The Winneshiek County Community Foundation is proud to announce the establishment of the Roman Kovarik Memorial Scholarship Fund, created in memory of Roman Kovarik, a hardworking and deeply admired Spillville native and 2001 graduate of South Winneshiek High School.
Your gift to the Roman Kovarik Memorial Scholarship Fund with the Winneshiek County Community Foundation allows South Winn Dollars for Scholars to award financial assistance to graduating seniors of the South Winneshiek Community School District pursuing higher education. Preference will be given to students who have demonstrated financial need, are interested in technical education such as mechanics, electrical, HVAC, or agriculture, and have participated in volunteer activities or been employed while in high school.
Roman grew up on a farm outside of Spillville as the oldest of three children. He carried with him the values of dedication, responsibility, and perseverance instilled by his parents, Ron and Nancy (Nienhaus) Kovarik. After graduating from South Winneshiek, Roman attended Northeast Iowa Community College, where he completed the Diesel Mechanic Program while working at Franzen Sales and Service. Driven by a dream to further his skills, he later attended MTII in Orlando, Florida, becoming a Certified Harley-Davidson Mechanic. He went on to work at Gator Harley in Leesburg, Florida, where he formed lasting friendships with coworkers and customers who admired his character and work ethic.
Tragically, Roman passed away on Thanksgiving Day, November 23, 2006, in a motorcycle accident in Dahlonega, Georgia. Though his life ended far too soon, he leaves behind a legacy of loyalty, determination, and kindness that continues to inspire those who knew him.
The scholarship was established by Roman’s aunt and uncle, Sue and Darron, along with his mother Nancy, brother Wayne, and sister Maria. Through this fund, the family hopes to honor Roman’s spirit by helping students pursue their own dreams and create meaningful connections throughout their journeys.
“Creating this scholarship was important to us because Roman believed in working hard, chasing dreams, and helping others along the way,” said Sue Sander. “We hope this scholarship gives students the same opportunity to grow, explore, and achieve their goals.”
The family chose the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa as a partner to ensure that Roman’s legacy is thoughtfully managed and continues to make an impact for future generations.
How to Support the Fund
The Roman Kovarik Memorial Scholarship Fund accepts financial gifts of cash, checks, or stock through the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, located at 3117 Greenhill Circle, Cedar Falls, IA 50613. Checks should be made payable to the “Roman Kovarik Memorial Scholarship Fund.” Contributions can also be made online through the Community Foundation’s secure website at www.cfneia.org/donations/kovarikscholarship/
Donors to the fund are eligible to receive a 25% state tax credit through Iowa’s Endow Iowa program. For more information about this program, visit www.cfneia.org/donors/endow-iowa-tax-credit/.
Questions?
For inquiries about contributing to the fund, please contact Terry Gaumer, Charitable Advisor with the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, at 319-243-1354 or tgaumer@cfneia.org.
For more details about the Winneshiek County Community Foundation and its work, visit www.cfneia.org/affiliate/winneshiek.
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.
Are you a nonprofit or government entity in Winneshiek County seeking grant funding?
Join the Winneshiek 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!
Please fill out the information below to RSVP.
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.
Seed Savers Exchange has established the Seed Savers Exchange Endowment Fund with the Winneshiek County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa. This fund supports the long-term sustainability of Seed Savers Exchange and its mission to preserve and share heirloom seeds and their stories for generations to come.
For 50 years, Seed Savers Exchange has preserved biodiversity through community-centered conservation. The organization regenerates garden varieties that have been lost, strengthens what still grows, and equips the next generation of seed stewards with the tools they need to carry this vital work forward.
Today, the need for this work is more urgent than ever. In many parts of agriculture, production depends on a limited number of crop varieties, which can leave the food supply vulnerable to climate disruptions, emerging diseases, and pests. Meanwhile, countless diverse and resilient heirloom varieties are quietly disappearing. Once these genetic resources and their cultural connections are lost, they cannot be recovered.
This work also depends on the continued care and involvement of those who steward these seeds. For generations, gardeners and farmers have passed down varieties, along with the knowledge of how to grow, save, and share them. Securing this legacy requires sustained support – so that future hands can carry forward the stories, flavors, and cultural connections embedded in every seed.
“This endowment is our promise to generations to come,” said executive director Mike Bollinger. “It ensures that the seeds, stories, and stewardship we’ve cultivated for 50 years will continue to thrive in a changing world. With every gift, we’re building a lasting foundation to protect biodiversity, grow community resilience, and keep heirloom seeds in the hands of the people.”
Seed Savers Exchange chose to partner with the Winneshiek County Community Foundation to give Iowa supporters an added incentive to invest in the future of seed preservation. Through this partnership, eligible donors can take advantage of the Endow Iowa Tax Credit, making their gifts go even further while helping build a permanent source of support for the organization’s mission.
Gifts to the Seed Savers Exchange Endowment Fund can be made via check, cash, or stock. Checks should be made payable to the Seed Savers Exchange Endowment Fund and mailed to the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, 3117 Greenhill Circle, Cedar Falls, IA 50613.
Secure online donations can be made at: www.cfneia.org/donations/seedsavers
All gifts are tax-deductible as allowed by law, and donors will receive an acknowledgment of their gift from the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, an accredited local nonprofit organization.
To learn more about giving to the Seed Savers Exchange Endowment Fund, contact the Community Foundation at 319-287-9106.
Photo courtesy of Shawn Linehan.
The Dr. Kevin Locke EMS Provider Endowment Fund has been established with the Winneshiek County Community Foundation to support the long-term needs of WinnMed EMS and emergency response services in Winneshiek County. The fund was created by Cy and Mona Nelson after experiencing firsthand the life-saving response provided by Dr. Kevin Locke and the WinnMed EMS team.
On what seemed like a normal day, Cy collapsed without warning while working outdoors. Fortunately, Dr. Kevin Locke, a longtime physician and current hospice provider with WinnMed, was present and immediately began hands-only CPR, buying precious time until first responders arrived. The speed, training, and coordination of the on- and off-duty EMS staff ultimately saved Cy’s life.
“It still brings tears to my eyes every time I think about it,” said Cy. “The quality of life I have because of Dr. Locke and the team's response—it’s something I’ll never forget. We really are fortunate to be in Decorah.”
The fund was established both in gratitude and with the hope of giving back. “We know there’s never enough in a working budget,” said Mona. “Our gift will help fill the gap and let the experts decide what’s most needed.”
Dr. Kevin Locke has served the Winneshiek County community for over 30 years, including as the county’s Medical Examiner and a key member of a federal disaster medical response team. In addition to decades as a Mayo-affiliated physician at WinnMed, Dr. Locke remains active in emergency medicine and response.
The endowment will support initiatives like advanced equipment, training, and service enhancements that aren’t always covered in annual budgets. Gifts to the fund are also a way to invest in the sustainability and excellence of the region’s emergency medical response.
Financial gifts of cash/check and stock are accepted through the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, 3117 Greenhill Circle, Cedar Falls, IA, 50613, which is the administrative office of the Winneshiek County Community Foundation. Checks to the endowment fund should be made payable to the Dr. Kevin Locke EMS Provider Endowment Fund. Gifts can also be made on the Community Foundation’s secure website at www.cfneia.org/lockeems. Gifts to the endowment fund are eligible to receive a 25% state tax credit through the Endow Iowa program. Learn more about the program at www.cfneia.org/endowiowa.
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.
More information about the Winneshiek County Community Foundation can be found at www.winneshiekccf.org.