Dear Friends and Partners,

When we reflect on 2025, we see a year defined not only by challenges but by generosity, partnership, and forward momentum.

Across our 20-county region, nonprofit organizations are navigating federal cutbacks and growing demand for services. Yet even amid uncertainty, we see innovation, resilience, and deep commitment to community. Time and again, neighbors are stepping up for neighbors.

At the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, our mission remains our compass: to inspire people and connect resources to enrich our communities.

In October, we launched our new strategic plan. Built through listening to voices across the region, it clarifies our impact priorities and how we align leadership, grantmaking, and asset growth to create lasting change. It marks an important step forward, grounded in collaboration, focused on opportunity, and designed to strengthen our region for the long term.

Our values of collaboration, equity, leadership, and trust shape how we carry out our work, bringing people together around shared purpose, expanding opportunity, stepping forward to lead, and honoring the trust you place in us through thoughtful, transparent action.

Because of our shared commitment, 2025 was a year of meaningful impact. Together, we granted more than $8.4 million to nonprofit organizations, strengthening lives and communities. Our assets grew to more than $190 million, ensuring we can meet today’s needs while building for tomorrow. Since 1956, the Community Foundation has granted more than $150 million back into the communities we serve.

We know nonprofits are being asked to do more than ever.
That is why our work extends beyond grantmaking. As we move into fuller implementation of our strategic plan, we are strengthening trust-based practices, deepening relationships, and growing charitable assets to provide flexible, responsive support.

Looking ahead, 2026 marks 70 years strong for the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa. For seven decades, this organization has been Here for Good, committed to local leadership, local decision-making, and local impact. That milestone is both a celebration and a promise.

Thank you for your partnership, your generosity, and your belief in this region. Because of you, we are building momentum, strengthening systems, and making more possible today and for the next 70 years.

 With gratitude,

Kaye Englin, President & CEO Mike Hulme, Board Chair