Celebrating 70 Years of Generosity and Community Impact
More than 200 donors, volunteers, nonprofit partners and community leaders gathered November 6 at the Diamond Event Center for the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa’s (CFNEIA) Celebration of Community. The event marked the Foundation’s 70th anniversary and thanked generations of donors whose generosity has strengthened the communities and causes they care about.
Since 1956, people who love their communities have trusted CFNEIA to help them make a difference in the places they call home. Their gifts reflect personal passions, family values and a commitment to a stronger future for others. By connecting donors with opportunities to give today and establish lasting resources for tomorrow, CFNEIA helps carry their charitable wishes forward. That generosity and trust have made $159 million in grants possible across the Foundation’s 20-county region.
“Behind this anniversary are lives touched, opportunities created, and partnerships that turn generosity into lasting change,” said Kaye Englin, president and CEO of CFNEIA. “That legacy belongs to our donors, volunteers, nonprofit partners, community leaders, and everyone who believes we accomplish more together.”
Nonprofit partners bring the expertise, relationships and daily work that turn charitable support into opportunities, care and stronger communities. Connecting donors with these organizations is one way CFNEIA helps people make the difference they envision.
The evening’s grant awards offered a current example of what donor generosity makes possible alongside the work of nonprofit partners. CFNEIA announced $405,000 in mission fulfillment grants and donor contributions supporting five organizations, including $250,000 in Foundation grants and $155,000 in donor contributions. The awards advance CFNEIA’s four impact priorities: Opportunity & Access, Health & Safety, Vibrant Communities and Youth Empowerment.
“These organizations put our shared vision for thriving communities into action every day,” said Englin.
For 37 years, the Hearst Center for the Arts has connected people through creativity and arts education. Its “Art is Essential” capital campaign will expand and modernize instructional spaces, galleries and public areas. A new Artist in Residence program in memory of Gary Kelley will honor his legacy and create opportunities for artistic exploration.
The organization was awarded $90,000 from CFNEIA, $60,000 from the Gary & Becky Bertch Family Fund, and $10,000 from the Marv and Helen Schumacher family.
For 160 years, Lutheran Services in Iowa has helped individuals and families build stronger futures. This two-year investment supports its Waterloo staff as they help refugee families in the Cedar Valley connect with resources, build skills, and pursue their goals. Expanded community navigation, English classes and training to develop childcare businesses respond to a need identified by the Advancing Together Coalition.
The award includes $60,000 from CFNEIA, $50,000 from the Marv and Helen Schumacher family, and $10,000 from the John and Kaye Englin family.
Cedar Valley Makers gives people of all ages and skill levels tools, space, and encouragement to create and learn together. The volunteer-driven organization’s move to a new Waterloo makerspace, through a co-location partnership with Americans for Independent Living, will expand access to STEM education, entrepreneurship, the arts and hands-on manufacturing.
The award includes $50,000 from CFNEIA and $25,000 from the Marv and Helen Schumacher family.
Since 1970, Cedar Valley Preschool & Child Care Center has helped children build a strong foundation through inclusive, multicultural childcare and learning. Outdoor exploration encourages curiosity, physical health, and environmental awareness, while dependable care helps parents participate in the workforce. CFNEIA’s $25,000 grant provides general operating support.
With roots dating to 1969, 43 North Iowa helps strengthen systems of care in Cerro Gordo County. Through the Community Crisis Response Team, the organization and its partners bring specialized clinicians to 911 calls involving mental health crises, substance abuse and emotional distress. The team connects people with appropriate care while supporting first responders. CFNEIA’s $25,000 grant provides general operating support.
“We are grateful to the donors, volunteers, nonprofit partners and community leaders who have been part of our story over the past 70 years,” said Englin. “Seventy years is both a milestone to celebrate and a promise to carry forward. The next chapter is ours to write together as we build communities where everyone can thrive and a future as generous as our legacy.”
CFNEIA manages over $200 million in assets and connects generous people with the causes and communities they care about, strengthens nonprofits through grants and connections, and brings people and resources together to address community needs.
