Community - Winter 2010 Newsletter

COMMUNITY Winter 2010

4

4

6 7

Leaving a legacy through unrestricted giving.

GCRCF receives $5 million gift from unassuming philanthropist

J

Joseph Martin Kacena went far with his talents, but he never lost touch with his roots.

Today, both the Chicago and Cedar Rapids areas will benefit greatly from this unique man’s quiet, steady commitment to family and community. Over his lifetime, Kacena’s success in business enabled him to give to many organizations. But it was not until his death in June 2009 at age 94 that the full scope of his generosity came to light.

This past fall, the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation (GCRCF) learned that Kacena had gifted more than $5 million to support several nonprofits in Cedar Rapids and the University of Chicago. And, significantly, Kacena specified that 39 percent of that contribution be designated for the GCRCF’s unrestricted funds.

A closer look at the careful planning behind Kacena’s extraordinary gift shows his love for music, support for educational advancement and sensitivity to those in need.

In addition to the 39 percent dedicated to unrestricted uses to be determined by the GCRCF, beneficiaries will be the Cedar Rapids Symphony Orchestra, the Lyric Opera continued on page 3

Joseph Martin Kacena Left: Mr. Kacena at Elmcrest Country Club Right: Mr. Kacena in his military uniform circa WWII.

COMMUNITY

Winter 2010

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

Kathy Krusie Jerry Matchett Sean McPartland Cheryle Mitvalsky Tom Moore Fred Timko Dr. Ruth E. White Kevin Welu

Honorary Director William P. Whipple Chair Emerita Nancy G. McHugh

From the President / CEO

A

President & CEO Daniel R. Baldwin Foundation Staff Emmylou Ball, Accountant Wendy Blood, Office Manager Jean Brenneman, director of Finance Elizabeth Cwik Pollard, Grant Program associate Katie Giorgio, marketing assistant, Linn County Nonprofit Resource Center Amber A. Mulnik, director of Communications Deb Orr, Office Assistant Karla Twedt-Ball, vice president of Programs Robert Untiedt, executive director, Linn County Nonprofit Resource Center Josie Velles, Foundation Services manager Peggy Whitworth, Interim director of Resource Development

Special Programs Staff Kimberly Beals, Engineering Experiences volunteer coordinator Barbara Klawiter, REACT Center administrator 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 & writer Amber Mulnik EDitor Sherry Crawford

Dan Baldwin

A new year always sets our sights on new goals and opportunities, and that’s certainly the case with 2010. On December 4 of last year, the GCRCF purchased The Torch Press Building in downtown Cedar Rapids. This four-story historic building at the corner of 4th Avenue and 3rd Street SE will become our permanent home this summer.

Since the Flood of 2008, we’ve been hearing about the City’s flood mitigation plan.

It became clear that our current location, which we lease, sits on the “wrong” side of a proposed levee, and will be torn down.

When this will actually occur is unclear, but we didn’t want to find ourselves having to rush into a decision should the City’s plans move faster than expected. In the spring of 2009 a facilities committee, comprised of staff and board members, was formed. We outlined our space needs and discussed how a new facility could potentially enhance our ability to deliver on our mission.

Our three options were to find new rental space, build, or purchase a building that could be adapted to our needs. Of the three, building a new facility was probably the least desirable, but we were openminded about the other two. After much research and discussion, as well as touring several properties, we enthusiastically proceeded with the purchase of The Torch Press Building.

Why The Torch Press Building? Several reasons. It is important to the GCRCF to be an active participant in the Cedar Rapids’ ongoing recovery from the flood. We became the primary repository for flood donations, developed and managed the Jobs and Small Business Recovery Fund, granted emergency recovery funds to nonprofits from our own cash reserves, and have been actively involved in the Linn Area Long Term Recovery Coalition and the Economic Planning and Recovery Corporation. So it is consistent with our values to purchase a

flood affected building in the central business district and be part of the rejuvenation of our city center.

Secondly, the building fits us perfectly.

We will use the top two floors for our administrative offices, including the Linn County Nonprofit Resource Center (LCNRC). The ground floor will be converted to program space, allowing the GCRCF and LCNRC to host events and programs. We will also use this space to highlight the work of area nonprofits.

The second floor will be leased. Our hope is that we can make it available to nonprofits in the near future.

Thirdly, the growth of the GCRCF in recent years points to a robust future, and an even larger community foundation. This is space that will accommodate continued growth. Because the primary focus of our growth is in building endowments, we are, by definition, permanent. The Torch Press Building speaks to this. We are here For Good, For Ever. Having a permanent home only serves to reinforce this important aspect of the growing role of the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation. ________ This is my last column for Community. I’ve accepted the position of President/CEO of the Community Foundation for Monterey County in Monterey, California. My last day at the GCRCF is March 5. I hope it is obvious how much I love my work at the GCRCF, and that it took an extraordinary opportunity to pry me away. The last eight years have been remarkably rewarding in many ways. Personally. Professionally. And simply being part of such a great organization.

I’m especially proud of how the board and staff played such a critical role in our community’s efforts to recover from the Flood 2008.

I’ll miss many aspects of the GCRCF, but mostly I’ll miss the people. Thank you for your support of this vital organization.

Leaving a legacy through unrestricted giving. continued from page 1

of Chicago, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the University of Chicago’s College Fund and its Graduate Business School.

In his hometown of Cedar Rapids, Kacena also designated smaller percentages to the Grant Wood Area Chapter of the American Red Cross; the Salvation Army; the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library; and a memorial fund already established in his parents’ names at the Cedar Rapids Public Library.

The only child of William and Libbie Kacena of Cedar Rapids, Kacena and his cousins – also only children – grew up together and remained close. His cousins John Hasek, Joan Baird and her husband, Lloyd recalled Kacena’s remarkable skills. At the age of 4, he was already adding numbers. He became a stellar student, winning a large math tournament in high school held at the University of Iowa. Kacena also played violin in the Cedar Rapids Symphony while in high school and loved sports.

He attended the University of Chicago as an academic scholar and also played on the university’s baseball team.

“He was an all-American genius,” Lloyd Baird says.

Graduating from the University of Chicago with a degree in math, Kacena was teaching when he was drafted by the Army. During World War II, he was wounded in Germany and received the Purple Heart.

After the war, Kacena earned an MBA from the University of Chicago and worked as an auditor for the Liquid Carbonic Corp. until he retired. He never married.

Kacena loved Chicago and the University of Chicago, worked downtown and regularly attended the Chicago opera. But he always kept in touch with family, Joan Baird recalls.

“Family was very important to him,” she notes, so much so that every other week, he drove back to Cedar Rapids to visit cousins and friends. Kacena was outgoing and personable; he organized his high school reunions and attended World War II military reunions.

“He was a very gracious man who never talked down to others,” Joan Baird notes.

“He was sympathetic and empathetic to the downtrodden,” Lloyd adds.

“His giving aligned with his personal passions of music, and he loved the arts and opera.”

Kacena was familiar with the Community Foundation through his attorneys, Russell Hess and Frank Mitvalsky, both of whom had leadership roles with the GCRCF. Kacena was trustee for the Martinek Memorial Trust, which also contributes to the Community Foundation.

Distributions from Kacena’s gift to the GCRCF will begin in 2011.

Kacena insisted that recipients not be told of his intent until after his death, the Bairds say, because he wanted no accolades or special treatment.

Kacena’s vision of how best to benefit his community embraced the idea of using unrestricted funds to meet unforeseen future needs. He understood that community foundations can play a key role as stewards of community assets.

“Joe was a philanthropist for years,” says Sara Fitzgerald of Guaranty Bank, who assisted with Kacena’s assets.

“He knew the tax benefits of giving and planned his estate gift intricately to benefit his family and nonprofits.”

Top: Joseph Kacena at his high school graduation, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Bottom: Joseph Kacena’s Graduation from University of Chicago.

Community 3

Skogman brothers continue family philanthropy

P

Philanthropy is a way of life for the Skogmans of Cedar Rapids. Leroy and LaJuana Skogman’s four sons – Kyle, Gary, Rick and Drew – all say their giving comes naturally because they were raised to recognize its importance.

“A little bit of it’s just been ingrained,” says Gary Skogman. “We’ve been very fortunate as a family. We’re part of a community and what’s good for the community is good for us.”

Gary credits his six years on the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation board as being “an eyeopening experience” that made him more aware of the many charities at work.

To honor their parents’ community involvement, the Skogman brothers in 2000 established a fund with the GCRCF and now they carry on the tradition of giving by contributing to that fund each year, both corporately and individually.

They have also included the GCRCF in their estate plans.

The Skogman family has a long history in local real estate and residential home construction. The first Skogman

home was built in 1943 and since then, more than 8,000 area families live in Skogman-built homes that comprise nearly a quarter of all the homes built in the area.

Rick founded Skogman Realty in 1973, and it is the largest locally-owned real estate company in East-Central Iowa. The Skogman Commercial Services Group is a leader in the sale and leasing of local commercial properties, land development, income properties and businesses.

“A business is no better than the quality of life of the community,” Kyle Skogman explains. “Improving the quality of life is important. We have a responsibility as a local business and as a benefit of being in business, it’s our responsibility to give back.”

Their family’s commitment to community goes back at least two generations, says Rick Skogman, citing their grandfather’s pledge to help the Salvation Army raise funds for a new building years ago.

“He said, ‘we’ll raise $1 million and build one,’ ” Rick recalls. “Everybody

thought it was out of the question. But he got involved and they did it.”

As a long-time local operation, “our business has been through good times and tough times,” Rick adds.

“The community always supported us.

Supporting the various charities is our way of giving back.”

The GCRCF’s investment strategies have helped our family balance corporate gifts during good times with donations through our Community Foundation fund in tougher times, Drew Skogman says.

“Dad always wanted us involved in the community,” Drew adds. “What impressed us was being able to set aside a portion that could grow and be fed back into the community. It’s worked out well.”

The Skogman legacy is set to continue, as the brothers’ children become involved.

“Moving forward,” Kyle says, “we hope they will take over the grant recommendations and continue to fund long-term to provide greater impact.”

Left to right: Gary, Rick, Chris, Leroy, Drew and Kyle Skogman 4 The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation

GCRCF Staff Update

T

Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation Board of Directors Announces Interim Leadership Plan

The GCRCF board of directors announced on January 12 that Karla Twedt-Ball, current vice president of programs of the organization, has been appointed interim president and chief executive officer.

Twedt-Ball will assume the leadership role upon the departure of current leader, Dan Baldwin, who leaves March 5 to be the president and chief executive officer of the Community Foundation for Monterey County in Monterey, California.

“Karla is an excellent choice to lead us during this period of transition,” said Ron Olson, chair, GCRCF Board of Directors. “As interim president and CEO, Karla will focus on leading the community foundation, while continuing to oversee our grant programs,” added Olson.

Having joined the GCRCF three years ago as the director of programs, Twedt-Ball has extensive experience and knowledge of the various functions of the

P

charitable foundation and the nonprofit community. She was promoted to vice president of programs in March 2008.

“As interim president and CEO, Karla’s main responsibilities include the smooth and efficient day-to-day operation of the GCRCF while the executive committee begins a nationwide search for a permanent president and chief executive officer,” said Olson. “Karla has shown significant leadership since joining the organization, particularly post flood, as she directed the foundation’s charitable response through granting more than $14 million to local nonprofits for flood recovery and rebuilding.”

Twedt-Ball will remain interim president until the board of directors hires a permanent president in the coming months. She will report directly to the board of directors and also chair the operations committee, as called for in the GCRCF CEO succession plan, that maintains the

consistency of GCRCF operations during the interim and transition to the successor Karla Twedt-Ball, appointed president interim president and chief and CEO. executive officer

Previous to this appoint-ment, Twedt-Ball, 35, was executive director of Churches United in Cedar Rapids. She is an Iowa native and received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Iowa and a Master of Public Policy at the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs. She is a 2008 graduate of Leadership for Five Seasons, a 2008 graduate of the linn County Nonprofit Resource Center’s Leadership Institute and is a founding member of the Linn Area Long Term Recovery Coalition.

Community Foundation Hires Interim Director of Resource Development

Peggy Whitworth has joined the organization as interim director of resource development.

As the interim director of resource development, Whitworth will be responsible for leading the non-profit’s asset and fund development, planned giving and donor services.

She will also work along side departing president and CEO, Dan Baldwin, the next eight weeks and through the remaining interim leadership

period until a permanent CEO is hired by the board of directors.

“Peggy is a highly respected leader in our community,” said Dan Baldwin, president and CEO. “She has a strong understanding of fund development and nonprofit management experience that will serve the foundation, our donors and the community well. We’re very excited and thankful she’s agreed to assist us during the transition period – her boundless energy, passion for our

www.gcrcf.org

community and thoughtful leadership will make for a smooth transition.”

Previously, Whitworth was the founding executive director of Brucemore, Iowa’s only National Trust Historic Site, for 26 years until her retirement in 2007. She currently serves on the board of the State Historical Society of Iowa. She serves on the Terrace Hill Foundation and was appointed to the Iowa Board of Pharmacy

by Iowa Governor Chet Culver.

Community 5

The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation Purchases Downtown Building for Move in 2010

T

Foundation to renovate flooded Torch Press Building for permanent home

The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation (GCRCF) announced on Dec. 21, 2009, that it purchased The Torch Press Building at 324 3rd Street SE in downtown Cedar Rapids for its new headquarters. The GCRCF plans to open its new office later this summer.

The new location will allow for continued growth and expansion in the future, said foundation President and CEO Dan Baldwin and board chair, Lorna Barnes.

“We’ve outgrown our current office space and this new location will help us meet the long-term needs of the foundation and the community,” said Baldwin. “This as an investment in our community and downtown Cedar Rapids while we make this our permanent home and build upon the foundation that was set for the organization 60 years ago.”

The Community Foundation board of directors unanimously approved the purchase of the historic building on Dec. 2, 2009, after an extensive eight-month due diligence effort by the staff and board. Several factors led to the purchase of the building including the inevitable move from their current office building as a result of future flood mitigation plans, a favorable real estate market, an expiring lease at the current GCRCF location at F&M Bank, 200 First Street SW.

The foundation financed the building purchase from operating cash reserves.

The renovation and retrofitting costs of the building will be paid through a 20-year amortized loan from the unrestricted grant fund to the operating

6 The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation

fund. The four percent interest paid on the loan will go back into the unrestricted fund for community grant making.

“We take great pride in our fiduciary responsibility to donors and the community,” said Barnes. “We’ve managed our financial resources well in an effort to afford the purchase of our own office space. This is an ideal situation to be in as a charitable foundation – we are able to establish a permanent home with historic relevance and continue to be an asset to the community while increasing our grant making for community needs. At the same time, we are not relying on a capital campaign that would compete with other flood affected nonprofits fundraising efforts.”

The GCRCF will occupy the first, third and fourth floors of the 16,000 square foot building that was constructed in 1908 as a book-making plant. The second floor will be leased in the future. The new location will have meeting space on the first floor where workshops and events for nonprofits and donors will take place. The renovations and updates will include energy-efficient lighting, windows and HVAC systems; wireless and other advanced technologies and will include handicapped accessible accommodations throughout.

The Torch Press Building sustained damage in the basement and first floor as a result of the flood of 2008 and renovations will begin immediately as well as updates to the remaining three floors.

The GCRCF currently has assets of $95 million and has made more than 1,000 grants totaling $8.5 million this year to 326 nonprofits. It’s received more than 1,000 gifts from donors exceeding $12 million. The staff includes eight full-time and four parttime employees.

About the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation new headquarters: The GCRCF will occupy the first, third and fourth floors of the building with the second floor being leased in the near future. The community foundation expects to move into the building by summer 2010.

Address: 324 3rd St SE Cedar Rapids, IA 52401-1841 Location: Northeast corner of Fourth Avenue and Third Street SE Historic Reference: The Torch Press Building was constructed in 1908 and occupied by The Torch Press and the Republican Printing Company where the Daily Republican and the Evening Times were printed along with other publications such as Western Poultry Journal; Republican and Times City Directory for Cedar Rapids, Marion and Kenwood, Iowa (1910); Cedar Rapids telephone books and the Mississippi Valley Historical Review. The structure also housed the biggest and most largely patronized bookshop west of Chicago, The Torch Press Book Shop (ca. 19091917). Printing operations ceased in 1959 and the Cedar Rapids Art Association occupied the former site of The Torch Press from 1969 to 1985. The Hennessey family purchased the building in the late 1980’s and the multi-story building was completely remodeled from 1989 to 1992.

www.gcrcf.org

FLOOD 2008 FUND

Flood Fund 2008 Update

W

granted for nonprofit stability

The Flood 2008 Fund grants have been distributed to these criteria areas:

With less than $1 million remaining in the Flood 2008 Fund, the GCRCF has awarded $4.7 million in grants to 67 local nonprofits as of Jan. 27, 2010.

The Community Foundation anticipates granting the remaining money by June and close the Flood 2008 Fund thereafter.

Grant proposals for the Flood 2008 Fund may be submitted by email to Karla Twedt-Ball, vice president of Programs at karla.twedt-ball@gcrcf.org. Grant criteria and proposal information may be found at www.gcrcf.org in the Resource for Nonprofits section.

Flood 2008 Fund Grant Recipients September 2009– January 2010 b $25,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters for Flood Recovery for Children to maintain their support for 25 out of 136 children who were flood-impacted. b $25,000 to Cedar Valley Montessori School for Security System for Downtown School in preparation for their return to the Ground Transportation Center for the 2010-2011 school year. b $25,000 to Community Corrections Improvement Association for VISTA Flood Recovery to recruit 11 replacement VISTA workers for community flood recovery. The 11 VISTA worker positions ended in November 2009 and the grant will help cover the costshare to replace these positions with new VISTA volunteers. b $25,000 to First Presbyterian Church for funding to continue the Meet and Eat Program. With more than 30,000 plates of food served since June 2008, the volunteer group has

granted for direct assistance to individuals and families

19.56% 53.57% 26.87%

granted to address systemic issues related to the flood

b

b

b

b

b

logged more than 7,500 work hours.

The grant will enable the church to continue serving VISTA volunteers and other out of town volunteers doing flood recovery work. $50,000 to Horizons: A Family Service Alliance for Flood Them with Love, Part 3 to continue to assist floodaffected families who have a scheduled appointment or are on a waiting list for assistance with rebuilding/furnishing home goods, supplying household products, home safety improvements and discretionary needs such as utility bills and rent payment. $50,000 to Horizons: A Family Service Alliance for Flood Them with Love, Part 4 to continue to assist floodaffected families who have received credit counseling through Horizons. $12,859 to International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers/Old Fart Electric for House Warming for Recovery to purchase indoor heaters to use while rewiring and rebuilding flooded homes this fall and winter. $50,000 to Iowa Legal Aid for Disaster Recovery Project to continue offering free legal assistance to floodaffected households. $100,000 to the Linn Area Long Term Recovery Coalition to help flood-affected low-income renters that

are working with the LALTRC find permanent housing. The grant will help local landlords complete the rebuilding of single-family rental properties by closing the gap of financial assistance needed and provide volunteers.

Currently, the LALTRC has 14 households in FEMA trailers and 29 additional households still seeking permanent housing. b $25,000 to Prairiewoods for assisting familes in the Flood Plain Recovery Process, Part 3 to help families with home rebuilding and other flood-related needs. To date, 14 familes with a total of nearly 50 individuals have received assistance through Prairiwoods. b $20,815 to Young Parents Network for Taylor Neighborhood Project for a community collaboration to offer youth development programming for flood-impacted youth and their families. The project brings together Young Parents Network, Boys and Girls Club of Cedar Rapids/Tiger Kids Club, Taylor Elementary School and Matthew 25 to identify existing assets in the Taylor neighborhood, pinpoint gaps and build programming around those gaps to create a healthier neighborhood and family culture.

Community 7

FLOOD 2008 FUND

T

Nonprofits Awarded Nearly a Half Million Dollars in Rebuilding Capital Grants from the Flood 2008 Fund

Grants from the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation help nonprofits rebuild and fulfill mission

The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation (GCRCF) has awarded $483,899 in grants to 11 local nonprofits from its first-ever capital rebuilding grant program for flooded nonprofits as part of the Flood 2008 Fund.

“Our community should feel very proud of our local nonprofit organizations,” said Karla Twedt-Ball, vice president of Programs. “These nonprofits were devastated in last year’s flood, but through their creativity and commitment, they continued to fulfill their mission almost seamlessly. From meal delivery and youth programs to cultural education and concerts, these organizations did a tremendous job of maintaining and even expanding programming,” added Twedt-Ball.

“Nonprofits are bringing our community back to life and it’s exciting to see what the future holds for Cedar Rapids and surrounding areas.”

Approximately 25 grant requests were received for the Community Foundation’s first-ever capital-oriented rebuilding program for local floodaffected nonprofits that are substantially rehabilitating current facilities or are building or rehabilitating replacement facilities. Until now, grant making has largely focused on programmatic and operational aspects of local nonprofits.

The Community Foundation has reserved $750,000 from the Flood 2008 Fund for the capital grants. Applications or letters of intent for the grants were due Sep. 1, 2009, and another round of applications will be reviewed by the Flood 2008 Fund grant committee in February and awarded in March.

8 The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation

Flood 2008 Fund Nonprofit Rebuilding Capital Grants: b $50,000 to the African American Museum of Iowa for returning the African American Museum of Iowa to its pre-flood status b $50,000 to Orchestra Iowa for Rebuilding the Symphony Center b $50,000 to Theatre Representatives from the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation Cedar Rapids for the awarded a $50,000 grant to Orchestra Iowa from the foundation’s Next Act first-ever capital rebuilding grant program for flooded nonprofits as part of the Flood 2008 Fund. Orchestra Iowa will use the grant to rebuild the b $50,000 to Abbe Inc. Symphony Center in downtown Cedar Rapids. Pictured left to right: John for Rebuilding Witwer Wasta, Flood 2008 Fund grant committee chair, Karla Twedt-Ball, vice Center’s Production president of Programs at the GCRCF and Robert Massey, executive director Kitchen of Orchestra Iowa. b $50,000 to ARC of East Central Iowa for Program Structure Improvement and Expansion b $50,000 to the Boys and Girls Club of Cedar Rapids for Rebuilding Administrative Offices b $26,240 to Crossroads Mission for Crossroads Mission Rehabilitation Representatives from the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation from the Flood of 2008 awarded a $50,000 grant to the Boys and Girls Club of Cedar Rapids b $50,000 to Horizons: (BGCCR) from the capital rebuilding grant program for flooded A Family Service nonprofits as part of the Flood 2008 Fund. BGCCR will use the grant to Alliance for Rising Above, rebuild administrative offices in downtown Cedar Rapids. Pictured left to right: Ainsely Hogan, development director for BGCCR, John Wasta, Expanding the Horizon Flood 2008 Fund grant committee chair, Karla Twedt-Ball, vice president b $50,000 to the of Programs at the GCRCF, John Tursi, executive director of the BGCCR Human Services and Gary Wolbers, board president of the BGCCR. Campus of East Central Iowa b $50,000 to the YMCA of Cedar b $7,794 to Neighborhood Rapids for Rebuilding the Future of Transportation Service for Driver’s the YMCA Office and Storage Replacement www.gcrcf.org

New year brings changes to Endow Iowa

S

Since 2003, donors have given more than $50 million through the Endow Iowa Tax Credit Program, a statewide incentive to encourage gifts to permanent endowments at Iowa community foundations like the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation.

Changes to Endow Iowa went into effect January 1 that raise the amount of the tax credits donors can receive to 25 percent, eliminating the state charitable tax deduction for this contribution only, and increasing the amount of available tax credits from roughly $3 million to $4 million statewide.

T

“For community foundations, more tax credits mean greater endowment potential,” says Dan Baldwin, president & CEO of the GCRCF. “For donors, the slight changes to Endow Iowa open the door for more people to take advantage of the tax credits while giving to the causes and communities they care about.”

If you’re interested in taking advantage of this unique program, consider these points: Charitable gifts must be made: 1. To a qualified community foundation and/or affiliate

2. To an existing or newly-established permanent endowment fund within the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation 3. For the benefit of one or more Iowa charitable causes 4. By individuals, corporations or financial institutions

The GCRCF has nearly 400 existing endowed funds that donors may contribute to or establish their own endowed fund to receive Endow Iowa tax credits. Contact the GCRCF at 319.366.2862 or info@gcrcf.org for more information.

Board of Directors News

The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation welcomes two new board members whose terms begin in 2010: Tom Moore, executive director of the African American Museum and Kevin Welu, president of the Wealth Management Center at F&M Bank in Cedar Rapids.

New officers for 2010 include Ron Olson, chair of the board of directors, replacing Lorna Barnes, who continues her service as past chair.

Other incoming officers include: vice chair Nancy Kasparek, treasurer Kay Hegarty and secretary Jerry Matchett.

A sincere thanks goes to outgoing board members Rich Patterson and Gary Skogman, whose terms ended in 2009.

Tom Moore, executive director, the African American Museum

Ron Olson, president, Paulson Electric

Rich has served on the board since 2004 and served on the Fund for Educational Excellence grant committee.

Gary served on the board since 2004, including board chair in 2007 and

Kevin Welu, president, the Wealth Management Center

also served on the Momentum grant committee.

We appreciate their commitment to and support of the Community Foundation.

Community 9

Youth philanthropy board sets sights on improving education and health and human services for youth

Y

YouthPOWER, a youth philanthropy program of the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, has already made significant progress this school year by conducting a community needs assessment with on-site visits with local nonprofits and volunteer experiences. The group of Linn County high school students will next review and score grant applications received from local nonprofits and student-led groups and finally, interview grant applicants and recommend $10,000 of grant awards to the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation board of directors for approval in April.

“This year, the YouthPOWER board is especially interested in projects relating to improving education and health and human services for youth,” said Nathalie Folkerts, YouthPOWER board member and a Linn-Mar High School student.

Applications to serve on the 2010-2011 YouthPOWER board of directors are due April 5, 2010. If you are interested in joining YouthPOWER, contact Elizabeth Cwik Pollard at 319.366.2862 or elizabeth.pollard@gcrcf.org. More information is available online at www.gcrcf.org in the Youth Philanthropy section.

2009-2010 YouthPOWER Board: Back Row- Amanda Ellenberger, intern, Coe College; Jason Milke, Xavier High School, Max McGee, Washington High School; Ellen Gardner, Alburnett High School; Elizabeth Cwik Pollard, GCRCF grant associate and YouthPOWER Coordinator; Britt Berquist, Washington High School Front Row- Kerry McCartan, Xavier High School; Amanda Smith; Nathalie Folkerts, Linn-Mar High School; Emily Kratovil, Washington High School; Isaac Halyard, Washington High School Not pictured: Kate Pitz, Xavier High School and Christine Smith, Washington High School

2010 Calendar of Events February

March

February 15 Community Foundation Spring Grant Deadline

March 10 Education Grant Programs Application Deadline

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

Applications for the spring grant cycle are due at 4:30 p.m. on February 15 at the GCRCF office for the following grant programs: • Community Fund • Field of Interest Funds • Various Competitive Donor-Advised Funds (The Gazette Foundation, GreatAmerica Leasing and Lil’ Drug Store Products)

Grant applications for the Fund for Educational Excellence and the Marshall Journalism Grants for High School Newspapers/Journalism Departments are available in amounts ranging from $250 to $3,000.

For more information contact Elizabeth Cwik Pollard at 319.366.2862 or elizabeth.pollard@gcrcf.org

May 4 and May 6 Linn County Fund Grant Writer’s Update

For more information on these funds, visit www.gcrcf.org/page22834.cfm or contact Karla Twedt-Ball at 319.366.2862 or karla.twedt-ball@gcrcf.org.

March 15 Scholarship Application Deadline

6:00 to 7:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

For more information, contact Elizabeth Cwik Pollard at 319.366.2862 or elizabeth.pollard@gcrcf.org

10 The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation

The GCRCF administers 24 different scholarship funds that provide

opportunities for young people to achieve a higher education. These funds are diverse, fulfilling the wishes of donors, both living and deceased, who want to provide needed financial support to promising students. Scholarships range in award size from $500 to $5,000. More information and scholarship applications are available online at www.gcrcf.org in the Resources for Students section.

May

Locations TBD

www.gcrcf.org

William Quarton

Heritage Society

William Quarton Heritage Society as of Jan. 25, 2010

I

If you have remembered the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation in your estate plans, or if you have established an endowed fund at the Community Foundation, you are eligible to become a member of the William Quarton Heritage Society.

We will not list your name without your permission. Please contact us at 319.366.2862 or info@gcrcf.org for more information.

Anonymous (8) 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 J. Scott and Joann Bogguss Barry and Gilda Boyer Jean Brenneman Ruth L. Hastings Brown* David H. and Rose Marie Burke Steven and Joanne Carfrae Richard* and Judith Chandler Ivan and Mary Bess Chester Barbara Christiansen Larry H. Christy Lee and Jay Clancey Loren L. and Patricia A. Coppock Paul and Sara Corbin John P. Curran Tom and Beth DeBoom Dr. Robert and Eloise Dennis Ann Dorr 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 Rick and Donna Flynn William B. and Jo Anne F. Galbraith William and Harriet Gasway Dean and Laura Gesme David and Kathleen Good Rose and LaVern Gordon Gary Grant Joan Greenblatt Kathy L. Hall Ortha R.* and Ken* Harstad Mary Lou and Donald Hattery Ted and Tish Healey Kay and John Hegarty 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 Joseph M. Kacena* 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 Kรถlln 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 Christopher and Jane Lindell Norman G.* Lipsky and Belle M. Lipsky David Mahlke George and Janelle McClain Bruce and Judy McGrath 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

Gary Rozek 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 Kyle and Susan Skogman Drew and Jo Ann Skogman Marty and Julianne Smith Duane Smith Ellen Smith Dyan and John Smith Sue and Gary Speicher Eleanor Streletzky Robert Synhorst Julie and Byron Tabor Fred and Bev Timko Kathleen Toborg Sara and Dale Todd Terry Trimpe James and Susan Turner Robert Untiedt Michael and Marla Valliere 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

*Deceased

Community 11

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

PERMIT NO. 214 CEDAR RAPIDS, IA

200 First Street SW Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404

Nonprofit leaders honored at annual holiday reception

T

The GCRCF recognized individuals and nonprofit agencies with awards at the annual holiday reception at the African American History Museum of Iowa in Cedar Rapids on Nov. 19, 2009.

The Bridge Builder award was presented to Tom Moore, founding board member and executive director of the African American Museum of Iowa. The Bridge Builder award honors the exceptional achievement of a chief executive of a Linn County nonprofit organization.

Mr. Moore received the Bridge Builder award for his leadership in the development and sustainability of the organization, particularly with a successful $1.7 million capital campaign and recovery from the flood that damaged the museum in 2008. Mr. Moore’s vision and commitment since 1994 have enabled the museum to open satellite offices in Davenport and Des Moines, making it the leading resource on Iowa’s African American history and culture.

The Minnie Rubeck award was presented to Kathy Kaiden, director of Development and Youth Development at Young Parents Network (YPN). The Minnie Rubeck award, named for an early contributor to the GCRCF, is awarded to a nonprofit professional staff member.

Ms. Kaiden was honored in recognition of her 18-year commitment

to YPN. She currently manages YPN’s annual signature fundraising event, Broadway Maybies, and has authored grant applications garnering the organization more than $2 million in funding to help support the organization’s services to families and children in Eastern Iowa.

Each award recipient received a plaque and a grant for their respective organizations for staff development.

Top left: Dan Baldwin presents Kathy Kaiden with the Minnie Rubeck award. Top right: Dan Baldwin presents Tom Moore with the Bridge Builder award. Bottom: Joseph and Diane Henry enjoy the festivities at the annual holiday reception. Above left: Frank Mitvalsky, Cheryle Mitvalsky, Allison Antes, and Scott Jamieson at the holiday reception.

7.250M.0110CG