Photos of Pileated Woodpecker and Saw Whet Owl courtesy of Tom Moon.
The Prairie Rapids Audubon Society (PRAS) has established two funds with the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa (CFNEIA) to support the organization’s mission of bird and nature education, conservation, and habitat restoration.
The Prairie Rapids Audubon Society Endowment Fund is a permanent endowment fund, meaning the fund is invested and grows over time, providing a long-term, stable source of income to carry out the mission of the organization. The Prairie Rapids Audubon Society Quasi Endowment Fund is also invested but allows for increased flexibility to access funds when needed.
Prairie Rapids Audubon Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to engaging the public in education about birds, increasing awareness of birding, and conserving and restoring natural habitat for the benefit of both people and the biological diversity of the earth. Through monthly meetings, guest speakers, and outreach, PRAS provides a strong educational component and promotes stewardship of nature.
"These funds were set up so that we could sustain the community and educational activities of the Prairie Rapids Audubon Society for perpetuity,” said Connie Svoboda, Board Member of PRAS.
Financial gifts to the endowment and quasi endowment funds of cash, check and stock are accepted through the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, 3117 Greenhill Circle, Cedar Falls, IA, 50613. Checks to the endowment fund should be made payable to the Prairie Rapids Audubon Society Endowment Fund. Gifts can also be made on the Community Foundation’s secure website at www.cfneia.org/donations/pras-endowment. Gifts to the endowment fund are eligible to receive a 25% state tax credit through the Endow Iowa program, www.cfneia.org/endowiowa.
Checks to the quasi endowment fund should be made payable to the Prairie Rapids Audubon Society Quasi Endowment Fund. Gifts to the quasi endowment fund can also be made online at www.cfneia.org/donations/pras-quasi. Donors to the quasi fund can take advantage of normal federal deductions for charitable gifts.
Questions about giving to the funds may be directed to Paula Hill, Charitable Advisor at CFNEIA, at 319-243-1352 or phill@cfneia.org.
More information about the Prairie Rapids Audubon Society and its work can be found on its website gopras.org. Information about the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa can be found at CFNEIA.org.
Samantha Herrera-Moreno, a sophomore nursing student at the University of Northern Iowa, is driven by a passion to help others. Raised by her grandmother and aunt, she was inspired to become a nurse as a young child, after attending doctors’ appointments and helping her grandmother with cancer and diabetes treatments.
Though she’s already working part time to pay for living expenses and coursework, she feels even closer to her goal, thanks to the Stitchman Education Scholarship. The scholarship has not only provided financial assistance, but also a sense of validation for Samantha. "I was really happy and relieved that somebody was seeing potential in me," she says. With aspirations of working in a hospital or nursing home, Samantha is grateful for the generosity of the donors who are helping her turn her vision into a reality.
CFNEIA's scholarship application process opens January 10, 2026. Go to cfneia.org/scholarships for more information.
Are you a nonprofit or government entity in Black Hawk County seeking grant funding?
Join the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa for a FREE virtual grant workshop. At this workshop, you'll learn about the Foundation's grant guidelines, application, and budget template. Presenters will also provide general grant writing tips and answer grantseeker questions you may have!
Please fill out the information below to RSVP.
Over 200 people attended the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa’s (CFNEIA) Celebration of Community event on Friday, November 7, at the Diamond Event Center in Cedar Falls. At the event, CFNEIA awarded $395,000 in mission fulfillment grants to four nonprofit organizations. These grants align with the organization’s impact priority areas of opportunity and access, health and safety, vibrant communities and youth empowerment.
Click here to see the photos from the event.
“These grants reflect the incredible work happening across our communities and the generosity that makes it possible,” said Kaye Englin, president and CEO of CFNEIA. “Each organization we’re supporting this year is creating lasting change that aligns with our mission to inspire people and connect resources to enrich our communities.”
Opportunity & Access – Iowa Legal Aid
For nearly 50 years, Iowa Legal Aid has strengthened families by providing vital legal support to Iowans facing housing issues, domestic violence, and income-related legal challenges. To expand its reach, the organization has launched a $17.5 million campaign to increase services and establish five endowed attorney positions that will serve Iowans for generations to come.
CFNEIA has opened the Iowa Legal Aid Endowment Fund with an initial $50,000 investment, joined by a $25,000 contribution from Marv and Helen Schumacher. Additionally, a $15,000 grant from CFNEIA’s Racial Equity Fund will support an upcoming Black Hawk County Expungement Clinic, helping 35 individuals take their next steps toward stability. In total, CFNEIA’s support represents a $90,000 impact.
Health & Safety – UnityPoint Health, Allen Child Protection Center
UnityPoint Health’s Allen Child Protection Center serves children and families across 27 counties in Northeast Iowa—14 of which are within CFNEIA’s region—providing forensic interviews, medical evaluations and mental health services for children experiencing trauma. To meet growing demand, the Center launched a $1.5 million campaign to renovate a new facility and expand capacity.
CFNEIA awarded a $50,000 grant to help ensure every child receives the care and protection they deserve.
Vibrant Communities – Bremer County Fair Capital Campaign
Now in its 150th year, the Bremer County Fair has embarked on a transformational $10 million capital campaign to establish a new 50-acre fairground east of Waverly. The new site will serve as a regional hub for education, entertainment, and community connection, fostering economic growth and year-round engagement.
CFNEIA awarded a $50,000 Mission Fulfillment Grant to the project, joined by a $25,000 gift from CUSB Bank of Waverly, for a combined $75,000 investment supporting the fair’s new 4-H Community Building.
Youth Empowerment – Family YMCA of Black Hawk County
For more than 157 years, the Family YMCA of Black Hawk County has been a cornerstone for families in the Cedar Valley. Its $2 million capital campaign expanded the Waterloo facility and relocated its Early Learning Center, which now serves 74 children with high-quality care from infancy through school age.
CFNEIA’s $180,000 grant—made possible through the generosity of the Gary, Becky, Eric, and Elizabeth Bertch Family Fund—supports the YMCA’s mission to provide equitable access to early childhood education and strengthen working families.
“We are deeply grateful to the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa and the Bertch family for this incredible investment in our mission,” said Norm Johnson, chief executive officer of the Family YMCA of Black Hawk County. “This support allows us to provide more children with access to high-quality early learning and care, giving working families the stability they need and helping every child in our community reach their full potential.”
Since 1956, CFNEIA has granted $150 million to organizations across its 20-county region and holds assets totaling over $186 million. To learn more about the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa and its impact, go to www.cfneia.org.
Join us for the final Women for Good event of 2025! This evening social and program is a chance to connect with fellow members, enjoy holiday-themed refreshments, and celebrate the incredible impact made through the Women’s Fund of the Cedar Valley.
In October, $50,000 in grant funding was awarded from the Women’s Fund to six organizations supporting women and girls in Black Hawk County:
Hear directly from these grantees about the life-changing projects your support has made possible.
Our year-end event is also a wonderful opportunity to invite a guest to learn more about Women for Good and the causes we champion. Help us grow our community of women making a difference in 2026!
In-Person Social: 4:30 – 5:00 p.m.
Program (In-Person & Online): 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Please select your attendance preference (in-person or online) when you RSVP.