The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation Summer Community Newsletter 2009

COMMUNITY Summer 2009

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The flood of 2008:

A Year Later

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By Amber Mulnik

This is where the Cedar River flowed. Through neighborhoods, parks, businesses, museums, the library and schools. A year later, our community still struggles to recover. Homes are abandoned. Lives remain haunted by the water and what was stripped away.

In spite of this stark reminder, there are signs of progress. Residents have picked themselves up and are being supported by thousands of volunteers and a network of nonprofits dedicated to seeing everyone rebuild.

There is a great city here, one that is burnished with hope, persistence and a spirit that says, “we can be better, together!�

e Gazette Jim Slosiarek/Th

Jeff Raasch/The Gazette

John Armon

For more information on the flood of 2008 and how you can contribute to our community rebuilding efforts, go to www.gcrcf.org today.

COMMUNITY

Summer 2009

board of Directors Lorna M. Barnes, Chair Ron Olson, Vice Chair J. Scott Bogguss, Past Chair Kay L. Hegarty, Treasurer Gerald T. Matchett, Secretary Directors Rich Altorfer Gary Bartlett John M. Bickel Loren Coppock Swati A. Dandekar Chris DeWolf Ruth Hairston Elizabeth Hladky

Nancy Kasparek Kathy Krusie Sean McPartland Cheryle Mitvalsky Gary Skogman Rich Patterson Fred Timko Dr. Ruth E. White

Honorary Director William P. Whipple Chair Emerita Nancy G. McHugh President & CEO Daniel R. Baldwin Foundation Staff Emmylou Ball, Accounting assistant Wendy Blood, Office administrator Jean Brenneman, director of Finance Amber A. Mulnik, director of Communications Deb Orr, Office assistant Elizabeth Pollard, Grants Program associate Bud Synhorst, CFRE, vice president of Resource Development Karla Twedt-Ball, vice president of Programs Josie Velles, Foundation Services manager Special Programs Staff Kimberly Beals, Engineering Experiences volunteer coordinator Katie Giorgio, marketing assistant, Linn County Nonprofit Resource Center Barbara Klawiter, REACT Center administrator Robert Untiedt, executive director, Linn County Nonprofit Resource Center Community is published triannually by the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, 200 First Street SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404. Your comments and suggestions are welcome. Please write, call (319.366.2862) fax (319.366.2912), or e-mail info@gcrcf.org.

Please visit our Web site:

www.gcrcf.org

Design WDG Communications Inc. Editor and writer Amber Mulnik

From the President / CEO

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Dan Baldwin

Let’s all agree: It’s been a year and we’re tired of the flood. Tired of reading about it in the newspaper. Tired of going to meetings. Tired of trying to keep track of FEMA, SBA, EDA and all the other initial-driven entities we’re looking to for help. Tired of having our city look like, well, a river ran through it.

Yet tired as we may be, we also know we’re in the early innings of a long game.

And as frustrated as it makes us feel, we have to consider how frustrating it must be for families who lost their homes, small business owners who saw their life’s work and livelihood under water, nonprofit agencies trying to serve affected families while they restore their own facilities.

Entire neighborhoods are struggling to regain the identity they called home.

The sheer size of the disaster has made recovery especially challenging.

It isn’t that just one part of the community suffered. Our community is simultaneously trying to develop a flood mitigation plan that must be approved by the Army Corps of Engineers; fund the repairing or rebuilding of thousands of homes; solve an enormously expensive energy issue that impacts the very viability of many of our core industries, health care institutions and downtown office buildings; assist thousands of individuals and families who have had their lives turned upside down; pursue state and federal funding on a scale that can make a genuine impact; develop a shared vision that can turn a disaster into a remarkable and unique opportunity; and, not only try to keep all this stuff straight but also be able to communicate it to our neighbors, legislators, program administrators, and whoever else can help.

Frustration and fatigue are normal.

And so is overlooking what has been accomplished, especially in light of what is left to do. Our community is working hard while trying to adjust on the fly so we can also work smart. Success will not be a straight line.

The GCRCF continues to be involved in many aspects of our recovery.

Vice President for Programs Karla Twedt-Ball, and Program Associate Elizabeth Pollard, have worked with the Linn Area Long Term Recovery Coalition from its inception. The coalition works closely with the Community Recovery Center to get resources directly to individuals and families trying to get back in their homes and rebuild their lives.

Karla developed grant programs that have funneled millions to agencies working to mitigate flood needs. Vice President for Resource Development Bud Synhorst, consulted with many area groups seeking to raise funds for flood recovery. Director of Communications Amber Mulnik has helped frame the GCRCF’s grant making role to the media and the public, and serves on committees charged with doing the same for community efforts.

Our finance and donor relations team (Jean Brenneman, Josie Velles, Wendy Blood, Emmylou Ball and Deb Orr) flawlessly processed more than 3,500 flood contributions. Bob Untiedt, executive director of the Linn County Nonprofit Resource Center, and Katie Giorgio, marketing assistant, oversaw the data collection that informed us, in detail, of the enormity of the damage to our nonprofit community. I am one of four board members of the Economic Planning and Redevelopment Corporation, a group whose job it is to assist in organizing all aspects of our community’s recovery and bring outside resources to aid in the cause. This spring we coordinated the submission of $79 million in federal grant requests and led the state lobbying effort that helped create the bonding program that could bring over $100 million to Linn County (thanks, also, to our dedicated legislative delegation).

As hard as our work has been, and will be, we have much to be proud of.

We have a great community that in the end will be stronger for having overcome this adversity. I’m particularly proud to be part of the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation.

Grant Program Update Disaster Grant Making: A Work in Progress Karla Twedt-Ball, vice president of Programs

A natural disaster, like last summer’s flood, tests the mettle of a foundation to rapidly respond to changing community circumstances. Foundations can sometimes be like the Titanic – large ships that are difficult to turn quickly, and render themselves useless as a result. How does a foundation nimbly respond to new and emerging needs such as those from a natural disaster?

We started with research.

Last June, we read articles on disaster grant making and flood response, spoke with foundation colleagues around the country who had “been there, done that,” and met with community leaders.

Grant making is a convergence of research and intuition, and we adapted pieces of various grant programs to meet our own circumstances.

Within two weeks of the disaster, the Community Foundation board had approved one flood grant program, and was already discussing the next.

The first grants came from the Nonprofit Recovery Fund, on June 24, 2008. In the interest of quick response, the GCRCF board vested the staff with authority to make grants of up to $5,000 to each nonprofit or religious institution that had damage from floodwater or sewer backup.

We accepted applications via email, and generally made decisions within a week. By the time the fund closed in February 2009, we granted $313,161.79 to 71 organizations and churches.

The Flood 2008 Fund was in a league of its own. Within two months of inception, the fund had generated almost $1.34 in contributions, and currently is the largest competitive grant program that the GCRCF has ever established. The grant making goals emerged after sifting through

our research: 1) assist flood-affected individuals and families, through nonprofit partners, 2) address systemic issues resulting from the flood, such as mental health needs or the lack of affordable housing, and 3) assist with nonprofit stability for substantially devastated organizations.

A dedicated and skillful committee reviewed grants bi-weekly for four months, and now reviews grants monthly. Committee members have included: Lorna Barnes, Scott Bogguss, John Chaimov, Cathy Gullickson, Shadia Igram, Jerry Matchett, Sigrid Reynolds, John Wasta, and Ruth White.

How do we evaluate ourselves at this one-year anniversary? The short answer is that we have helped fund vital recovery work.

We’ve been a major funder of the Linn Area Long Term Recovery Coalition.

We have supported volunteerbased groups in their rebuilding work, such as supporting the Americorp/ VISTA workers, helping with lodging for hundreds of volunteers and funding construction supplies for volunteer groups rebuilding homes.

We’ve helped nonprofits maintain programming and fix their buildings.

And much more!

What does the future hold?

With the Flood 2008 Fund continuing to get contributions, we’re back to the research phase again. We are meeting with neighborhood and community leaders to discuss new/emerging responses to the flood, and identify the corresponding grant opportunities. Recovery is on the horizon, and the Flood 2008 Fund continues to play a role. Stay tuned – this is a work in progress!

FLOOD 2008 FUND

Community 3

FLOOD 2008 FUND

Rising Above: The Flood of 2008

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The Year of the River took on a whole new meaning on Friday, June 13, 2008, as Cedar Rapids and surrounding areas in Linn County experienced the worst flooding in the memorable and documented history of our community.

With a crest of approximately 31.1 feet (flood stage is 12 feet), the Cedar River spilled into the downtown business district and residential neighborhoods and devastated more than 1,300 square blocks. More than 24,000 people were evacuated with more than 7,000 parcels damaged or destroyed by the flood.

Total property value in the city affected by the flooding is estimated at nearly $737 million. Of that, $375 million is residential property.

Local nonprofits were especially hard hit. More than 60 nonprofits were damaged, destroyed or displaced.

Precious cultural sites, the city library, schools and city and county offices were devastated with more than 12 feet of floodwaters. The impact of the disaster was and still is overwhelming.

Donations Pour In Even before the river waters crested, the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation (GCRCF) knew that there would be an immediate desire for Iowans and others to give money to help with flood recovery efforts.

On June 12, the day before the river crest, the Community Foundation board of directors approved the creation of the Flood 2008 Fund.

The next 12 months would prove that people are very generous – since June, 2008, more than $5.4 million

4 The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation

has been received in cash donations to the Flood 2008 Fund from individuals, businesses and organizations in 45 states and three countries.

Meeting Community Need Through Grant Making Since June 2008, $2.54 million from the Flood 2008 Fund has been granted for direct assistance to individuals and families; $299,000 to address systemic issues related to the flood; and $409,000 for nonprofit stability.

We made the first grant for immediate flood relief in July 2008 to the Salvation Army and American Red Cross and launched an online flood grant application process – a first for the Community Foundation.

Soon after, we funded the Linn Area Long Term Recovery Coalition to establish a case advocate system to help flood-impacted households.

Nonprofits Lead Community Recovery and Rebuilding We’re fortunate to have many nonprofit organizations in Cedar Rapids, whose mission it is to serve the greater good and work to improve our community. Nonprofits have built upon their mission and have adapted to take the lead in the flood recovery and rebuilding effort. As our community continues to recover and rebuild, the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation is proud of the work nonprofits have done to make our community better. The following 48 nonprofits have received a grant award from the Flood 2008 Fund between June 2008 and May 2009 totaling $3.25 million:

b $25,000 to Abbe, Inc. for gap funding for mental health services to provide immediate counseling services while on-going payer source is identified, and follow-up appointments with flood-afftected households. b $25,000 to Abbe Inc. for Abbe Inc. 2008 Flood Recovery and Stabilization to cover the purchase and installment of IT equipment and wiring post-flood, enabling a continuity of its support services to the seven nonprofits that provide a variety of functions including mental health services and care for older adults. b $25,000 to the African American Historical Museum & Cultural Center of Iowa, for Sustaining Operations at the African American Museum of Iowa to help sustain the museum until they partially reopened in January 2009. b $15,000 to Aging Services for 2008 Flood Recovery to support the increased case management and employee mileage costs incurred due to the flood, and to replace the computers used to track client data as required by the State of Iowa. b $50,000 to the American Red Cross Grant Wood Area Chapter for emergency response to the disaster and provision of food and shelter for flood-affected residents. b $25,000 to the ARC of East Central Iowa for Recover, Rebuild, Return to cover a portion of the cost associated with building repair, enabling the organization to return to their downtown offices and continue fulfilling their mission of providing advocacy and services for people with intellectual disabilities and their families.

www.gcrcf.org

b $25,000 to the Area Substance Abuse Council for Heart of Iowa Flood Recovery to replace loss of operating revenue and sustain essential drug and alcohol addiction recovery programs. b $50,000 (to be issued in $25,000 increments) to the Area Substance Abuse Council for Treatment for Flood-Affected Families.

ASAC is developing a new program to serve flood-impacted households to provide free outpatient treatment.

ASAC will hire two substance abuse counselors to reduce wait time for services, and anticipates serving at least 80 people as a result of the project. b $25,000 to Boys and Girls Club of Cedar Rapids for Club Outreach to help reestablish programming on the northwest side of Cedar Rapids.

The new program site is located in the basement of The Salvation Army. b $25,000 to Camp Fire USA, Iowana Council; $25,000 to First United Methodist Church of Marion.

CampFire and the United Methodist Church are working together to house and feed at least 800 volunteers this summer to rebuild at least 38 homes. b Up to $6,500 to the Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission, for a Housing Conference. The conference will address some of the systemic housing needs post-flood. $5000 of the grant is to support the costs of the conference, and up to $1500 may be used to pay for the registration costs for homeowners/renters who were flood-affected and wish to attend the conference. b $25,000 to the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art for Flood Clean-Up and Recovery. The Cedar Rapids Museum of Art experienced $1.4

million in damage. After insurance and other flood recovery grants, they still had a $211,240 shortfall.

This grant helped defray the costs of cleanup and rebuilding. b $10,000 to Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre for Flood Deficit Recovery for replacement of set and props from the summer 2008 performance of Aida and for lost ticket revenue as a result of the flood. b $18,279 to the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church of Cedar Rapids for Rebuilding Lives

by Rebuilding Homes to purchase rebuilding materials for volunteer teams to clean, gut and install insulation, drywall and flooring in homes in the Time Check neighborhood. b $3,596.64 to Churches United, Inc. for Assisting Individuals and Families through their AmeriCorps partnership with the Zero Poverty Project (ZPP).

The ZPP is currently working with four flood-affected women who are at or below the poverty line and has paired them with supportive community volunteers that provide guidance in making life changes. b $25,000 to the Community Corrections Improvement Association (CCIA) for Vista Flood Recovery. VISTA volunteers are coordinating volunteer groups to clean/ assist households, and direct cleanup assistance. This grant provided five supply and equipment kits used by volunteer groups in flood cleanup. b $25,000 to the Community Corrections Improvement Association for AmeriCorps Vista Flood Recovery Expansion. CCIA is recruiting additional VISTA summer and year-round associates to support the operations of the Volunteer

Reception Center, to work on rebuilding efforts and assist with other critical needs such as homelessness and hunger resulting from the flood.

The grant will go towards administrative support of the VISTA program, marketing for recruitment of volunteers and transportation assistance. b $25,000 to Community Corrections Improvement Association for the AmeriCorps Green Initiative to purchase energy efficient materials to rehabilitate homes for flood-affected households. CCIA received a Green AmeriCorps grant to assist with energy audits and education services and will use information gathered from the audits to determine materials needed to rehab flooded homes. b $6,354 to the Community Corrections Improvement Association to purchase a truck for Americorps/VISTA workers to use while transporting combustible materials such as generators to and from flood-related work sites.

On October 15, 2008, FEMA stopped funding the rental trucks used by the Americorps/VISTA workers, requiring CCIA to fund the use of a truck. b $15,000 to Crest Services to help reestablish the permanent office.

Crest Services provides residential services to adults with disabilities. b $25,000 to Echo Hill Presbyterian Church for Meet and Eat at Moundview Meal Program. The summer Neighborhood Meals program was able to continue through the winter of 2008 to serve flood families and cleanup workers, as well as others in the community who were impacted by the relocation of Green Square Meals due to the floods.

Continued on page 6 Community 5

FLOOD 2008 FUND

Rising Above: The Flood of 2008 continued

b $5,000 to Eight Days of Hope, Eight Days of Hope Cedar Rapids. Eight Days of Hope organized an eight-day work trip in November 2008 involving skilled and unskilled volunteers from around the country who completed $2 million worth of work on 140 flood-damaged homes. b $16,250 to First Church of the Nazarene for Mission of Hope to purchase materials for volunteer teams to weatherize seven homes in the Czech Village and Time Check areas during the winter of 2008. Work included replacing ductwork and to purchase furnaces and hot water heaters for flooded households.

The church used a similar approach to the Beacon of Hope model of rebuilding that was created in New Orleans following hurricane Katrina. b $25,000 to First Church of the Nazarene for Mission of Hope to purchase additional materials to rebuild six homes in the Czech Village and Time Check areas. b $25,000 to the First United Methodist Church of Marion to purchase rebuilding supplies for work on an additional 26 homes. The FUMC has enough volunteers lined up for the summer to work on a projected 65 more homes. The church has already completed 16 homes since the flood. b $24,172 to Foundation 2 for Increased Mobile Crisis Outreach Services to Linn County residents. Foundation 2 has experienced an 18 percent increase in calls to the MCO program in 2009 as compared to the same time in 2008.

It’s estimated that 75 percent of the increase in calls is flood-related and with funding from Linn County set pre-flood, Foundation 2 will use the grant to help fund the portion of outreach due to the flood-related increase.

6 The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation

b $25,000 to Four Oaks Family and Children’s Services for Four Oaks D Street Flood Recovery to recoup operating losses that will enable supervised community treatment programs for juvenile offenders, family therapy, HACAP Headstart and the remedial program for children and families to resume at the D Street facility. b $25,000 to Hands on Disaster Response for Project Cedar Rapids to equip volunteer drywall teams to install and finish drywall on 25-35 flooded homes. b $10,000 to Hawkeye Area Community Action Program, Inc. to provide temporary emergency housing to flood-affected households while HACAP and the Long Term Recovery advocates help find the families more stable situations. b $7,500 to the Hawkeye Area Council Boy Scouts of America for Eagle Strike Force Flood Fund for local Boy Scouts to undertake flood-related projects for qualified Eagle Scout projects. b $25,000 to Horizons to help support their increased operating costs resulting from building displacement and a temporary revenue drop following the flood. b $25,000 to Iowa Legal Aid for Disaster Recovery Project to help fund a lawyer to provide free legal assistance to flood-affected households. b $10,000 to the Kernels Foundation for Construction of Ball Diamonds in Jones Park near flood-affected neighborhoods as a way for additional instructional programs for at-risk youth in Cedar Rapids.

Baseball fields at Riverside Park, Hayes Park and Time Check Park were destroyed or damaged by the flood.

b $12,500 to Legion Arts/CSPS for Cedar Rapids Rising: Forums for Creative Workers to mitigate the potential loss of the creative community through a series of forums. The forums will provide models, assist with planning efforts and connect local individuals and organizations to national resources. b $1,950,000 to Linn Area Long Term Recovery Coalition for financial assistance for flood-affected individuals and families; to assist households with rebuilding costs; and for case management and advocacy. b $25,000 to Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota for Camp Noah, a one-week day camp to help children and youth heal and recover mentally and emotionally from the trauma of the flood disaster. The organization plans to conduct four camps this summer serving up to 200 children. b $25,000 to the Matthew 25 Ministry Hub for the Matthew 25 Tool Lending Library. The tool lending library loans tools to community members.

Households with a FEMA ID receive their first year’s membership free, so households don’t need to rent or purchase tools for short-term use. b $25,000 to the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library for Replenishment of Lost Revenue to Reestablish Operations to establish a temporary operating location for exhibits, programs and the museum store, which will reestablish the museum’s revenue stream. b $9,100 to Neighborhood Transportation Service to re-establish their office, including a server, copier, network system.

This grant allowed NTS to operate more efficiently and helped them get back to pre-flood ridership levels. www.gcrcf.org

b $5,000 to the Northwest Neighbors Association for the purchase of two heavy-duty snow blowers to assist the neighborhood association in clearing flood-affected neighbors walk ways and to contract with a snow removal service to clear areas too large for the residential snow blowers. The grant supports the Northwest Neighborhood Association goal of strengthening the fabric of the neighborhood. b $25,000 to Orchestra Iowa for Rebuilding Symphony Stability through Audience Retention and Growth to produce additional concerts that include new venues and equipment in an effort to make up for lost ticket revenue as a result of the flood. b $25,000 to Palo Senior Citizens Housing, Inc. to rehabilitate eight one-bedroom apartment units in the Palo Senior Housing complex. b $24,202 to Partnership for Safe Families for Family Team Meetings for families recovering from the Flood of 2008. The Family Team Meeting (FTM) is a researchbased model shown to be effective in assisting families responding to crisis situations. Approximately 30 flood-affected households will participate in two family team meetings and leave with a plan and a way to succeed with a support system. b $25,000 to Prairiewoods for assisting five flood-affected homeowners repair their homes and provide furnishings. b $50,000 to the Rebuilding Palo Fund, Inc. to assist homeowners in rebuilding, purchase of tools and supplies.

b $50,000 to the Salvation Army of Cedar Rapids for Outreach Programs to stabilize flood-affected families and individuals and their immediate response to the disaster. b $25,000 to the Science Station to help re-establish an early childhood science education presence at Lindale Mall. b $25,000 to Serve the City Resource Group, Inc. for their Community Flood Relief Fund to help families get back into their homes or stable living situations. b $25,000 to St. Mark’s Faith & Life Center for Rebuilding Flooded Houses.

Youth and adults from Illinois, Michigan and Iowa, will spend a week installing drywall, insulation, painting, yard work, etc. Funds are requested for rebuilding supplies. Homes are being assigned from the Linn Area Long Term Recovery Coalition and the United Methodist Flood Recovery Office. b $4,884 to Tanager Place for Crayon Conversations for elementary school children and their families directly impacted by the flood. The project enables children the chance to share their flood story through the arts to improve coping skills, increase communication and boost the artist’s self-confidence. The program models a similar project created following the September 11 tragedy in New York City. b $25,000 to Theatre Cedar Rapids for the purchase of a replacement lighting system that can be used at their temporary location prior to being installed in the renovated downtown facility. The theatre has been renting a lighting system since the flood. b $12,500 to Trinity Lane Preschool for Children’s Weekday Ministries and Matthew 25 Ministry Hub

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Summer Childcare. The two nonprofits are organizing summer childcare in a flooded neighborhood, and seeks funding to help provide scholarships to children from low-income, flood-affected households. $25,000 to Ushers Ferry Historical Village for Ushers Ferry Historic Village Flood Reconstruction of the College Township School, the Oak Hill Free Methodist Church, Telephone House, and the gazebo.

They will also replace the electrical systems and conduct general cleanup of the village grounds. $25,000 to Waypoint, for their Elevator Repair. The Madge Phillips Center provides daytime and nighttime services to homeless and near-homeless women and children.

The Center was unable to reopen until the elevator was repaired, as per the Americans with Disabilities Act. $2,000 to Waypoint for Responding to Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Following a Natural Disaster for Waypoint to host a domestic violence and sexual assault conference in Cedar Rapids in November, 2008 in an effort to prepare the community to handle an expected increase in domestic violence and sexual assault resulting from the flood. $20,000 to the Witwer Center for Witwer Center Nutrition Program ReBuilding to help the organization continue providing meals to the Linn County senior population. $25,000 to the YMCA for “Getting Quickly to ‘Better-than-Ever’ at the Helen G. Nassif YMCA!” to support the reestablishment of the YMCA post-flood.

Community 7

Acts of Kindness and Giving

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It’s been said that you should never underestimate the power of determined people. This has been especially true the past year as our community recovers from the flood disaster.

As Vice President of Resource Development, I’ve had the opportunity to work with local residents and businesses that stepped up to do extraordinary work to raise money for flood relief, recovery and rebuilding.

Some just did what they could – sell lemonade on a hot summer day, hold a garage sale or bake sale. Others went above and beyond to organize big events like Floodstock; Brucemore’s incredibly powerful production of “Moving Home”; and the comedic performances by Jay Leno at the MGM Mirage in Las Vegas.

Since last June, $5.4 million has been donated by more than 2,000 individuals, families and businesses from Iowa and 43 states and three countries.

These acts of kindness and giving has enabled the Community Foundation to grant $3.2 million to nearly 50 local nonprofits who are leading our flood rebuilding efforts. The Community Foundation has been overwhelmed with this generosity and appreciates the commitment donors have made to ensure our community comes back stronger than ever before. There is still much more work to be done and we are confident that your support will continue for the years to come.

We celebrate and recognize the following businesses and groups that have hosted events to support the flood response of the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation: b American Golf Foundation/Desert Rose Golf Course, Las Vegas b Baxter Healthcare b Buffalo Wild Wings b Cedar Rapids Smile Center

8 The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation

Toddlers to teenagers from around the country held cupcake sales, lemonade stands and fishing clinics to benefit our community flood recovery and rebuilding.

b City Revealed Magazine b City of Cedar Rapids Traffic & Engineering Department b Coe College/Marvin Cone Art Club b Colorado Girls State b Classics at Brucemore, “Moving Home” production b Erb’s Business Solutions b Gazette Communications b Harding Middle School b Hy-Vee b Irish Democrat b ITT Group b Lindale Mall b Linn County 4-H Clubs b Loving Care Learning Center b Mediacom b Mercy Medical Center b MGM Mirage b Prairie Soccer Association b Principal Financial b Rotary Clubs of Cedar Rapids b Rough Riders Hockey Team b TIS Plastics b Washington High Class of 1988

Reflecting on the response from our community and around the country, I am honored to have worked with so many groups with caring intentions to help our community recover. Many of those who raised this money had personal ties to Cedar Rapids in some way. Thank you for your tireless efforts to support flood relief through your generous contributions. Because of you, our city will recover and be stronger than we have ever known.

-- Bud Synhorst, CFRE, vice president of Resource Development www.gcrcf.org

Local Nonprofit Organizations: One Year After the Flood

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It has been a turbulent and interesting year for nonprofit organizations in Linn County due to the flood. The disaster directly impacted more than 60 nonprofit organizations in the Cedar Rapids area while many others who didn’t take on water had to deal with the residual effects of the disaster on our community.

Social service organizations had new and greater workloads because of the flood, but not necessarily greater funding. Some homeless shelters in Linn County, for example, served meals for the first time to residents displaced from their homes. Other organizations found thousands who gave quite generously.

These gifts, when designated, did not help nonprofits pay for additional staff or additional costs incurred with increased service response. At least one ‘first response’ organization operated on a line of credit while it received designated funds at historic levels.

These organizations now plan for the months and years ahead as the social service needs of our community change and increase.

Arts organizations affected by the flooding were challenged to be more creative than ever. As venues were damaged leaving them without performance and gallery spaces, these nonprofits have become statewide/ regional organizations, used multiple sites, collaborated on programming, and/or sought audiences in new places.

Their shows, exhibits, and lectures have helped the community deal emotionally with the floods impact on how we live, work and rebuild.

And while nonprofit organizations continue to fulfill their missions and provide valuable programming for our community, funding has been variable. A small number of anecdotal reports suggest that some floodaffected organizations had a very good year financially in 2008. They have

GCRCF Announces 2008 Investment Returns

2008 Annual Report Available

During the fiscal year that ended December 31, 2008, the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation endowment pool return on investment was -30.5%. The three-year return was -4.7%; the five-year return was -2.2%, and the annualized return since Jan. 31, 1994, is 6.7%. These returns are stated net of fees.

The audited financial statements, containing all required disclosures and IRS form 990, are available upon request in the Community Foundation’s offices.

We are pleased to recognize all donors who contributed to the Community Foundation and the nonprofits who received a grant for exceptional programming in our 2008 Annual Report: Building a Strong Community.

As a way to be more environmentally conscious and stewards of our operating budget, we have chosen to distribute our annual report online at www.gcrcf.org. The annual report is available on our Home Page and in the News/Publications section of our Web site.

We have printed a small quantity of a condensed annual report that is available by contacting the Community

reconnected with donors, gotten adequate public and foundation assistance, and sustained revenues into this year. Yet, other organizations report that major fundraising events had long-time corporate sponsors not give as much because of their own flood damage. There is now the added stress of the economy affecting corporate and individual giving.

Like so many stories of the flood, the stories of the nonprofit organizations affected in our community are ones of tragedy and triumph. In short, nonprofits are holding on, but even those most creative organizations have reported challenges and lasting impacts. The residents and nonprofits of Linn County, it seems, need each other now more than ever.

-- Bob Untiedt, executive director and Katie Giorgio, marketing assistant, Linn County Nonprofit Resource Center

Foundation at 319.366.2862 or info@gcrcf.org.

We hope you will be receptive to this new “green” option of distributing our annual report to you online. Thank you for your continued support of the Community Foundation and Linn County.

Community 9

GCRCF Hosts Florida Donor Reception

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On March 12, John and Dyan Smith of Cedar Rapids hosted a small group of Community Foundation donors who winter in Florida at their home in Bonita Springs, Florida. Around 25 donors and friends of the foundation attended the gathering that included a brief program on the Community Foundation’s strategic priorities for the year.

“This was our second Florida reception especially for friends of the Community Foundation,” said Dan Baldwin, president and CEO of the GCRCF.

“It was a wonderful way to connect with our donors and we look forward to having the reception again next spring in Florida.”

If you have a winter address, please share it with us so we may include you in upcoming events and announcements. Call our office at 319.366.2862 or info@gcrcf.org.

Limited Endow Iowa Tax Credits Available A little more than $1.9 million in Endow Iowa tax credits remain as of May 1. Any gifts made to endowed funds at the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation are eligible to receive a 20 percent Iowa state income tax credit. Gifts made after Endow Iowa credits are depleted, may be eligible to receive 2010 tax credit.

For more information on Endow Iowa, contact Bud Synhorst, CRFE and vice president of Resource Development.

10 The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation

Top Left: Anne Ylvisaker, John Smith, Maxine Welch and Frank Byers.

Center: Dyan Smith, Frank Byers and Bill Munsell.

Bottom: John Smith, president and CEO of CRST, speaks to fellow philanthropists about the impact they are making in building a stronger community.

www.gcrcf.org

William Quarton

William Quarton Heritage Society as of May 1, 2009

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Heritage Society

If you have remembered the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation in your estate plans, or if you have established an endowed fund at the GCRCF, you are eligible to become a member of the William Quarton Heritage Society. We will not list your name without your permission. Please contact Bud Synhorst, CFRE and vice president of Resource Development at 319.366.2862 for more information.

Anonymous (7) Robert W. and Elizabeth M. Allsop Thomas J. and Sarah E. Anderson Gary L. and Alice Anderson Marian J. Arens Carl and Topsy Aschoff Jean H. Ashby* Daniel R. Baldwin Lorna M. Barnes Helen (Skippy) Bell Bob V. Bengtson Peter F. Bezanson* Bill and Jan Bloomhall Barbara Bloomhall and William A. Bloomhall, Sr.* Wilma J. Blosser Katheryn Boatman Scott and Joann Bogguss Barry and Gilda Boyer Ruth L. Hastings Brown David H. and Rose Marie Burke Steven and Joanne Carfrae Richard* and Judith Chandler Ivan and Mary Bess Chester Larry H. Christy Loren L. and Patricia A. Coppock Paul and Sara Corbin John P. Curran Tom and Beth DeBoom Dr. Robert and Eloise Dennis Tiffany A. Earl John R. and Cheryl G. Elliott John M. Ely, Jr.* and Polly Ely* Peggy Fashimpaur Kahr John P.* and Jean W. Ferring Robert C. * and Marjorie H. Fletcher *Deceased

Rick and Donna Flynn William B. and Jo Anne F. Galbraith William and Harriet Gasway Dean and Laura Gesme David and Kathleen Good Gary Grant Joan Greenblatt Kathy L. Hall Ortha R.* and Ken* Harstad Mary Lou and Donald Hattery Ted and Tish Healey Jason and Susan Hellickson Clifford A. Hendricks Kate Hladky Jim and Ann Hoffman Lee R. Horn Barbara J. and Ralph E.* Hughes William B. Quarton* and Jean A. Hunnicutt Sher Jasperse and Daryl Julich David and Mary Johnson Kenneth L. and Mildred M.* Johnson Mildred Joslin and Edward Kemp Mary and David Junge David and Sherri Justice Vyrl* and Martha Justice George* and Louise Kalous Suzanne Rosenbaum Katz Merry and Bob* Kelley Frank and Geri Kintzle Thomas and Clara Kleiman G.T. (Jerry) Knox Peter and Ingrid Kolln Ted and Margaret Kubicek David and Chris Kubicek Robert and Caroline Kucharski

Lawrence and Kimberly Kudej Sheryl Chehak Lamb* Robert J. and Sue B. Latham Karen Ann Laughlin James* and Susan Lavenz Robert and Carol Lehman Thea and Roger* Leslie Norman G.* and Belle M. Lipsky Jo* and Larry McGrath David and Ruth McGuire Nancy Green McHugh Frank and Cheryle Mitvalsky Mike and Ann Mohnsen Tara and Bob Moorman Paul and Jennifer Morf Craig and Deborah Mrkvicka Bill and Cathy Munsell Virginia Myers* Kay and Duane Nesetril Greg and Debbie Neumeyer William and Cheryl Nordstrom John and Christine North Ron and Sue Olson Richard and Marion Patterson Jay and Bonnie Petersen Ann and David B.* Pickford James A. and Monica M. Piersall Mike Plotz Wendy* and Randy Portz William and Janis Quinby Curt and Sigrid Reynolds Mary E. Rickey Louise G. Roalson Dr. and Mrs. William John Robb Jack and Jackie Roland Judith Whetstine and Bob Rush John M. and Wilma Ann Wallin Sagers

Larry D. and Claire J. Sharp Paul R.* and Rebecca F.* Shawver Laurie and Robert Silber Marilyn and Dayton* Sippy Gary and Robin Skogman LaJuana Skogman Drew and Jo Ann Skogman Kyle and Susan Skogman Duane Smith Ellen Smith John and Dyan Smith Marty and Julianne Smith Sue and Gary Speicher Eleanor Streletzky Robert Synhorst Fred and Bev Timko Kathleen Toborg Terry Trimpe James and Susan Turner Robert Untiedt Josie Velles R. Ray* and Barbara Weeks Maxine and Ted* Welch Guy H. Wendler Susanna Wendler William P. and Gayle* Whipple Dorothy J. White and Robert Dean Metcalf* Esther and Myron Wilson Robert and Charlotte Worley Jason and Leslie Wright Corrine and Robert* Yaw David Zylstra

Community 11

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

PERMIT NO. 214 CEDAR RAPIDS, IA

200 First Street SW Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404

Change Service Requested

Calendar of Events JUNE June 15 Summer Grant Deadline Applications for the summer grant cycle are due Friday, June 15 at 4:30 p.m. at the GCRCF office for the following grant programs: Momentum Fund Linn County Endowment Fund Competitive Donor-Advised Funds For more information on these funds, including application requirements and forms, visit www.gcrcf.org or contact Karla Twedt-Ball, vice president of Programs, at 319.366.2862.

June 24 William Quarton Heritage Society Luncheon Weds., June 24 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Elmcrest Country Club, 1000 36th St NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa Members of the Quarton Heritage Society are invited to attend this annual luncheon.

Please RSVP to bud.synhorst@gcrcf.org or call 319.366.2862.

June 24 Linn County Nonprofit Resource Center Homeless Service Training Effectively Engaging Clients with Addictions or Mental Illness Weds., June 24 from 3 to 5 p.m.

Diversity Focus, 205 Second Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa Training in collaboration with HACAP, Mission of Hope, ASAC, the Willis Dady Shelter, Waypoint, Catholic Worker House and the Cedar House Shelter for entry-level employees of social service organizations.

For more information, visit www.lcnrc.org or call 319.366.2862.

June 26 2009 Nonprofit Management Academy Creating an Integrated Fundraising Program Friday, June 26, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information or to see a complete listing of 2009 programming visit http://www. extension.iastate.edu/communities/pdfs/ Linn09.pdf. The cost to participate is $65 per session. To register call 319.377.9839 or email lbigley@iastate.edu.

JULY July 7 Linn County Nonprofit Resource Center Homeless Service Training Crisis Employment Counseling Tuesday, July 7, from 3 to 5 p.m.

Four Oaks ‘Bridge’, 2100 First Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa Training in collaboration with HACAP, Mission of Hope, ASAC, the Willis Dady Shelter, Waypoint, Catholic Worker House and the Cedar House Shelter for entry-level employees of social service organizations.

For more information, visit www.lcnrc.org or call 319.266.2862.

July 24 2009 Nonprofit Management Academy Your Development Shop: Who Does What and How to Get it Done?

Friday, July 24, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information or to see a complete listing of 2009 programming visit http://www. extension.iastate.edu/communities/pdfs/ Linn09.pdf. The cost to participate is $65 per session. To register call 319.377.9839 or email lbigley@iastate.edu.

AUGUST August 21 2009 Nonprofit Management Academy Closing the Big Gift: How to Secure Major and Planned Gifts Friday, August 21, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information or to see a complete listing of 2009 programming visit http://www. extension.iastate.edu/communities/pdfs/ Linn09.pdf. The cost to participate is $65 per session. To register call 319.377.9839 or email lbigley@iastate.edu.

SEPTEMBER September 15 Linn County Nonprofit Resource Center Homeless Service Training Motivational Interviewing September 15, from 3 to 5 p.m.

African-American Museum, 55 12th St NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa Training in collaboration with HACAP, Mission of Hope, ASAC, the Willis Dady Shelter, Waypoint, Catholic Worker House and the Cedar House Shelter for entry-level employees of social service organizations.

For more information, visit www.lcnrc.org or call 319.266.2862.

September 25 2009 Nonprofit Management Academy Seeking Funding — Creative Ways to Find Support in Uncertain Times Marketing and Development: How to Work Hand in Hand Friday, September 25, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information or to see a complete listing of 2009 programming visit http://www. extension.iastate.edu/communities/pdfs/ Linn09.pdf. The cost to participate is $65 per session. To register call 319.377.9839 or email lbigley@iastate.edu.

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