$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.

“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.

Dave and Shirley Sovereign Create Scholarship to Inspire Future Leaders

The Dave and Shirley Sovereign Family Scholarship Fund was established by Dave and Shirley Sovereign, lifelong residents of Howard County, Iowa, who have dedicated their lives to education, agriculture, and community service.

Shirley’s career spanned 32 years as a teacher and principal in the Howard-Winneshiek Community School District, where she also currently serves on the school board. Her lifelong commitment to education has made her a strong advocate for helping students reach their full potential. Shirley has also served on the Crestwood Dollars for Scholars Board for 10 years, working on the scholarship committee and witnessing firsthand the impact scholarships have on students’ opportunities for further education.

Dave is a partner in a family farming operation that spans several generations. Together, Dave and Shirley have been active community members, serving on numerous local boards and committees, including the Howard County Community Foundation. Through their volunteer work, they’ve seen the importance of local leadership and the power of giving back to make a lasting difference.

The Sovereigns value the willingness of individuals to step up to leadership roles and volunteer their time and talents for the betterment of their communities. They credit their own success and fulfillment to strong leadership abilities, hard work, and a commitment to service—values they hope to encourage in future generations.

Their decision to partner with the Howard County Community Foundation stems from their deep involvement with the organization and their belief in its ability to make meaningful, local impact. Having experienced the grant process firsthand, Dave and Shirley understand how locally funded projects and scholarships create opportunities that strengthen communities.

Dave and Shirley established this scholarship fund to help students with financial need pursue their goals of further education, whether through a trade school or college. They have set a goal to continue building the fund over time so it can sustain scholarships for many years to come.

For Shirley, this fund is especially personal—she experienced financial need herself as a high school graduate working toward a college degree and a teaching career. She believes strongly in the importance of education as a foundation for lifetime success and fulfillment.

Through the Dave and Shirley Sovereign Family Scholarship Fund, Dave and Shirley hope to help students not only achieve their educational goals but also develop leadership skills and a sense of purpose that will inspire them to contribute meaningfully to their communities in the future.

Dave and Shirley Sovereign Family Scholarship Fund

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.

Howard County Community Foundation Grant Writing Workshop

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

Join the Howard 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!

$395,000 Granted at our Celebration of Community

Dave and Shirley Sovereign Create Scholarship to Inspire Future Leaders

Dave and Shirley Sovereign Family Scholarship Fund

Our Strategic Plan: Making More Possible Across Our Region

Howard County Community Foundation Grant Writing Workshop

Howard County Impact Now Fund

Judy Strike Business Education Enrichment Endowment Fund

Regional Health Services Clinic Expansion Fund

Wapsi-Great Western Trail Legacy Endowment Fund established by Elaine R. Govern

James, Dorothy, and Judy Strike Family Endowment Fund