New Fund Established to Support Waverly’s Sturdevant House

The Sturdevant House Special Project Fund has been established with the Bremer County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, to support the ongoing restoration, preservation, and educational programming of one of Waverly’s treasured historic sites.

Created in partnership with descendants, dedicated local volunteers, and community supporters, the fund will help ensure the Sturdevant House remains a vibrant and accessible resource for generations to come.

Built between 1855 and 1856, the Ira and Asenath Sturdevant House is one of the oldest surviving homes in Waverly. Nestled along the Cedar River, the historic brick residence has stood for more than 170 years—serving as a family home, a refuge for Native American travelers, an example of sustainable farming and now, a historic time capsule and gathering place for the community.

Today, the home is preserved and operated as a living history museum by a nonprofit organization started by descendants of Ira and Asenath Sturdevant. The nonprofit’s mission is to restore the house to its original appearance and share its rich history with future generations, by offering tours, programs, and hands-on activities to community groups of all ages. Guests experience 1850’s history firsthand. Through historical interpretation, demonstrations and sharing its stories, they strive to preserve this vital piece of Waverly’s Heritage. One of the few remaining structures from the town’s earliest days, the Sturdevant House offers a look into the daily lives of early settlers and Waverly’s founding families.

Initial priorities for the fund include continued restoration of the home and grounds, preservation of historical artifacts, and expansion of interactive, hands-on programming that brings 1850s life to today’s audiences. Through guided tours, school programs, workshops, and community events, visitors can experience early settler life firsthand, from candle dipping and butter churning to agricultural demonstrations and storytelling.

These efforts will also support new exhibits, enhanced visitor experiences, and expanded educational opportunities for learners of all ages.

“The Sturdevant House is more than a historic home, it’s a place where Waverly’s past educates its present and shapes its future,” said Kris Brunkhorst, Board of Directors.

“Preserving one of Waverly’s oldest homes and transforming it into a hands-on pioneer museum has been a long-time goal of our board. We are excited to see it come alive,” said Elizabeth Hartman, Board of Directors.

Donors to the fund may take advantage of normal federal deductions for charitable gifts.

Questions about giving to the fund may be directed to Paula Hill, Charitable Advisor with the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, at 319-243-1352 or phill@cfneia.org.

Information about the Bremer County Community Foundation can be found on its website, www.bremerccf.org.

Sturdevant House Special Project Fund

New Fund Established to Support Agricultural Emergency Rescue in Bremer County

The Bremer County Firefighters Association has established the Bremer County Firefighters Association Special Project Fund, a special project fund held with the Bremer County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa. The fund will support the purchase of critical equipment and resources to strengthen emergency response efforts across Bremer County.

This fund will benefit all fire departments in the county, ensuring residents, especially those in rural and agricultural areas, have access to life-saving tools when emergencies occur. In a largely rural county like Bremer County, access to specialized rescue equipment is essential for protecting both residents and first responders, particularly during high-risk times like harvest season.

Funds raised will support the purchase and fabrication of a trailer-mounted emergency response grain vac, along with additional equipment including GSI rescue tubes, a grain rescue auger, brushless drills, scene lighting, and scoop shovels. These tools are vital in responding to agricultural emergencies, including grain entrapment situations where rapid response can mean the difference between life and death. Organizers hope to raise enough funds to have the equipment purchased and ready for use by the 2026 harvest season.

“Having access to this kind of life-saving equipment can make all the difference in an emergency,” said Aaron Goodenbour, Coordinator with Bremer County Emergency Management. “In agricultural incidents, especially grain entrapments, time is critical. This fund will help ensure our first responders are equipped with the tools they need to act quickly and safely, ultimately saving lives and protecting our farming community.”

Financial gifts of cash/check and stock are accepted through the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, 3117 Greenhill Circle, Cedar Falls, IA 50613. Checks to the fund should be made payable to the Bremer County Firefighters Association Special Project Fund. Gifts can also be made on the Community Foundation’s secure website at https://www.cfneia.org/donations/bremer-county-firefighters-association-special-project-fund/.

Donors to the fund may take advantage of normal federal deductions for charitable gifts.

Questions about giving to the fund may be directed to Paula Hill, Charitable Advisor with the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, at 319-243-1352 or phill@cfneia.org.

Questions about this project may be directed to Aaron Goodenbour, Coordinator with Bremer County Emergency Management, at bremercountyfire@gmail.com.

Information about the Bremer County Community Foundation can be found on its website, www.bremerccf.org.

Bremer County Firefighters Association Special Project Fund

$395,000 Granted at our Celebration of Community

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.

Our Strategic Plan: Making More Possible Across Our Region

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

Opportunity and Access: Creating communities where everyone can reach their potential. This includes advancing economic mobility, removing barriers for marginalized communities, and supporting initiatives that foster inclusive, welcoming environments.
Health and Safety: Ensuring neighbors have the resources and support to live secure, stable, and healthy lives. Our focus areas include basic needs, emergency response, and health programs that expand access to mental and physical well-being.
Vibrant Communities: Building places where people want to live, work, and play. Investments support arts and culture, public space improvements, recreational opportunities, and economic development that strengthens neighborhoods.
Youth Empowerment: Nurturing the potential of young people to grow, lead, and create lasting change. This includes scholarships, mentorship and skill-building programs, quality education initiatives, and access to sustainable childcare.

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.

Bremer County Community Foundation Awards $214,635 to Local Nonprofit Organizations

The Bremer County Community Foundation (BCCF) held its grant awards celebration at the Waverly Area Veteran's Post on July 10, announcing the distribution of $214,635.32 to 30 projects of organizations serving Bremer County through its 2025 grant cycle.

The 2025 grant recipient organizations, project the grant will fund, and grant amount are listed below by funding area.

Arts & Culture

Bremer County Fair Association – Doors for Livestock and Show Arena – $5,000.00
City of Waverly – Chamber - Shades of Rhythm Amphitheater Staining – $3,600.00
Wartburg Community Symphony Association – Family Holiday Concert: The Christmas Carol – $4,250.00
Waverly-Shell Rock Community School District – Elementary - Go-Hawk Pride Sculptures – $5,000.00

Community Betterment

City of Frederika – Fire Department - Quick Attack Truck – $10,000.00
City of Plainfield – Fire Department - Turnout Gear – $10,000.00
City of Readlyn – Library - SmartBoard Replacement – $3,000.00
City of Sumner – Parks & Rec - Sumner Trail Enhancement – $10,000.00
City of Tripoli – Fire Department - SCBA Compressor – $10,000.00
City of Tripoli – Pool Board - Slide Replacement – $10,000.00
City of Waverly – Public Parks - Basketball Ball Hoops Upgrade – $3,450.00
Readlyn Volunteer Firefighters Association – Fire Department - Bunker Gear – $10,000.00
Thomas E Wood Post 223 American Legion – Increasing Accessibility for Legion Facilities – $7,763.57
Waverly Volunteer Fire Association – Radio Equipment Upgrades – $9,000.00

Education & Youth Development

All in Mentoring – General Operating Support – $5,000.00
Leader Valley Foundation – Leader in Me Bremer County – $5,000.00
Sumner Daycare and Learning Center, Inc. – Enhancing Outdoor Learning and Comfort – $10,000.00
Waverly Child Care and Preschool – Playground – $10,000.00

Health

Senior Citizens Group of Waverly Inc. – Building Remodel - Lower Level – $10,000.00
Support SEMS – SEMS - Rapid Stabilization – $8,751.75

Human Service

Families Helping Families of Iowa – Support for Bremer County Children in Foster Care – $5,000.00
Fostering Families Together – Back to School Picnic – $3,500.00
Friends of the Family – Ending Homelessness in Bremer County – $5,000.00
Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity – Critical Home Repairs – $9,000.00
North Star Community Services, Inc. – Ensuring Community Access – $3,500.00
Northeast Iowa Community Action – NEICAC 2025 Crisis Assistance Program – $10,000.00
Northeast Iowa Food Bank – Feeding Communities – $10,000.00
Riverview Center, Inc. – Supporting Trauma Survivors and Helping Them Heal – $3,820.00
The Larrabee Center Inc. – Employment Support Services – $10,000.00
Waverly-Shell Rock Area United Way – Bremer County Crisis Housing Assistance – $5,000.00

Grants were recommended by the Bremer County Community Foundation’s governing committee, composed of volunteers committed to improving the well-being of Bremer County residents. The 2025 governing committee includes: Morgan Bergmann, Lisa Biersner, Brian Bunce, Gloria Campbell, Beth Hartman, Jane Juchems, Karen Neuendorf, Lauri Phelan, Stacie Schroeder, and David SmolikHagen.

BCCF funds established by generous donors contributing to the discretionary grant process include the Bremer County Community Foundation Governing Committee Endowment, Corson Family Charitable Unrestricted Fund, Frederika Area Community Impact Fund, Gaylor Family Fund, Gene Drape Family Fund, Malvin Tribon Bremer County Memorial Fund, Marvin and Helen Schumacher Family Fund, Shellrock Products Fund, and Waverly Community Impact Fund.

BCCF is an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, which provides administrative investment, and technical support to enhance the local foundation’s impact. The 2026 BCCF grant cycle opens March 1, 2026, with a deadline of April 15, 2026. Application guidelines and materials can be found at www.bremerccf.org.

Mark Bohner Fund (Quasi)

Bremer County Impact Now Fund

The Brent Jensen Memorial Scholarship Fund