Community Newsletter Fall 2013

Community GREATER CEDAR RAPIDS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION | FALL 2013

Community Foundation Hosts Celebration of Community Event to Recognize the Impact of Nonprofits The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation hosted a Celebration of Community event on Wednesday, November 20, 2013 from 4 – 6 p.m. at CSPS in Cedar Rapids. Over 225 nonprofit representatives, philanthropists, business leaders, and government officials were in attendance to celebrate the work of nonprofits and the impact of grant making in our community.

The event featured stories of several recent grant-funded projects through a series of videos and dialogue. Stories of innovative

nonprofit collaborations were shared, as well as stories of the importance of sustainability and capacity building. The nonprofits featured in the program and videos included: The Ceramics Center, Workforce Learning Connection, Tanager Place, Young Parents Network, and Boys and Girls Club.

the health and well-being of individuals; create opportunities to engage in artistic and cultural experiences; and educate and address social challenges within our community. We are proud to be their partner in improving the quality of life for our citizens.”

At the event, Les Garner, President & CEO of the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation said, “The nonprofit sector is a critical component of our community.

These organizations work to improve

Four nonprofit excellence awards were presented to nonprofit professionals who go above and beyond to support the mission of their organizations. The Nonprofit Leadership Excellence Award recognizes the leadership continued on page 2

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Nonprofit Excellence Award Winners

Gilda and Barry Boyer Create a Legacy

Impact of Grant Making

FAQ: Year-End Giving

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and accomplishments of the chief executive officer of a Linn County nonprofit organization who exhibits exceptional leadership and creates a lasting impact on their organization and the community. This award was presented to George Estle, Chief Executive Officer at Tanager Place.

NONPROFIT AWARD RECIPIENTS

Nonprofit

Leadership Excellence Award

The Minnie Rubeck Staff Excellence Award recognizes a nonprofit staff member who has gone “above and beyond” in their support of the organization’s mission and has greatly enhanced the overall effectiveness of the organization through his/her work. The Community Foundation presented three Minnie Rubeck Staff Excellence Awards to: Deb Knake, Iowa KidsNet Match Manager at Four Oaks; Deanna Clemens Pedersen, Business Manager at the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art; and a group of eleven staff members, referred to as “The Classics,” from the Cedar Rapids Public Library who have worked at all three downtown libraries.

Each award included a $1,000 grant from the Community Foundation designated for staff development at the honoree’s organization.

For more photos of the Celebration of Community event, go to facebook.com/GCRCF. To watch the videos shared at the event, visit the Events page at gcrcf.org.

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George Estle, Chief Executive Officer, Tanager Place George Estle joined Tanager Place in 1980 and was named Chief Executive Officer in 1982. During the course of his career, Tanager Place has grown from serving 500 children a year to more than 4,000 children and their families annually. His career has been grounded in service delivery and management in a multidisciplinary role, overseeing a multi-million dollar budget, 223 employees, and program development.

George has the ability to empower others and creates opportunities to improve the lives of children across Eastern Iowa.

His leadership led to the development of programing and treatment models that create access to care for children struggling with serious emotional challenges. Among his accomplishments over the years are: developing Hemophilia Camp and Diabetes Camp; creating the Intermediate Care Facility for the Intellectually Disadvantaged; starting the Tanager Place Mental Health

Clinic; starting the Autism Spectrum Therapy program; initiating the YouthPort collaboration serving at-risk neighborhoods; and creating the Tanager Place Research Center, which will lead to national implications for best practice and policy on children’s mental health. Beyond his work at Tanager Place, George founded the Child and Family Policy Center in Des Moines, a nonprofit organization designed to link research and policy surrounding children’s issues, and serves as a Director Emeritus for the organization. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the National Association for Children’s Behavioral Health in Washington D.C. Over the last 32 years, thousands of families have been impacted by George’s program innovation and relentless pursuit of serving children with mental health issues and their families.

Minnie Rubeck

Staff Excellence Awards

Deb Knake, Iowa KidsNet Match Manager, Four Oaks

Deanna Clemens Pedersen, Business Manager, Cedar Rapids Museum of Art

“The Classics,” Cedar Rapids Public Library

Deb Knake started with Four Oaks more than 34 years ago as a resident counselor working with young, troubled boys who needed to live in a group home setting. In the 1980s, Deb applied her talents and the respect she earned from professionals and families to help create and supervise the first treatment family foster care programming in the state of Iowa. Since that time, Deb has helped to develop additional supports for foster and adoptive families and children across the state. Because of her expertise, Deb was asked to lead efforts to implement Iowa’s first statewide foster care and adoption contract (Iowa KidsNet) in 2007. She is the leader behind efforts to immediately— within two hours to five days—find foster and adoptive homes for children around Iowa. Matching situations are challenging and stressful, yet Deb takes them on with professionalism, grace and a lot of hard work. Deb is a role model for service, leadership and commitment to Iowa’s most vulnerable children.

This year, Deanna Clemens Pedersen began her 30th year quietly and faithfully serving the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art. Deanna is responsible for tracking the financial health of the institution, making sure bills are paid, budgets are met, and audits are completed successfully. Deanna has done this day in and day out to make certain the finances of the Museum are sound and well-accounted for. Deanna is by far the longest serving employee in the Museum’s 108-year history and has watched, and facilitated, the growth of the institution. She has been a part of the transition from Cedar Rapids Art Center to Cedar Rapids Museum of Art and has seen many capital campaigns to grow the building, the endowment, and the collection.

Coworkers say that in many ways, Deanna is the glue that has helped to hold the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art together.

Eleven of the 87 current employees of the Cedar Rapids Public Library have been greeting guests, presenting exceptional programs, cataloging and shelving books and answering research questions in all three libraries downtown—the Carnegie Library (now part of the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art), the 1985 Library which was destroyed in the flood of 2008, and the stunning new Library that opened this summer. Together they have more than 300 years of service to the Cedar Rapids Public Library. They are a caring staff that remains dedicated to spreading literacy and lifelong learning throughout our community. Not only have “The Classics” weathered the storms of new locations, uncertain funding, tragic loss and building back better, these eleven individuals have steered the ship through it all. They have been there for the people of Cedar Rapids, consistently delivering a quality library experience for the past 30 years. The eleven “Classic” staff members include: Jackie Haveman, Karla McMurrin, Mary Lee Kosina, Paula Cufr, Don Troester, Patti Nemec, Carol Hoke, Nancy Geiger, Anne Chapman, Amy Ackman, and Dixie Icenbice.

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Leaving a Legacy for Their

Community Gilda and Barry Boyer have made a gift that will benefit the Cedar Rapids community forever.

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ilda and Barry Boyer have long been known as community volunteers and supporters.

Gilda—who practiced law up until 2008— has been a champion for numerous nonprofit organizations over the years. And Barry—recently retired—led Van Meter Inc. to great success while at the helm of the community-minded company.

The William Quarton Heritage Society of the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation recognizes and honors individuals who have made a commitment to supporting our community forever through a planned gift or the establishment of an endowed fund. If you are interested in making a gift and joining this giving society, contact Amy Johnson at 319.774.2362 or amy.johnson@gcrcf.org.

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With successful professional careers behind them, the Boyers have begun looking for new adventures.

“We are repurposing ourselves,” says Barry. “We both decided we wanted to make a right turn in life and it felt like a great time to make that turn.”

The Boyer’s right turn didn’t mean leaving behind their roles as community advocates, however.

“We’re just a couple of kids who grew up in Cedar Rapids and we feel very, very fortunate,” he says. “Gilda and I truly believe that throughout life you can have a great time, but over time we intend to put a major chunk of our money back into the community.”

While they don’t have any intention of ending their adventures anytime soon, the Boyers are giving back in a way they have long desired.

In 2012, the Cedar Rapids couple opened a significant endowed fund at the Community Foundation. The Boyers have always had the idea of such a gift in the back of their minds, and are grateful to have reached the point in their lives where they could make it happen last year.

At the heart of their intentions is supporting the community that has supported them for so long. Gilda says they feel that when you do well in a community that has given you the opportunity to do well, that you give

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back. “We have always felt like you don’t make it on your own.”

Their philanthropic spirit is one they’ve fostered their whole lives. “You pay it forward,” Barry says. “Cedar Rapids is an incredibly giving community. We’ve grown up in that environment.”

Gilda agrees. “It’s always been that you get as much as you give. I was brought up to be a community volunteer, especially by my mother. We are continuing a tradition.”

Indeed, the Boyer’s children—now young adults—are also learning the importance of community support and philanthropy.

“We both decided we wanted to make a right turn in life and it felt like a great time to make that turn.”

“Over the years we have supported a lot of great organizations in Cedar Rapids and beyond,” says Gilda. “When Barry and I were thinking about our giving, the Community Foundation seemed to be a natural part of the plan. It’s giving in perpetuity, a gift to our community. If I put one dollar in the Foundation today it will grow and continue to support the community, and that’s a pretty exciting prospect.”

“Gilda and Barry’s endowed fund at the Community Foundation is meaningful in so many ways,” says Amy Johnson, Vice President of Development for the Community Foundation. “It represents a tremendous commitment to this community and great confidence in us.

They are wonderful people—and now generations to come will know that, too.”

Barry says one of the best things for them about working with the Community Foundation is tapping into the Endow Iowa program.

“The Community Foundation is a great vehicle for giving,” he says. “Plus, it’s great to give now while we can see what our contributions are helping do.”

The Boyers—who have a particular interest in neighborhood revitalization and economic development— appreciate being able to help direct what their funds support.

“One piece of working with the Community Foundation is that you can look across the community and help in a number of ways,” Gilda says.

“Yes,” says Barry. “We believe strongly that the Community Foundation ties it all together.”

Endow Iowa Tax Credits Still Available Endow Iowa allows taxpayers to receive a 25% Iowa tax credit in addition to normal federal charitable income tax deductions for certain charitable gifts made to an endowed fund at a qualified community foundation in Iowa. As of November 19, 2013, according to the Iowa Economic Development Administration, there are approximately $2 million in Endow Iowa tax credits remaining for calendar year 2013.

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Encouraging Vibrant Communities:

Grant Making at the Community Foundation So far in 2013, the Community Foundation has awarded $5.3 million in grants to 303 nonprofits. Two competitive grant cycles have been completed and the Community Foundation is in the midst of its final cycle.

Here are some interesting facts about recent grant making: • T he Community Foundation approved 64 grants totaling $736,000 (out of $1.1 million requested) from the Funds for the Community so far this year. The Funds for the Community includes discretionary and field of interest funds.

• T he Community Foundation declined 41 applications requesting $927,000, largely because there are not enough resources to support all of the compelling requests and effective efforts.

Grants by Sector Millions

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• T he Community Foundation invests in innovation, sustainability, and capacity building across the spectrum of nonprofit organizations. Just a few interesting projects that have been recently funded include: Organizational Capacity: Genealogical Society of Linn County to update technology to store comprehensive genealogical data Sustainability: Willis Dady Emergency Shelter to continue case management to prevent homelessness I nnovation: The Nature Conservancy to create a watershed plan to address flooding in the Cedar River basin • T he recipients of the second annual cycle of Endowment Challenge Grants include Brucemore, The ARC of East Central Iowa, Theatre Cedar Rapids and Bridgehaven Pregnancy Support Center. This new, matching grant opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in their efforts to build a sustainable source of operational funding.

Education Arts & Culture

2014 Grant Deadlines:

Human Services Public/Society Benefit

Friday, February 14 Monday, June 16 Wednesday, October 15

Health Environment, Animals Religion Other

Nonprofit Economic Forum The Nonprofit Network hosted a Forum on Economic Development for Nonprofits on Thursday, October 31, 2013. Over 60 nonprofit professionals gathered to learn how nonprofits can connect with economic development initiatives. Panelists included Dee Baird, Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, and Jasmine Almoayed and Jeff Pomeranz with the City of Cedar Rapids.

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Time for Tea The Community Foundation hosted a Tea Party on September 26, 2013 at the home of Les and Katrina Garner to show our appreciation for many wonderful donors who have made a planned gift or support nonprofits through donor-advised funds.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Year-End Giving Q. Are 2013 Endow Iowa tax credits still available?

A. Yes. As of Nov. 19, 2013, $2 million in Endow Iowa tax credits remained.

For the latest information about available Endow Iowa tax credits, visit www.iowaeconomicdevelopment.com/CommunityDevelopment/Philanthropic.

Q. Does the Endow Iowa Program apply to IRA charitable rollovers?

A. Yes. As an Iowa taxpayer taking advantage of the IRA charitable rollover, you are also eligible to receive Endow Iowa tax credits. These tax credits are only available through qualified Iowa community foundations like the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation.

Q. C an I establish a permanent, endowed fund at the Community Foundation for less than the $10,000 minimum investment?

A. Yes. Individuals, agencies and businesses can open a Prairie Fund at the Community Foundation for as little as $2,500. Donors who contribute to a Prairie Fund are eligible to receive Endow Iowa tax credits. Anyone with a Prairie Fund has up to five years to grow the fund to the $10,000 (fully endowed) level.

Q. Can I make a gift online during this busy holiday season?

A. Yes. Visit www.gcrcf.org – then click on “Donors” and “Giving Opportunities.” Checks may also be sent to us by mail. Donations postmarked by December 31 will be eligible for a 2013 federal income tax deduction.

Amy Johnson, Vice President of Development

Investment Policy Statement Revision Beginning in 2014, the Community Foundation will use a twelve-quarter trailing average balance in calculating annual distributions from endowed funds to smooth out the volatility of the market. Previously, the annual distributions were calculated using a three-year trailing average.

New Community Foundation Team Members We are pleased to welcome three new team members to the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation. New members include Kaitlin Oswood, Donor Officer who was hired permanently after being at the Community Foundation since 2012 through the Americorps VISTA program; Karin Frantz, Accounting Assistant who was previously with St. Luke’s Hospital; and Amber Waring, Marketing Associate who was previously with Farmers State Bank.

Edna Herbst Estate Gift On November 6, 2013, Les Garner, President & CEO, accepted a check from State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald from the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt. The money was from the estate of Edna Herbst who was a pioneer in Iowa broadcasting. The gift will be added to the Edna A. Herbst Fund, a permanently endowed fund benefiting the Cedar Rapids Public Library, the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, Orchestra Iowa and the Funds for the Community to address emerging community needs.

Kaitlin Oswood Donor Officer

Karin Frantz Accounting Assistant

Amber Waring Marketing Associate

Professional Advisors Breakfast On October 23, 2013, the Community Foundation hosted a breakfast for professional advisors to discuss opportunities to partner to help individuals, families and organizations make legacy gifts.

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324 3rd St. SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401-1841 319.366.2862 / gcrcf.org

Where charitable gifts multiply for community good.

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The Community Foundation is a public foundation whose mission is to help donors give in meaningful ways, to strengthen nonprofits, and to provide leadership that supports a vibrant community.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Cheryle W. Mitvalsky, Chair Loren L. Coppock, Chair Elect Chris DeWolf, Past Chair Katie Oberbroeckling, Treasurer Chris Skogman, Secretary Gary Bartlett Lydia Brown Karl Cassell John Chaimov Terri Christoffersen Brent Cobb Greg Dunn Tiffany Ann Earl Sara B. Fisette Maureen Kenney Thomas Moore

John Osako Elizabeth Schott Oather Taylor Fred Timko Kevin Welu CHAIR EMERITA Nancy G. McHugh PRESIDENT & CEO Les Garner The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation proudly serves affiliate foundations in Keokuk and Wapello.

Confirmed in compliance with National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations.

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