Floyd County Community Foundation Distributes $209,514 to Local Organizations

The Floyd County Community Foundation (FCCF) held its 2025 grant awards celebration at the Youth Enrichment Center on January 14, announcing the distribution of $209,514.30 to 37 projects of organizations serving Floyd County through its 2025 grant cycle.

Grant recipient, organization, project the grant will fund, and grant amount is listed below by funding area.

Arts & Culture

Charles City Arts Council – Expanding Access Through Gallery Renewal - $9,940.73
Charles Theatre – Facade and Roof Repair - $10,000.00
Floyd County Fair Society – Aquatic Live Spectacular - $9,300.00
Floyd County Historical Society and Museum – New Electronic Sign - $6,233.45
National 19th Amendment Society – Girlhood Home Restoration Repairs - $10,000.00
Nora Springs Historical Society – Adams House Improvements - $10,000.00

Community Betterment

Charles City Civic Foundation – Upgrades to Sportsman's Park - $1,567.03
City of Charles City – Fire Department - Gear and Hose Dryer - $9,187.00
City of Charles City – Library - Computer Area and Signage Update - $7,816.00
City of Charles City – Police Department - Camera & Accessories - $2,819.00
City of Rockford – Library - Computers & Painting - $3,888.66
City of Rockford – Public Works - West Park Pickleball Court - $10,000.00
Floyd County – Sheriff’s Office – Laptops - $10,000.00
Grow Rockford Together Association – Golf Cart for Watering Tank - $7,000.00
Main Street Charles City – Clark Street Community Garden Restoration - $10,000.00
Main Street Charles City – Main Street Flower Pots - $1,000.00
Marble Rock Fire Department – MRFD Helmet Replacement - $9,000.00
Rudd Community Betterment Corporation – Rudd Community Betterment Enhancement Project - $10,000.00

Education & Youth Development

Boy Scouts of America, Winnebago Council – Eliminating Barriers to Success in Floyd County - $1,025.00
Charles City Area Dollars for Scholars – Laptop and Printer - $1,930.00
Charles City Community School Parent/Teacher Organization – Winter Carnival - $2,171.43
Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa – Troop 737 Water Fountain Project - $2,000.00
Iowa College Access Network – Future Ready: Engaging Parents for Success - $2,000.00
North Central Iowa Ag in the Classroom – Bringing Farm to the Classroom in Floyd County - $2,000.00
North Iowa Detachment #859 Marine Corp League – Toys-for-Tots Cargo Van Replacement - $10,000.00
United Way of North Central Iowa – Dolly Parton Imagination Library in Floyd County - $3,100.00

Environment & Animal Welfare

Floyd County Humane Society Inc. – Floyd County Low Cost Pet Clinics - $3,625.00
Spay Neuter All Pets of North Iowa – SNAP of Floyd County - $3,500.00

Health

Elderbridge Agency on Aging – Technology - $5,000.00
Lutheran Services in Iowa – Accessible Mental Health Care for Floyd County - $3,000.00

Human Service

43 North Iowa – Transportation for Disability Employment Services - $1,800.00
Comprehensive Systems, Inc. – Aging Whirlpool - $8,111.00
Families Helping Families of Iowa – Support for Foster Children in Floyd County - $1,500.00
Fostering Families Together – Family Events Back to School Picnic - $2,000.00
Northeast Iowa Food Bank – Feeding Communities - $10,000.00
The Bridge Church – Benevolence Funding - $4,000.00
Trinity United Methodist Church - Charles City – Our Brothers' Keeper - $5,000.00

“The Floyd County Community Foundation is proud to support organizations doing important work across our county,” said Melissa Jones, Chair. “These grants help ensure that local needs are met and that our community continues to grow stronger for generations to come.”

Decisions on grant awards are determined by a local committee, which consists of volunteers from Floyd County. Committee members include Melissa Jones (Chair), Jennifer Burton, Hannah Chambers, Cheryl Erb, Beverly Fisher, Melissa Jones, Emily Knecht, and Sarah Murray, and Jason Webster. FCCF funds established by generous donors contributing to the discretionary grant process are the Starr Home Endowment Fund, Bill and Doris Fenholt Family Endowment Fund, Erb Family Charitable Endowment Fund, and the Bucklen Family Community Endowment Fund.

Grants are awarded through FCCF’s competitive grant process. Grant applicants must be a 501(c)(3) designated organization or government entity serving Floyd County in order to be considered for funding. The 2026 grant cycle opens September 1 with an application deadline of October 15. The grant guidelines and application can be found at www.floydccf.org.

$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.

Floyd County Community Foundation Grant Writing Workshop

Are you a nonprofit or government entity in Floyd County seeking grant funding?

Join the Floyd County Community Foundation for a FREE 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!

Invest in Your Mission: Endowment Tools for Enduring Impact

Strategies to grow sustainable funding and build your organization's legacy.

You’re invited to this Floyd County Nonprofit Workshop hosted by the Floyd County Community Foundation.

Date: Wednesday, July 30
Time: 11:30 am - 1 pm (lunch provided)
Location: NIACC - Charles City Campus, 203 Brantingham St

Whether you’re a board member or development staff, this session will provide valuable insights and actionable steps to strengthen your nonprofit’s long-term financial health.

Join us for a hands-on, collaborative workshop designed to help your organization strengthen its endowment and secure long-term sustainability. You’ll gain practical tools for growing your fund, discover how to start meaningful conversations about planned giving, and explore how even modest investments can create lasting impact. We’ll also introduce 5 for the Future, a donor-centered campaign that empowers you to talk with supporters about how their generosity today can continue doing good long after they’re gone. Don’t Miss Out!

This essential workshop will equip you with the insights and strategies to future-proof your nonprofit and amplify your mission. Plus, enjoy a complimentary meal and a chance to connect with other nonprofit leaders.

RSVP by Monday, July 28 to reserve your seat—we can’t wait to see you there!

New Fund Established to Support Graduating Students of Rockford Senior High

The RRMR Education Endowment Fund has been established to create opportunities for all graduating students of Rockford Senior High, ensuring every graduate receives financial assistance to pursue their dreams. The fund is held with the Floyd County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa.

“All students deserve a chance at prosperity, whether they are heading to university, community college, a trade school, or even directly to work/on-the-job training,” said Angie Johnson, Fund Advisor. “This fund is to provide assistance to all Rockford Senior High graduates as they enter the next part of their journey.”

The RRMR Education Endowment Fund ensures that every Rockford Senior High graduate receives support—regardless of their path. Scholarships and other student support are directed through Grow Rockford Together, a nonprofit improving the quality of life in Rockford, Iowa.

The fund will support critical initiatives, including:

Scholarships for All Graduates: Providing equitable funding to every Rockford Senior High graduate.
Career Pathway Support: Assisting students pursuing trade certifications, vocational training, or apprenticeships.
Higher Education Opportunities: Offering scholarships for students attending universities and community colleges.

Gifts to the RRMR Education Endowment Fund are eligible for a 25% state tax credit through the Endow Iowa Tax Credit program. Your contribution not only benefits local students but also maximizes your impact with this additional incentive.

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 RRMR Education Endowment Fund. Gifts can also be made on the Community Foundation’s secure website at cfneia.org/donations/rrmreducationfund. Donors to the fund can take advantage of normal federal deductions for charitable gifts

Questions about giving to the fund may be directed to Terry Gaumer, Charitable Advisor with the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, at 319-243-1354 or tgaumer@cfneia.org.

Information about the Floyd County Community Foundation can be found at www.cfneia.org/affiliates/floyd.

Floyd County Impact Now Fund

Erb Family Charitable Endowment Fund