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.
“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.
The Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa (CFNEIA) celebrated the power of community giving at its Black Hawk County grant awards event, announcing $530,000 in grants to 36 local nonprofits. The awards, presented at the Waterloo Center for the Arts, included $480,000 in Black Hawk County second-cycle grants and $50,000 in Women’s Fund grants.
“These grants reflect the generosity of our community and the commitment of local nonprofits to making Black Hawk County a stronger, healthier place for all,” said Kaye Englin, CFNEIA president and CEO. “Every organization funded today is creating opportunities and providing vital services that improve the lives of people who call the Cedar Valley home. We are proud to walk alongside them in building a brighter future.”
The grant award information below is categorized by CFNEIA grantmaking areas of focus. Each line includes the grant recipient organization name, what the grant will fund and the grant amount.
Black Hawk County 2025 Second Cycle Grant Recipients
Arts & Culture
Education & Youth Development
Health
Human Service
Black Hawk County Second Cycle Grants are awarded through CFNEIA’s competitive grant process, determined by the Black Hawk County grant distribution committee. Members are: Stacie Brass, Nadene Davidson, Kaye Englin, Andrew Finnegan, Zachary Fischels, Sarah Helleso, Ashlyn Jungwirth, Chawne Paige, Shantavia Parker, Michael L. Robinson, Sr., Hector Salamanca-Arroyo, Eashaan Vajpeyi and ReShonda Young.
The Women’s Fund, a fund of CFNEIA, awarded $50,000 to organizations supporting women and girls in Black Hawk County.
Women’s Fund Grant Recipients
“The Women’s Fund represents the strength of collective giving,” said Sherita Jenkins, CFNEIA director of community impact. “Through our Women for Good program, women in our community are joining together to invest in long-term change. The grants awarded today reflect the vision and leadership of women who believe in empowering others and making a lasting difference.”
Women’s Fund grants are awarded through CFNEIA’s Women’s Fund committee, made up of members of the Women for Good program. Women’s Fund grants distribution members include: Marianne Abel-Lipschutz, Molly Cormaney, Kaye Englin, Nina Hamer, Cathy Hines, Elaine Larsen, Keirra McFadden, Chris Ruzick, Susan Sims and Bonnie Smith.
The 2026 Black Hawk County first grant cycle opens November 15, 2025. The 2026 Women’s Fund grant cycle opens May 15, 2026. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and government entities. Grant guidelines and applications will be available at www.cfneia.org/grants. For questions or to discuss a project’s eligibility, contact Sherita Jenkins, director of community impact, at 319-243-1355 or sjenkins@cfneia.org.
At the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa (CFNEIA), we believe stronger communities are built when everyone has access to the resources, opportunities, and support they need to thrive. Our new strategic plan clarifies how we focus our work to maximize impact and ensure lasting positive change across the region. Guided by the principle of “make more possible,” this plan aligns our efforts with the needs of our communities, our donors, our partners, and our volunteers.
Our Impact Priorities
View full details of our impact priorities here.
Full Strategic Plan
For a detailed view of our strategies, goals, and action steps for each priority, you can view or download the complete CFNEIA Strategic Plan here.
Why This Matters
By partnering with nonprofits, volunteers, donors, and community leaders, CFNEIA ensures that every initiative is informed by local needs and designed for lasting impact. Together, we are making more possible—opening doors, building resilience, and creating stronger, healthier, and more vibrant communities throughout our 20-county region in Iowa.
Join us for an evening of connection, inspiration, and collective impact! Whether you’re a longtime member or new to the circle, this event celebrates the power of women coming together to invest in our community.
Event Details
Featuring Keynote Speaker: Lois A. Buntz, CFRE
Author of Generosity and Gender and a nationally recognized nonprofit strategist, Lois brings decades of experience in women’s philanthropy, fund development, and community change. Her keynote will offer powerful insights on how women lead through giving, and why collective generosity is one of the most transformative forces we have.
What You’ll Experience:
Free and open to guests.
Light refreshments provided.
Reserve your spot today — RSVP below!