Becoming a donor to the Community Foundation of Waterloo/Cedar Falls and Northeast Iowa is an easy way to help support the community you have lived in, loved, or raised your families. By establishing a fund or contributing to an already existing fund you can be assured that your charitable dollars are making an impact in the areas of greatest community need.

Who makes gifts to the Community Foundation of Waterloo/Cedar Falls and Northeast Iowa?

Anyone (individuals, families, organizations and businesses) interested in the future development of Northeast Iowa, whether a resident of the area or not, may make gifts to the Community Foundation of Waterloo/Cedar Falls and Northeast Iowa. Gifts are often made to memorialize a friend or family member, recognize an achievement, honor families, or encourage philanthropy within an organization. The list of donors to the Community Foundation of Waterloo/Cedar Falls and Northeast Iowa is truly reflective of the diverse community- people from all walks of life with various passions have helped to create legacies for Northeast Iowa.

How large must a gift be?

Gifts may be of any size … $0.50 to $50, from $500 to $MILLIONS. Any and all gifts made to the Community Foundation of Waterloo/Cedar Falls and Northeast Iowa make a difference in the community. Donors to the Community Foundation range from people of relatively modest means to those with large financial resources. Establishing your own “Named Endowment Fund” usually requires a minimum lead gift of only $5,000.

How can I give to the Community Foundation of Waterloo/Cedar Falls and Northeast Iowa?

Your gift may take whichever form provides you with the maximum tax benefits. You may give outright securities, real estate, insurance, and personal property such as art or cash. Your gift either may be given outright or may be made through a bequest or trust agreement as a deferred gift.

Many donors name the Community Foundation of Waterloo/Cedar Falls and Northeast Iowa as the beneficiary of their retirement plan, charitable remainder trust, charitable lead trust, etc. through their wills.

The Community Foundation of Waterloo/Cedar Falls and Northeast Iowa also manages Charitable Gift Annuities where the donor receives lifetime income as a result of their gift. There is no form of giving that is too complicated… contact us for more information.

May I give to an existing fund?

Yes! You may give to any of our over 200 funds at any time. Gifts may be contributed to any existing Named Fund to recognize the individual(s) honored by the name. You may also donate to any of the following funds. Click here for a List of Established Funds.

Unrestricted Charitable Fund
This is often the best choice for many donors because the gift is pooled with other gifts for the overall maximum charitable benefit. Over the years, this fund offers the broadest giving options, because grants are made wherever the community needs are the greatest.

Crisis Fund
Donations to the Crisis Fund assist others in emergency situations.

Friends of the Foundation Fund
This fund provides operational income to support the Community Foundation's work in Northeast Iowa.

There is so much more we'd like for you to know. For more information and ideas on ways to integrate your financial planning with charitable giving, ask your financial advisor or contact the Community Foundation of Waterloo/Cedar Falls and Northeast Iowa.

Learn more about...
Outright Gifts — gifts you can give now
Remainder Gifts — gifts after death
Income Plans — gift instruments allowing income
Tribute and Memorial Gifts — special people deserve special recognition