of the Midwest Early Recovery Fund at the Center for Disaster Philanthropy
These three staff members have built their expertise through participation in the Philanthropic Preparedness, Resiliency and Emergency Partnership (PPREP), a cohort of Midwest grantmakers who work together to build disaster preparedness and response skills. PPREP is led by The Funders Network with curricular support from the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, which works to embed an equity lens into the cohort’s learning. The Community Foundation joined the group in 2014.
Through a video shared at the event, attendees also heard directly from a homeowner who has faced a wide range of challenges since last August. Melody, who lives in a mobile home community in southwest Cedar Rapids, made a number of appeals to FEMA without success. Eventually, Melody received assistance through Providing Assistance to Community Homeowners (PATCH), a collaborative effort led by local nonprofits and funded in part by the Community Foundation, which is helping homeowners with derecho-related repairs. “FEMA didn’t help too much—trying to get through to somebody was a nightmare,” Melody said. Eventually, like many, she was denied support from FEMA. While talking to Alliant Energy about utility services, Melody learned about Waypoint, Matthew 25, and the PATCH program. “Matthew 25 will never understand what they did for me,” Melody said. “They really took care of everything that they could possibly help me with.” A recording of the event and the video of Melody’s story can be found at https://www.gcrcf.org/equityin-disaster-recovery/.
Providing Assistance to Community Homeowners (PATCH) Program Collaborators Nonprofit Organiza�ons
Funders and Partners
Habitat for Humanity Hawkeye Area Community Action Program Housing Fund for Linn County Iowa Legal Aid Matthew 25 Neighborhood Finance Corp Waypoint
Alliant Energy Foundation Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust Company City of Cedar Rapids City of Marion Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation Linn County Community Services United Way of East Central Iowa World Class Industries
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Couple Finds Philanthropic Passion in Supporting Education Opportunities for Youth To say that Bill and Patricia Buss have deep roots in Denver, Iowa would be an understatement. For more than 50 years the couple has lived in the small Bremer County town, and for just as long, they have been generous and influential members of the community.
connection to Denver. It was Darrel who worked with William Quarton to make a significant gift in the 1980’s that would transform the private Community Welfare Fund into the public Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation.
Bill grew up in Denver, and Patricia in nearby Clarksville. They met in 1967 and were married the following year. In 1969, Bill established Denver Construction, the first of several businesses that the two would operate together.
“In 2016, Bill and Patricia were very interested in establishing a fund to provide a scholarship for students attending the Denver Community School District,” Darrel said. “We discussed the options available and the advantage of establishing the fund at the Community Foundation, who could provide ongoing administration and investment of the fund.”
Their success in business gave Bill and Patricia the inspiration and resources to help young people in their community access opportunities for professional success. “Our first interest was developing a scholarship for students wishing to go to trade school,” the Busses said. “We believe that kids should get a good education, whether it be in college or trade school.” Bill and Patricia first brought their idea to their financial advisor, Darrel Morf, an estate planning attorney at Simmons Perrine Moyer Bergman PLC. Darrel’s connection to the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation is almost as strong as Bill and Patricia’s
The result was a scholarship fund to support graduates of Denver High School. The Community Foundation’s commitment to continuity and accountability is why Darrel refers his clients to the organization, he said. “The flexibility and expertise which the Community Foundation brings to planning can be of great benefit to donors,” he added. The Busses found this to be true as well. “The Community Foundation has made it possible to donate to worthy causes,” they said. “They have been very helpful in pursuing possibilities and exploring ideas for gifting.”
We believe that kids should get a good education, whether it be in college or trade school. Bill and Patricia Buss
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Bill and Patricia Buss have been supporting students and graduates of Denver High School since 2016. Through scholarship and designated funds, the Busses have helped strengthen STEM programming and encouraged young people to pursue post-secondary education.
Shortly after establishing their first scholarship fund, the Busses began to hear about Denver High School’s award-winning robotics team, the Cybots, who were also working to get younger kids interested in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Bill and Patricia were excited by the idea of contributing to that cause.
“We hope that our giving might encourage students to further their education in many possible ways,” the Busses said. “The children are the future,” they added, and it’s clear they truly believe this. To date, their gifts have provided more than $50,000 in scholarships and school funding, and their generosity doesn’t stop there.
The couple established a second scholarship fund at the Community Foundation specifically for students interested in pursuing STEM education. At the same time, they established a designated fund to support STEM programs in the Denver Community School District. Because it is endowed, the fund will support the school district in perpetuity.
Bill and Patricia have acquired property in and around Denver over the years, and they recently donated some of it for the construction of the Denver Athletic Complex. They also provided a financial gift to support construction of a gym next to the new complex. Together, these facilities will provide a wide range of opportunities for young people in and around Denver well into the future.
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Nonprofit Professionals Recognized for Commitment and Dedication Like many, the Community Foundation was excited about the possibility of returning to in-person events this fall. After a year away, our Nonprofit Party was scheduled to return on September 9th to celebrate the many nonprofit professionals that keep our community thriving. However, given the rising levels of COVID-19 infections in Linn County, the decision was made to cancel the event. The wellbeing of everyone in our community is a priority. At the center of this year’s party would have been the debut of the Spirit of Minnie Rubek recognition. Minnie Rubek was an unsung heroine of our community who worked as a member of the housekeeping staff at Interstate Power and Light for many years. Upon her passing, she left her estate to the Community Welfare Fund—the predecessor of the Community Foundation—in what was a transformative gift for the organization. Her work and dedication over many years made a quiet but lasting impact on our community. The Spirit of Minnie Rubek recognition honors a leader, 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. They exhibit the spirit of Minnie Rubek in their nonprofit work. Fourteen people were to be presented with the Spirit of Minnie Rubek at the Nonprofit Party, and while we regret not being able to celebrate them in person, we are pleased to recognize them here.
2021 Spirit of Minnie Rubek Honorees Minouche Bandubuila
Tiffany Bunting
“Minouche humbly provides extraordinary service to support, educate and empower the community.”
“Much of the work Tiffany does is behind the scenes, but she continuously goes above and beyond to inspire, empower, and heal.”
Dawn Brouwers
Keeyon A. Carter
African Program Specialist YPN
Executive Director His Hands Free Clinic
Health and Practice Manager Tanager Place
Lead Pastor Wellington Heights Community Church
“Dawn is leading the way to provide free, compassionate, quality healthcare to more of the uninsured and underinsured in our community.”
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“Keeyon leads with an unyielding faith in God, a clarity of purpose, and a heart to engage others in sustained personal and neighborhood transformation.”
Tabitha Downing
J’nae Peterman
“Tabitha is foundational to the NTS program and makes it her mission to ensure each client and partner receives superior service.”
“J’nae has gone above and beyond to become a solid housing presence for community partners involved in pandemic and disaster recovery efforts.”
Lisa Gavin
Blenda Peterson
NTS Manager Horizons, A Family Service Alliance
Managing Attorney, Cedar Rapids Regional Office Iowa Legal Aid “Lisa has been a legal advocate and hero to victims of personal and natural disasters for over 25 years.”
Director of Housing Services Waypoint
Volunteer coordinator Central Furniture Rescue “Blenda’s kindness and grace have helped grow the core Central Furniture Rescue team by more than 90%.”
Sandy Gilbert
Barb Rogen
“Sandy has been working for decades to build stronger communities through her work with United Way 211 and HACAP’s Energy Assistance program.”
“Barb has worked behind the scenes for 23 years as the glue that keeps Foundation 2 together, allowing program staff to focus on the needs of the community.”
Aaron Horn
Grant Smith
Energy Assistance Supervisor HACAP
Executive Director NewBoCo “Aaron is passionate about serving our community to build entrepreneurial resources and provide tech education to our K-12 system.”
Accounting Supervisor Foundation 2 Crisis Services
Director of Facilities, Buildings and Grounds National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library “Grant goes above and beyond expectations, every day, to create a safe and welcoming campus for guests, volunteers and staff.”
Allison Johnson
Sandy Weger
“Allison leads the charge to ensure girls have the opportunity to build their courage, confidence and character to make the world a better place.”
“Sandy managed the renovations of Catherine McAuley Center’s new space in 2020, and then led repairs after the derecho.”
Chief Business Officer Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois
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Director of Facilities and Technology Catherine McAuley Center
William Quarton Heritage Society: Investing in Our Future In 2007, local radio and television entrepreneur William B. Quarton passed away at the age of 104. The noted philanthropist left his estate to the Community Foundation through a planned gift—a $35 million gift that tripled the organization’s unrestricted assets. William’s motivation for his giving was simple—he wanted his community to be prepared for the future. He said that although we can’t be sure what the future holds for our community, we can ensure it is prepared to respond to whatever needs, challenges and opportunities may arise.
Over the last 18 months, our community has seen firsthand the impact of future-minded individuals like Bill Quarton and the members of the William Quarton Heritage Society.
Bill Quarton and the members of the William Quarton Heritage Society,” said Les Garner, President & CEO of the Community Foundation. “Our community has faced some major challenges recently, and our unrestricted assets have allowed the Community Foundation to provide relief for those who have truly needed it.” Members of the Heritage Society have made planned gifts through a variety of options, including charitable remainder trusts, charitable gift annuities, life insurance policies, retirement funds, or naming the Community Foundation as a beneficiary in a will. Besides the tax advantages that come with such gifts, donors also receive access to information that can guide their efforts to strengthen the community through philanthropy. Each year, the William Quarton Heritage Society also gathers for a luncheon to learn about philanthropic initiatives and needs within the community—though the group has not gathered since 2019, due to the pandemic. “The William Quarton Heritage Society represents an opportunity,” Les said. “It is an opportunity to strengthen our community today while also preparing for the future. In that way, we honor the legacy of William Quarton and the example he set.”
Les Garner President & CEO, Community Foundation
It is precisely this a�tude that brings together members of the William Quarton Heritage Society.
If you would like to join the William Quarton Heritage Society, please contact the Community Foundation at 319.366.2862 or michelle.beisker@gcrcf.org.
This giving society recognizes and honors those who have invested in the community’s future through a planned gift of the establishment of an endowed fund. Just like William Quarton himself, members of the society named in his honor are helping our community stay prepared for tomorrow. “Over the last 18 months, our community has seen firsthand the impact of future-minded individuals like
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William B. Quarton
Iowa Humane Alliance: Preparing for the Future through Endowment Challenge Grant This summer, the Iowa Humane Alliance was awarded the Endowment Challenge Grant from the Community Foundation, which will help the organization establish an endowed fund. The Humane Alliance, which aims to reduce animal shelter admissions and end euthanasia as a form of population control, is in the process of expanding to meet increased demand for services while also planning for long-term sustainability. The Endowment Challenge Grant matches gifts to the organization at a rate of $1 for every $3 raised, up to $25,000, with up to five years to meet the match. The result is an endowment of at least $100,000, held at the Community Foundation and managed with a long-term time horizon. The goal of the endowment is to preserve value while allowing for an annual distribution. In Linn County, where individuals, businesses and nonprofits are still grappling with the pandemic and recovering from the derecho, planning for future opportunities and challenges is more important than ever for many organizations.
Active Endowment Challenge Matching Grants African American Museum of Iowa Area Substance Abuse Council (ASAC) Clothe-A-Child The History Center Iowa Humane Alliance National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library Red Cedar Chamber Music To support these organizations, visit gcrcf.org.
Fall Grant Opportunities at the Community Foundation The Community Foundation is now accepting applications for the final grant cycle of 2021. Applications will be accepted through Friday, October 1, 2021, at 4:30 p.m. CST. Grants will be awarded to nonprofit organizations that enhance the quality of life in Linn County. For this cycle, grant opportunities include Program Support Grants, Organization Support Grants, and Linn County Grants. Together, these funds support programming and capacity-building efforts through Linn County. The Creating Safe, Equitable and Thriving Communities (SET) Fund will also accept applications from organizations or collaborations that will launch, implement and sustain the support and outreach components of Group Violence Intervention (GVI). A
request for proposals from the SET Fund is available at gcrcf.org/grants. Additionally, the Cedar Grove Signature Fund, along with the CRST International and McGrath Automotive Group Competitive Donor-Advised Funds, will be accepting applications. The funding priorities and grant amounts of these funds are determined by the donoradvisors. The Disaster Recovery Fund, which is now making grants to support pandemic response and derecho recovery, continues to accept applications on a rolling basis. For more information on funding opportunities, including eligibility criteria and grant amounts, visit gcrcf.org/grants.
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Disaster Recovery Fund Continues to Make Grants for Ongoing Recovery The remaining balance of the COVID-19 Disaster Response Fund was recently granted to local nonprofits responding to the pandemic. The fund will now be closed, and all future gifts and grants for disaster response—including the pandemic, derecho, or other disasters—will go through the existing Disaster Recovery Fund.
“The dual disasters of the pandemic and the derecho have created many hardships for our community,” said Les Garner, President & CEO of the Community Foundation. “With so many people facing a wide range of needs, philanthropy continues to play a critical role in filling the funding gaps. Fortunately, we live in a community that is both resilient and generous.”
The COVID-19 Disaster Response Fund was established on March 17, 2020, in partnership with United Way of East Central Iowa and The Hall-Perrine Foundation.
After the derecho swept through Eastern Iowa in August 2020, the Disaster Recovery Fund was established to allocate charitable contributions to support Linn County communities during disasters to provide resources where they are needed most. So far, grants have supported derecho response and recovery; moving forward, all Community Foundation disaster relief gifts and grants will be made to and from this fund.
The fund raised nearly $400,000 for pandemic relief through 223 gifts. Grants to 43 nonprofit organizations supported everything from basic needs and rental assistance to awareness-raising and educational technology.
Grant Recipients of COVID-19 Disaster Response Fund Since it was Established in 2020: Abbe Center for Community Mental Health Alzheimer’s Association Amani Community Services ASAC Bridgehaven Pregnancy Support Center Catherine McAuley Center Cedar Rapids Community School District Foundation Cedar Valley Montessori School Churches of Marion Pantry Eastern Iowa Health Center Ecumenical Community Center Foundation Empowering Youths of Iowa Family Promise of Linn County Feed Iowa First First Lutheran Church First Presbyterian Church First United Methodist Church, Marion Foundation 2 Inc. Fresh Start Ministries Friends of CASA Green Square Meals HACAP His Hands Free Clinic
Horizons-A Family Service Alliance Iowa Legal Aid Junior League of Cedar Rapids Kirkwood Community Foundation Linn Community Food Bank Linn County Community Services Linn County Public Health Marion Cares Marion Independent School Foundation & Alumni Association Northeast Linn Food Pantry Olivet Neighborhood Mission Palo UMC Planned Parenthood of the Heartland St. Luke’s Healthcare Foundation Southeast Linn Community Center Pantry United Way of East Central Iowa (fiscal sponsor for the Linn Area Partners Active in Disaster) Unlimited Abilities Waypoint Services for Women, Children and Families Wellington Heights Neighborhood Association Willis Dady Homeless Services
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Matching Gifts to Classrooms Through DonorsChoose
STAFF NEWS
The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation is once again partnering with DonorsChoose to match $25,000 in donations to classroom projects of teachers in Linn County public schools. The match began on August 2, 2021. As of September 8, the match has supported 56 projects in 18 schools, reaching nearly 5,900 students. About $11,000 in matching funds remain available. DonorsChoose is a national nonprofit, founded in 2000, that allows teachers to crowdsource funding for supplies, projects and equipment. Donors can give to schools in their area, to teachers they know, or to any classroom with an unmet need. The Community Foundation has partnered with DonorsChoose since 2015. The Community Foundation’s Fund for Educational Excellence, which provides a portion of the matching grants, was established in 1990 to support teachers in creative, innovative, and effective classroom projects. Additional support comes from the Peggy Fashimpaur Kahr Fund for Arts Education and the Community Foundation’s unrestricted funds.
PATCH Program Recognized for Innovation by Iowa Finance Authority
On Wednesday, September 8, 2021, the Iowa Finance Authority presented the HousingIowa Award for Innovation to the PATCH Program at its ’21 HousingIowa Conference in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The award recognized the PATCH Program for its collaborative and innovative approach to housing-related disaster recovery following the derecho. To date, the program has helped 294 Linn County homeowners access emergency repairs or forgivable loans.
Community Foundation Recognized for Community Vision Award The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation was recently recognized by The Gazette as a 2021 Business Award recipient in the Community Vision category. The Community Foundation’s role in long-term disaster recovery and violence prevention efforts were highlighted. 11 Summer 2021
Josie Velles Named Senior Director of Development Services Josie Velles was recently promoted to the position of Senior Director of Development Services. In this role, Josie will continue to oversee the processes that ensure accurate, timely, and effective service to help donors fulfill their charitable wishes. This promotion recognizes Josie’s expertise in charitable giving, which she has developed over 16 years at the Community Foundation.
Arthur Kim Joins Community Foundation Arthur Kim recently joined the Community Foundation as Development Officer. Arthur will provide support for donors and fundholders, helping them identify and pursue philanthropic goals. With a background in fundraising, education, and community engagement, Arthur is a valuable addition to the Community Foundation’s development team.
324 3rd St. SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401-1841 319.366.2862 / gcrcf.org
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The William Quarton Heritage Society recognizes over 450 individuals who have made permanent gifts to the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation through a planned gift or the establishment of an endowed fund. Planned gift options include naming the Community Foundation as a beneficiary in a will, charitable remainder trust, charitable gift annuity, life insurance policy or retirement fund. To learn more or to join the society, please contact the Community Foundation at 319.366.2862 or michelle.beisker@gcrcf.org.
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