March 2024 Nonprofit Network Update

March 2024

NONPROFIT KNOW-HOW ON MARCH 20 FEATURES STRATEGIC THINKING FOR NONPROFITS

The second Nonprofit Know-How of the year will be held on March 20th! As a reminder, Nonprofit Know-How sessions this year will be held in lieu of peer groups during the months of March, August, and December. We are grateful for the partnership with the Cedar Rapids Public Library to accommodate a large group and host the learning opportunities.

Community Foundation President & CEO Karla Twedt-Ball will share insights and resources for engaging in strategic planning at any level within your organization. At our first Nonprofit Know-How this year, we heard from your post-event surveys that you enjoyed the peer interaction, so we're giving you a chance to explore strategic thinking tools with peers during the workshop portion of the event. This event will be especially helpful for organizations that don’t have a strategic plan, are thinking about a refresh, or are in a time of leadership transition. However, the information and resources to be shared are applicable to strategic thinking for all roles in nonprofit organizations.

Stay connected,

Carrie Walker

Director of Learning

[email protected]

319-360-3950 (mobile)

NEWS FOR NONPROFITS

SPRING 2024 LEARNING COHORT: ENGAGING IN THE DEI JOURNEY BEGINS IN APRIL

The Nonprofit Network is proud to partner with Top RANK to offer the Learning Cohort: Engaging in the DEI Journey for the third time. Continuing a commitment to invest in DEI learning, the three-part series is designed to help guide the implementation of equitable practices and policies in Linn County nonprofits. With a focus on racial equity, nonprofit leaders will learn about tools and concepts to use in their organizations and their personal journeys.

The spring 2024 Cohort will meet on Wednesdays April 10, May 8, and June 12, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Community Foundation. Register by April 8 (or while seats are available) here.

IOWA ARTS COUNCIL HOSTING REGIONAL ART FORUM IN CEDAR RAPIDS ON MARCH 7

The Iowa Arts Council will be hosting Regional Arts Forums throughout Iowa in spring of 2024. Each in-person event features opportunities for local artists, nonprofit arts and culture leaders, and communities to gather and discuss pressing issues facing the arts in their community and the opportunities available to address these challenges. For more details on the forums, visit here. The Cedar Rapids forum will be held on Thursday, March 7, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Theatre Cedar Rapids. Register here.

NONPROFITS TO RECEIVE A FREE PROFILE IN THE 2024 CBJ GIVING GUIDE

The Corridor Business Journal has announced that all area nonprofits will receive a free profile in the 2024 CBJ Giving Guide. Sponsors of this effort are: Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust, University of Iowa Nonprofit Leadership & Philanthropy Certificate, CLA, Frontier Co-op, Community Foundation of Johnson County, and Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation. The 8th annual Giving Guide will be published on May 27, 2024. The deadline for reserving space is Friday, March 29, 2024. Use the link here for more information and to sign up. The CBJ is offering an optional second page advertisement discounted at $300 in the Giving Guide. Discounted subscriptions to the CBJ for 501c3 nonprofit organizations are available for $50 per year. Find more information here.

LINN COUNTY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION NOW ACCEPTING GRANT APPLICATIONS

The Linn County Historic Preservation Commission is now accepting grant applications from nonprofit organizations for its annual Historic Preservation Grant Program. There is $28,800 in grant funding available this year. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on March 29, 2024. Find the application here.

GREATAMERICA ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR EMPLOYEE ADVISED FUND THROUGH MARCH 29

The GreatAmerica Employee Advised Fund is encouraging eligible nonprofit organizations to submit an application by March 29, 2024. Requirements include a connection with a GreatAmerica employee and an organization that is focused on four areas: Health and Human Services, Arts and Culture, Environment, and Public Projects. Find the application and complete eligibility requirements here.

SAVE THE DATE FOR HAWKEYE ATD BUILDING COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS (FORMERLY NONPROFIT TRAINING DAY) ON APRIL 30

Hawkeye ATD will host Building Community Connections (formerly Nonprofit Training Day) on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, for nonprofit staff and volunteers. Watch here for more details and upcoming registration information.

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 [email protected].

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. Please find the complete 2024 peer group schedules here.

Executive Director/CEO Peer Group

Tuesday, April 2, 12-1 p.m.

Topic: Board of Directors

Development Peer Group

Tuesday, April 16, 12-1:30 p.m.

Topic: Donor Communications (12 to 12:45 p.m.) and Community Foundation Strategic Planning Focus Group (12:45 to 1:30 p.m.)

Volunteer Engagement Peer Group

Wednesday, April 17, 12-1 p.m.

Topic: Volunteerism by Age Group

Marketing Peer Group

Tuesday, April 23, 12-1 p.m.