February 2025 Nonprofit Network Update

February 2025

CONNECT AND LEARN IN 2025!

I look forward to engaging with you at our upcoming learning opportunities. In 2025, connections will continue to be key to nonprofit success. This year, peer groups will amplify our focus on connecting nonprofit professionals with each other and building a shared space for discussion. Peer groups resume in February and meet on select months throughout the year. Schedules will be posted on the website soon. Please contact me for more information!

I know many of you have been monitoring and experiencing how the recent Federal Executive Orders are affecting nonprofits. The National Council of Nonprofits has provided this resource that we've found informative. The Iowa Nonprofit Alliance is hosting a free Webinar on Federal Executive Orders & Nonprofit Funding on Tuesday afternoon. Please watch for an email from Joe Heitz, Vice President of Community Impact, later this week with an impact survey to gather information from nonprofits serving Linn County.

Stay connected,

Carrie Walker

Vice President of Learning

carrie.walker@gcrcf.org

319-360-3950 (mobile)

NONPROFIT KNOW-HOW RECAP

Thank you for joining us for the most recent Nonprofit Know-How: Grants in 2025! We had a great crowd to hear about grant opportunities and the new GOapply system, which is scheduled to go live on February 7, 2025. Find slides from the session here.

Nonprofit Know-How sessions are fast, free, and focused learning opportunities that are held throughout the year at the downtown Cedar Rapids Public Library. Peer group members are encouraged to attend Nonprofit Know-How sessions as peer groups will not meet during the months of January, March, August, and December.

In March, join us for Nonprofit Know-How: UnCharitable Movie for Nonprofits and Board on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Watch for registration information soon.

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION SEEKS CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Applications are being accepted by the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation for the position of Chief Financial Officer. This position is responsible for leadership and oversight of the Community Foundation's financial and administrative functions. Application review begins Wednesday, March 5, 2025. Find more information here.

NEWS FOR NONPROFITS

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES 2025 GRANT DEADLINES

The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation has announced information for its 2025 grantmaking programs. The grant deadlines in 2025 will be on March 7, June 27, and September 12. Grants from the Community Foundation are awarded to nonprofit organizations that enhance the quality of life in Linn County. The Community Foundation will begin accepting online applications for its first grant cycle of 2025 in early February. Find more information here.

IOWA LANDSCAPE AND NURSERY ASSOCIATION SEEKS NONPROFIT PARTNER FOR FALL PROJECT

The Iowa Landscape and Nursery Association is seeking a nonprofit partner for their annual day of service in the Fall. Association members gather local landscape professionals, professors, and students to do various landscape work for the chosen project. Eligible projects could include landscape tear out and refresh, planting trees, small retaining wall or patio installations, or plant installations and must be able to be completed in one day. For more information or to submit a project, please email Christina Harrold.

DENOVO ANNOUNCES FRESH IMPACT PROJECT TO UPLIFT SMALL NONPROFITS

Local agency deNovo recently announced a new program, Fresh Impact, designed to uplift small nonprofits in the Corridor by crafting meaningful creative through a pro-bono marketing project. The project type will change each year, but this year's focus will be on producing a professional storytelling video that amplifies the mission of the selected organization. Nonprofits with a budget of $350,000 or less, or run entirely by volunteers, are eligible to apply. Applications are due February 7, 2025. Find more information and apply here.

TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

PEER GROUPS

NONPROFIT NETWORK PEER GROUPS

If you are not on the email list and would like to be added, or are not receiving emails, please contact Carrie Walker at carrie.walker@gcrcf.org.

All groups are held in-person. Please register by the deadline so we can order your lunch. Lunch is provided at no cost. All peer group meetings are held at the Community Foundation office at 324 3rd Street SE, Cedar Rapids, on the first floor.

We currently have four active peer groups.

Executive Director/CEO Peer Group

Tuesday, February 4, 2025 12 p.m.

Development Peer Group

Tuesday, February 11, 2025, 12 p.m.

*Please note this is the 2nd Tuesday of the month due to schedule conflict on the 3rd Tuesday.

Volunteer Engagement Peer Group

Wednesday, February 19, 2025 12 p.m.

Marketing Peer Group

Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 12 p.m.

NONPROFIT KNOW-HOW

UNCHARITABLE MOVIE FOR NONPROFITS AND BOARD