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of Northeast Iowa
Community Foundation Celebrates Community: Welcomes 200 guests to the Sky Event Centre in Waterloo - page 3
Established in Waterloo/Cedar Falls in 1956
425 Cedar Street, Suite 310 PO Box 1176 Waterloo, IA 50704 www.cfneia.org
Helping knock down barriers
- page 4
Local charities still feeling the pinch - page 5
Spotlight on a grantee - page 6
Good News Helping you help your community. v www.cfneia.org
What is your passion?
The Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa is proud to announce Jean Parker left a $75,913 gift to the community by naming the Foundation as the beneficiary of a charitable remainder trust. As a result, the Jean and Clair Parker Fund has been established at the Foundation as a permanent, unrestricted endowment in memory of her and her husband, Clair. Parker died on June 30, 2009.
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of Northeast Iowa Established in Waterloo/Cedar Falls in 1956
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COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
Make a gift to your community by giving to any of our funds online at www.cfneia.org, or please fill out this form:
Name: Address:
City, State, Zip:
Phone: Donation Amount: $
Email:
Please make check payable to name of fund.
YES! I would like to help my community by making a gift to the BLACK HAWK COUNTY*: General Community Fund
Waterloo Community Fund
Health and Human Services Fund
Cedar Falls Community Fund
Arts and Culture Fund
Youth and Education Fund
I would like to learn more about CFNEIA & other giving options. PLEASE CONTACT ME.
*For a complete list of our CFNEIA funds and affiliate county and community funds, please visit us online at www.cfneia.org.
www.cfneia.org
Parker leaves $75,913 to support broad community needs
Please clip this form and mail it with your check to: PO BOX 1176, WATERLOO, IA 50704
in Black Hawk County based on the needs as they arise over the years.
“Jean’s gift to the Community Foundation is a continuation of the support and caring for this community that she always demonstrated throughout the time I knew her,” said Mary Ann Burk, president and CEO of the Community Foundation. “As her interests were many, it is not surprising that she decided to make “As her interests were many, it is gift unrestricted to not surprising that [Jean] decided her allow the Foundation the discretion to meet the to make her gift unrestricted greatest areas of needs as to allow the Foundation the they arise.”
Parker was born and raised in Waterloo and had several local charitable interests including First Presbyterian Church, the YWCA, Grout Museum, University of Dubuque, Presbyterian Home of Ackley Foundation, Blackhawk discretion to meet the greatest Donations to the fund are Broadcasting Company (AFLAC), tax deductible. In addition, areas of needs as they arise.” Chapter Z of PEO, Women in because the Community ~ Mary Ann Burk Philanthropy and the Community Foundation of Northeast Foundation of Northeast Iowa. Iowa meets national In 2007, Parker was awarded the standards, gifts to the fund are also eligible for an additional YWCA Cedar Valley Women of Persimmon Award. 20% state tax credit. The Jean and Clair Parker Fund at the Community Foundation Donations are being accepted online at www.cfneia.org. is a permanent, unrestricted endowment. By leaving the gift Checks can be sent to Community Foundation of Northeast unrestricted, Parker was able to benefit the broad range of Iowa, c/o Jean and Clair Parker Fund at PO Box 1176, her community interests - as income from the fund will be Waterloo, Iowa 50704. v added to the pool of discretionary grants made to nonprofits
www.cfneia.org
Give for less through Endow Iowa
Stacy Paul Director of Finance and Operations
A Time to Give Thanks
Carolynn Sween Program Director
Mary Ann Burk
FOUNDATION STAFF Mary Ann Burk President and CEO
Alison Parrish Director of Communications Mindy Gress Director of Outreach Julie Schaefer Project Specialist Nicole Stuart Administrative Assistant
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Dee Vandeventer Chair Chuck Shirey First Vice Chair Gary Bertch Second Vice Chair Tom Porth Treasurer Katy Williams Secretary Mark Baldwin Past Chair Dennis Clark Dawn Duven John C. Larsen Barb Opheim Lois Rupkey-Cohrt Kyle Christiason Lori Johnson John Monaghan
AFFILIATE REPRESENTATIVES Sue Nelson Rob Robinson
EX OFFICIO Greater Cedar Valley Chambers, Chair Greater Cedar Valley Chambers, Vice-Chair Waterloo-Cedar Falls Junior League, President Teen Trust Representative
Confirmed in Compliance with National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations
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November has just ended, but as we reflect on the month, it is arguable that November is one of the most important months of the year as we celebrate Thanksgiving and our nation’s beginnings. Between those two meaningful occasions is a third event that is equally American in spirit and equally deserving of attention, albeit less universally recognized—Community Foundations Week. Community foundations, like Thanksgiving, are the backbone of our society. They identify and address problems that afflict our communities by supporting activities of non-profit organizations that improve the lives of community residents. During this economic crisis, community foundations have been on the front line, helping those most in need in communities across America. Like communities themselves, programs supported by community foundations are varied and diverse, targeting health and human services, the environment, the arts, education, and disaster relief. The dedicated staff of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa works tirelessly to monitor local issues and identify the most qualified resources to tackle the issues that threaten or harm the well being of our residents. In the past year in Black Hawk County and across Northeast Iowa, the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa has made grants to a number of organizations, working in arts and culture, health, human services, youth and education, historic preservation, environment education and protection, and community affairs and development totaling nearly $5 million. Among major efforts receiving grants from the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa are the
Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony Orchestra; Cedar Falls Women’s Club; Operation Threshold; Cedar Valley Arboretum and Botanical Gardens; Boys and Girls Club of Black Hawk County; ASPIRE-TRP, Inc; From the Heart: Waterloo Home Enhancement Project; and Hawkeye Community College Family Literacy Program. The beauty of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, and all community foundations, is that virtually no one is excluded from contributing to a community’s betterment. You need not be wealthy to have the satisfaction of knowing you are making a positive difference in the lives of people in your town. And, the Community Foundation makes it easy for you to support your particular area of interest. Almost any type of asset—cash, stock, real estate, retirement plans, insurance policies—can be contributed to a community foundation. And, you can choose from a variety of giving vehicles—including donor advised funds, unrestricted funds, scholarship funds, and designated funds. The Community Foundation can advise you on how best to maximize your contribution, no matter its size. So as we move into December and the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, let us enjoy the richness of our American heritage— give thanks, and support the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, so we can help you help your community.
Giving through the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa to the causes and community you care about is rewarding—in more ways than one. Your gift creates lasting good in the community, and the Endow Iowa Tax Credit Program offers you generous tax incentives for giving. Through Endow Iowa, Iowans can give for less. Those who give to endowed funds at qualified community foundations, like the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, are eligible to receive 20% tax credits for their contributions. Endow Iowa gifts also are currently eligible for state and federal tax deductions. “In Iowa, we have a strong tradition of people caring for one another and for the communities in which they live,” said Mary Ann Burk, Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa President/CEO. “Endow Iowa builds on this tradition of neighbors helping
neighbors by encouraging gifts to community foundations, which serve as trusted stewards and local partners in philanthropy.” Since 2003, more than $50 million has been invested in community foundations through Endow Iowa, improving lives and strengthening communities. By supporting endowed funds, Iowans are ensuring that their gifts will be at work well into the future. For more information on the charitable giving opportunity available through Endow Iowa, please contact the Community Foundation at (319) 2879106 or visit our website at www.cfneia.org. v NOTE: Individuals 70 1/2 and older may roll over, federal tax free, up to $100,000 of their IRA to an endowment fund at the Foundation and receive the 20% tax credit. This opportunity ends Dec. 31, 2009.
Gifts That Give Back With Endow Iowa, donations to community foundations cost donors less. For example, a $10,000 gift could cost just $3,800.* Gift: $10,000 Tax Credit: $2,000 Net Federal and State Deduction: $10,000 Federal and State Tax Savings: $4,200 Total Tax Savings: $6,200
Total Cost of Gift: $3,800
Community Foundation Celebrates Community
Enjoying the delicious chicken satay appetizers midst the glow of the Sky Event Centre are, from left, Nancy and Steve Showers, and Dottie Plager.
The Community Foundation kicked off National Community Foundation Week with a “Celebrating Community” event on November 12 at Sky Event Centre in downtown Waterloo. Guests included 200 of Northeast Iowa’s most prominent philanthropists, business leaders, nonprofit agency staff members and city officials.
the lives of those who need us most,” explained CFNEIA board president Dee Vandeventer. Mary Ann Burk, President and CEO of the Foundation since 1993, has seen many changes in charitable giving. Today, people are getting creative with their giving - many choosing to give during their lifetimes and not just through a bequest in their Will. More and more young families are also establishing family funds to teach their children the importance of giving.v
In spite of the recent economic downturn, the Foundation invested more than $5 million to nonprofit organizations in 2008.
Happy Holiday Season!
From left, Myra Boots, Dr. Doug Duven, Dawn Duven and Ray Boots. Dawn is on the CFNEIA board of directors.
“When times are tough it’s time for us to dig deep and make a difference in
From left, Waterloo Mayor Tim Hurley, and Maureen and Tom Porth who established the Thomas and Maureen Porth Family Fund to improve the community’s quality of life.
*Photos and captions provided by Susie Heaton, WCF Courier Correspondent.
CFNEIA board chair Dee Vandeventer, left, greets Sue Grosboll, Kay Thuesen and Mary Alfrey. During her remarks Dee quoted Cliff Wilson of Conrad, Iowa, who relishes the gift of giving: “I’m living while I’m giving so I’m knowing where it’s going.”
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New 3rd Quarter Partners in Philanthropy
Survey: Local charities still feeling the pinch
The Community Foundation is committed to cultivating strong communities across Northeast Iowa and beyond by growing our permanent endowment. We are pleased to announce the following funds were established July 1 - September 30, 2009 in support of this mission:
While pundits are saying that the recession is nearing its end, many charities do not yet feel the reality of that proclamation.
DONNA M. KOWEIL FUND This fund was established by Donna Koweil. Income from the fund will go to support the charitable activities of Westminster Presbyterian Church and the Cedar Bend Humane Society in Waterloo, and the C and W Shelter in Nashua.
FFE WENDELL KOCH WEST HIGH SCHOLARSHIP FUND This fund was established by bequest of the late Wendell Koch. Income will be used to provide scholarships to graduates of Waterloo West High School.
MURIEL G. MOE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND This fund was established in memory of Muriel G. Moe. Income will be used to provide scholarships to eligible
Wartburg College students pursuing a degree in business or education.
ROSS AND ARLENE PINKERTON EDUCATION FUND
According to a recent survey by the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, local not for profit organizations are still feeling the pinch: over 80% of respondents feel financially vulnerable, and 25% have experienced negative cash flow in the past six months.
This fund was established in honor of Ross and Arlene Pinkerton. Income from the endowment fund will be granted to Iowa State University to provide scholarships for students entering the engineering field to pursue a career in conservation. (E.g. Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, or Agricultural and Biosystem Engineering.
These results are consistent with national surveys of non-profits as well. The Atlanta-based job listing service Opportunity Knocks just released a study which shows that more than half of charities responding made staff cutbacks in 2009.
Support the causes you care about by starting a fund or making a gift to one of our established funds at the Community Foundation. For more information, call (319) 287-9106 or visit us at www.cfneia.org!
iJAG grant helps students knock down barriers to success In January 2009, the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa awarded over $243,000 in grants to 20 Black Hawk County non-profit organizations. One of the grants was given to Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates (iJAG) to support its “Gear Up” program for 8th grade students at George Washington Carver Academy (formerly Logan Middle School). The primary objective of the program is to significantly increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. With the grant from the Community Foundation, iJAG “Gear Up” program will help students stay in school all the way through to high school graduation, all the while helping them learn more about
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Outlook for future improving
iJAG provides students with life skills and job attainment as well as academic support, assistance with postsecondary transition, and leadership development. iJAG helps students identify interests and achievable career plans through job shadowing, part-time jobs, community service projects, skills competitions and
November is national Philanthropy Month, but according to the Chronicle of Philanthropy, U.S. charities expect donations to decline in 2009 for the second year in a row. And USA Today reported that “while people have continued to give to charity during the recession, they’re giving smaller amounts. That’s significant, because donations from individuals account for about 75% of all charitable giving.” In the Cedar Valley, the Community Foundation issued a survey of not for profit organizations in March of this year, and reissued the survey again in October. The Foundation’s intent was to measure the impact of the recession over time, and highlight any red flags related to the vitality and stability of our charitable sector.
themselves and their interests and how to pursue them. For over 10 years, iJAG has helped students knock down barriers by unlocking student potential. iJAG programs teach performance competencies that are needed for students to succeed in school, thrive in the workplace, and lead productive and fulfilling lives.
Additional concerns for local non-profits include communicating with clients, retaining donors, using technology effectively, and employee benefit costs.
service learning. They also follow the students for one year after graduation in order to assist them in overcoming any barriers that might delay on their continued success. During the 2010-2011 school year, iJAG has plans to grow the “Gear Up” program and serve 9th and 10th graders as a channel for them to transition into the current iJAG program at Waterloo East High School. v
Key findings include: nearly half of charities surveyed have cut their professional development and/or travel budgets in 2009, up from 15% in the spring survey, and two-thirds struggle to afford employee benefits/retirement packages. 30% have
Leadership/Strategy 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0
85%
Communica0ng with clients 58% 52%
58%
35%
50%
Empoyee Benefit Costs 35% Recrui0ng New Donors 52% Retaining Current Donors 50%
52%
Using Technology Effec0vely 52%
reduced or adjusted health and retirement benefits to date, although 92% of respondents say they have not reduced salaries in 2009. Generally speaking, the fall 2009 survey does not find local charities to be in significantly more dire situations than they were in the spring. In fact, 60% of surveyed organizations have not been forced to consider any new collaborations, partnerships or mergers as a result of economic pressures. Furthermore, there have been some positive shifts in what they consider to be the most challenging aspects of their work. Meeting the needs of current clients is a struggle for 60% of respondents in October, compared to 80% in March, and this fall, half as many organizations stated that they had less than one month of cash reserves available than had indicated such in March. The Third Sector (a leading UK publication for the voluntary and not-for-profit sector) estimates that charities are yet to feel the full reality of the recession. If that is true, the relative peace experienced by Cedar Valley agencies may yet be shaken. The good news is that many local charities seem to be taking the advice of the Stanford Social Innovation Review, an online news and opinion source for nonprofits and foundations, which recently published a list of tips to “Outrun the Recession”. Protecting core services, operational improvements and board involvement are among the editors’ key recommendations for enduring the marathon of our current economic recession.
77% 61%
Leadership/Strategy
Board has addressed strategies for survival
Top Challenges for Chari0es
Have up‐to‐date strategic plan
Have revisited strategic plan recently
The Community Foundation plans to issue their economic impact survey again in the first and third quarters of 2010. The Foundation also intends to announce new grant opportunities for non-profit capacity building needs in 2010 (training, professional development, technical assistance), in direct response to the 2009 survey results. v
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Legacy Society Update
Spotlight on a Grant Recipient: Iowa Legal Aid In January 2009, the Community Foundation awarded a grant to Iowa Legal aid to support their Cedar Valley Children and Youth Advocacy Project. The objective of this project was to improve the quality of life for children living in poverty by protecting their legal rights and advocating for them and their families. This was to be accomplished by providing direct legal assistance, legal education, and referrals to Iowa Legal Aid’s Volunteer Lawyers Project. Q. What were your achievements as they relate to the goals and objectives of the project? A. During the first six months of 2009, Iowa Legal Aid closed 32 cases in Black Hawk County, which affected 33 adults and 44 children. In four of those closed cases, clients were referred to Iowa Legal Aid’s Volunteer Lawyers Project (only one client’s case was accepted for representation). These cases involved child support, custody/visitation and guardianship of a minor child. The remaining cases involved adoption, child support, consumer, dissolution of marriage, domestic violence, education, federal subsidized housing, guardianship of a minor, Medicaid, termination of parental rights, paternity, Social Security Disability Insurance, Supplemental Security Income and TANF/FIP. In 6 of the closed cases, children under the age of 18 were the primary clients. These cases involved Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability benefits; paternity; and guardianship of a minor. In one case, Iowa Legal Aid was successful in working with a local school district to develop a new Individualized Education Program
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(IEP) for a 14-year-old boy who was having academic, behavioral and social problems at school. This young man suffered a brain injury when he was small, has been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), and has an I.Q. of 80. Iowa Legal Aid attended an IEP meeting on behalf of the 14-year-old where a new program was developed. As a result, the young man is experiencing fewer problems with teachers and fellow classmates, and is in a better learning environment. Iowa Legal Aid staff conducted two community legal education events at the EXPO High School. Both events were held in May of 2009 and focused on teen dating violence. There were 15 students in attendance at each event. Q. How has this project impacted “larger” community issues (poverty, youth, health, etc.)? A. Legal assistance can strike at the systemic causes of poverty, removing the roadblocks that keep individuals and families from lifting themselves from the cycle of poverty and building a brighter future for themselves and their families, while making a stronger contribution to the community. By ensuring that low-income children receive an appropriate education, they are more likely to become productive adults in the community. By ensuring that families are living in safe, habitable housing, they will have fewer health problems and will be less likely to face homelessness and be dependent upon the community for emergency shelter or other basic necessities. By ensuring safety, victims of domestic violence can move on to a life free from abuse where they can become productive members of society.
As of November 1, 2009
The Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa’s Legacy Society is composed of caring individuals and families who have made formal plans to leave a gift to the Community Foundation. These gifts may take the form of bequests, charitable remainder trusts, gifts of life insurance or one of the many other types of charitable planned gifts. By committing a portion of your estate to the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, you can guarantee an investment that will continue to pay dividends to disadvantaged citizens of our community for many generations to come. To join the Legacy Society or to learn more call us at (319) 287-9106 or email Mary Ann Burk at mburk@cfneia.org. Q. Do you plan to continue the project? A. So long as there are children and their families who need the assistance of an attorney to help them meet their most basic needs, fundamental rights or safety, Iowa Legal Aid will continue to try meet that need to the best of its ability. There are many people who seek civil legal assistance from Iowa Legal Aid that are turned away simply because there is not enough resources available to help everyone who needs it - whether they meet Iowa Legal Aid’s eligibility guidelines or not. A 2005 Legal Services Corporation (LSC) study entitled Documenting the Justice Gap in America - The Current Unmet Civil Legal Needs for Low-Income Americans found that for every client served by an LSC-funded program, at least one person was turned away because of insufficient resources and that only a very small percentage of the legal problems experienced by low-income persons (one in five or less) were addressed with the assistance of a private attorney or a legal aid lawyer. Iowa Legal Aid conducted its own unmet need study from March 16 to May 15, 2009. That study revealed that, statewide, Iowa Legal Aid is unable to serve 5,346 persons annually, and is unable to fully serve 11,820 persons annually. Iowa Legal Aid, and attorneys who participate in Iowa Legal Aid’s Volunteer Lawyers Project, are the only source of free civil legal assistance in Black Hawk County. v
Anonymous Names Pauline Barrett Berdena Beach Louis Beecher Al Bernard Dr. Lawrence and Jacqueline Betts Harry and Evelyn Boardsen Dr. Louis and Gwen Bray Robert and Judith Brown Pete and Mary Ann Burk Dr. Ross and Patricia Christensen John and Sharon Hackenmiller Cowin Chuck and Betty Dalton Darrell R. and Lynda K. Jobman Trust Ramona (Donal*) Dawson Dr. William Drier Albert Duroe Ann Ellsworth Ann Enderline Gene Enderline Louis Fettketter Jack and Shirley Geist Gary Grace
Jan Guthrie Joel and Linda Haack David Happel Donna Harman Larry & Gracia Herbert Donna Hickman Jerri Jenner Karr Bobbi (Gregorio*) Kazenelson Eleanor Kearns Al Klinger Don Kniss Fred Koch Donna M. Koweil Robert F. & Mary L. Lichty Ken and Amy Lockard Wendell and Arlyne Lockard Susan (George A. “Tony”*) Loveall Marguerite Lybbert Timothy and Genevieve Manatt Valentina K. Martin Fred and Elaine (Driver) Mast Betty (Robert*) McCoy Kathy McCoy
Dr. Richard and Donna McKay Neil Mullen Donna Nelson George Paul Dorothy Plager Lee (Dean*) Platt Lou Porter Wallace and Mona Reed John Rodecap Lorene Rohlf John and Joan Schuller James Slife David and Andrea Sparks Ray (Stuart*) Stitchman Thomas Taiber Don and Michelle Temeyer Nancy (Rose*) Unger Wanda Van Duyn Charles Walker Mark Whaley * Name in parenthesis is a deceased Legacy Society Member.
Calendar of Events
DECEMBER Dec. 9 - Executive Committee Meeting 2:15-3:00pm Philanthropy Center Conference Room Dec. 9 - Board of Directors Meeting 3:00-5:00pm Philanthropy Center Conference Room
Dec. 15 - Women in Philanthropy Luncheon 11:30-1:00pm At the home of Pat Allen
Jan. 21 - Grant Awards Ceremony 10:00am Black Hawk CO. Fall ‘09 Discretionary Grants
Dec. 17 - CFNEIA Board Orientation 12:00pm - New board members only Philanthropy Center Conference Room
Jan. 21 - Grant Awards Ceremony 5:00pm Floyd County CF 2010 Grants
JANUARY
Jan. 27 - Poweshiek County Alliance Grant application deadline
Jan. 9 - Chickasaw County CF Grant application deadline Jan. 13 - Kossuth County CF Grant application deadline Jan. 15 - Winneshiek County CF Grant application deadline
Jan. 27 - Investment Committee Meeting 3:00pm Philanthropy Center Conference Room Jan. 29 - Butler County CF Grant application deadline
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